And many of those adjustments are based on our thought processes around weights and measures. Now just a five-inch strip with the rod tip up. To make the most of the Dorsey, it’s best to carry them in a few different sizes. It can also help to touch the rubber band with a bit of floatant too, making sliding even easier. I think that an 8 strand small Dorsey wouldn’t work, so I’ll try it your way. Thanks for all your great instruction articles. One variation of the sighter, “the slinky,” looks like a phone cord. First, by the time the Dorsey Indy hits the water, the Rain-X is totally dry. If not, you may have trapped moisture in the Dorsey so it’s quickly waterlogged. The best nymphing rigs have only one diameter of tippet under the water. It matters. If you are wondering if it supports much weight, yes, it will support a LOT of weight. Color: Clear: Quantity. I ordered the item based on the product description and accompanying video. I attach it just below my sighter on a piece of 4x fluorocarbon. I actually find the crinkled fibers of the macrame yarn to trap more air than the wool of the NZ system. Simply put strike indicators are a visual aid attached to our leader to show us when a fish takes our fly. On the down side, yarn indicators are limited by their buoyancy. It stays on the fibers for a very long time.”. I just saw the product and thought I would ask a question. First, the rubber band should be snugged up against the bottom of the yarn and not actually up on the yarn. Would you say that that is the average number for you? Wool strike indicators, like the New Zealand Strike Indicators, are a tuft of wool or yarn that is attached to your leader. It’s good to have a system that works, but as you know it’s also good to always experiment and try new (sometimes crazy) things to see if the system can be improved. Trim it to any size needed. Again, just my experience comparing tubing to bands. I do use blood knots, and I clip them flush with the knot. Are you shopping for a fly fishing strike indicator for yourself? If the Dorsey doesn’t slide easily, then something is twisted. That’s how it works. Sighters It also gets high marks for not hinging your leader and its easy adjustability. Think of nymph fishing as casting ugly. It’s a PRE treatment done at the tying table. I’ve had problems reeling in good sized fish with the knots getting caught in the tip top and guides. Don’t substitute materials for the Dorsey. Know your weights and measures . All of these elements are intertwined. But even the strongest candidates have weaknesses. Sensitivity. The internet, the postal service and I will make this real easy . The use of the dental rubber bands is a definite improvement, easily adjustable and no kinks to the line. The Dorsey reveals much about the drift that other indys cannot. Agreed. I’m going to give it a go. You won’t worry about losing them to snags or break offs–they are very inexpensive. Hi Domenick, I guess you knew this questions was coming, which colors are most visible to you? Excellent tip. It rides high and floats a lot of weight. That’s one of the things that’s so great about it. Thanks! Second, there are MANY other things that we use and things we do that impact our trout streams which are much more important to think about. I’ll leave it to Pat to document his own history. For those who prefer not to use the suspension devices listed above, the advent of “sighter” material has has been a great leap forward, especially for those anglers using European nymphing techniques. Read the surrounding material from those quotes too. I recollect the day I used one the first time. This article is part of the Walk Along series. Holy cow! Open the rubber band. But a Medium gauge rubber band does the trick. Once I’m on the water, I usually work a bit of green Musclin into the yarn. 2) Is it okay for the indicator to end up looking like 2 separate tufts on the line? I’ve used the NZ rig a lot, and I don’t find that it rides higher at all. The cons of fishing yarn are they cannot support very heavy rigs (although adding some floatant/gink can help keep your yarn riding high) and they can be more difficult to attach to your leader than the bubble style of indicators. I strongly believe that it has resulted in increased success for both guides and anglers and in some way probably helped the sport grow through just simply putting more fish in the net. Easy to miss stuff. The first indicators were most likely made of cork, and there are still several options available in this style. Yes, it’s fine. The captured-air concept was apparently borrowed from an era when small balloons were used as strike indicators. Just laying the Dorsey flat in a glass of water probably won’t work. The length of tubing in relation to the length of the Dorsey will affect how vertical the Dorsey goes…you can get a pretty “bushy” Dorsey with a very short length of tubing, the longer the tubing is, the more vertical it forces the Dorsey. I have a lot of people show up with whatever rubber bands they found at the drug store or something, and they tell me the system doesn’t work. Fish on! But I’ll mention this: if you use too much yarn, too big of tying thread or too much tying thread, then it will be hard to get rid of the bow tie effect. It floats better than a dry, with less maintenance, and it adjusts for depth by easily sliding up or down the leader. The rubber band does not come up onto the bottom of the Dorsey making it very difficult to adjust without burning the line. In recent years, I have heard of some guides and industry people claiming that sensitive, smart fish can feel the resistance of the indicator when taking the flies and that the size of it can cause some noticeable resistance. Also, when I want to fish the suspender BELOW my position (let the drift extend downstream) I go to a TB because it sort of suctions to the water surface better and holds its position. Plus the tubing never fails/breaks…rubber bands will sometimes break/snap, etc. Peace. Comb out the strands for each color, then stack them. Did you check out the video link above? Walleye and crappie fisherman routinely use slip-bobber stops that are nothing more than neon colored string. Move the tag end of thread across the wraps and bind it down with three more wraps. . The crinkled, polypropylene macrame yarn traps more air than cork or styrofoam, so it floats better. . Add to cart. Are blood knots used to attach all the different pieces of the mono rig together? Early on, I thought I would need bright colors, but I eventually learned that they weren’t necessary. I don’t like mounting and sliding the Dorsey on 5X or smaller because it can cause the problem you’re mentioning if you aren’t really careful. It stays on the fibers for a very long time. So, something sliced the rubber band. Be part of the Troutbitten community of ideas. I thought the rubber band was supposed to roll up onto the yarn and allow your Tippett to stay straight/flat. Are these indicators not intended to ride on top of the water? This ultra-light wool yarn is bio-degradable and floats like a cork. . But I’m not in the business of giving biographies. Cut a short section of braided macrame' yarn from the skein (which will provide several lifetime supplies of indicators to you and your friends). Lightning Strike Indicator Yarn SKU: $2.99. Grab the line in a loop. Quantity discounts available. I think overall I prefer using the tubing to attach Dorsey’s now. Eventually I moved to only using the Dorsey or a Thingamabobber. And while this is also one of the most common questions I’ve fielded through the years, it has a complex answer that I’ve never tackled in an article. You can easily back off tension of the nut and move the indicator, lock it back down, and fish at a different depth. While your indicator is under the water being ripped around by a fish, it adds stress to the tippet and knots below. The logic behind that is a dense Dorsey always floats best and, even with 8 strands, a tiny Dorsey lands light as a feather. Wool Yarn Floats High Wool Yarn Lands Gently Wool Yarn Casts Like A Dry Fly ... Make your very best presentation by utilizing the optimal size and color strike indicator to match conditions. It lies on the water with minimal disturbance and is ultra-sensitive. That’s usually enough for me. Break or cut off the thread. They are typically painted in hi-viz colors. Hi Mick, I’m glad you got in touch. The Dorsey also costs next to nothing, and you can fish it in any color you like. 1) Is the orthodontic band supposed to be rolled down onto the actual yarn indicator or merely “snugged up” against it? Yarn indicators are also much more sensitive allowing even the subtlest of takes to be detected. To make a strike indicator, double the leader to form a loop and place the loop through the slot at the end of the tool. Actually, I’ve never used a really small Dorsey. Let’s figure this out. If I want to run 5X as my tippet sections, then I make the first two feet of the tippet section 4X and THAT is where I add the Dorsey and adjust it. Like you, I’m startled and saddened by what’s going on with something as basic an inarguable as clean water. There is no doubt that bobbers have come a long way, even getting renamed “strike indicators” by us proud fly anglers. There are many different deniers of poly yarn, some unsuitably heavy for making strike indicators. Super clean. I will give the Dorsey a try. Airflo Airlock Indicator. Book now to join me in 2020. The macrame yarn sheds water very well, but a little extra help doesn’t hurt. A yarn or wool option cuts through the water with minimal additional pressure. The yarn is typically treated with a floatant of your choice and offers clear visual cues on what is going on with your flies under the surface. It doesn’t kink or damage the line and doesn’t move until you want it to, whereby it easily slides on any diameter of line. I like to keep them light and sensitive. I like to fish suspenders as an extension of tight line nymphing on a Mono Rig. Fly Fishing the Subsurface, Suspension Nymphing - Simpson Fly Fishing, Fly Fishing Checklist - What To Carry - The Best Resource for Fishing Enthusiasts. The balloons have a ton of wind resistance compared to these. Recently, Tim Rajeff created the Airlock Indicator, which took the inspiration of the Thingamabobber and improved on the attachment to your monofilament. The answers are in the article, my friend. Yarn indicators remain the most subtle and sensitive indicator option on the market. From your description, my guess is that’s what’s happening. The leader kinks around the band and resembles a “7” rather than a straight leader. To remove the Dorsey, grab the yarn and slide the rubber band down. I have had trouble getting these to attach properly on 4x and I’ve found that fewer wraps ease the problem someone mentioned earlier with the light tippet twisting up in the ortho band and not seating up on the Dorsey. Break off the tag end. Again, I urge you not to substitute whatever elastics bands you have laying around from the time your daughter wore braces. I’m a father of two young boys, a husband, author, fly fishing guide and a musician. Sure it will, Mark! I’ve had an indicator fly off on a back cast before. Sounds simple but like almost every other rule in fly fishing strategy there are exceptions. Poly-yarn indicators come in just about every color, from bright colors to muted tones. I know Rain-X is good for windshields, but is good for for trout streams? I switched over to the mono rig to give it a try and I’m having a lot of problems with using the Dorsey on the finer tippet below the sighter.. My point is that TOSIs will stay in place, if turned a couple of times, and can be easily adjusted to changing conditions by untangling without damaging the leader. The best strike indicator to use for shallow water and skittish trout. Which leads to my question. Tackle that first . The nimble Dorsey jiggles, dips, twitches or twists at even the slightest motion. Before inserting the yarn, release the loop and allow and twists below the band to unravel. A good suspender can tell you a lot about the drifting nymphs below. I think its actually almost faster to rig it with tubing once you get used to it. Join Troutbitten and follow along. I fish light nymphs a lot, and I don’t need much yarn to hold them up. Basically, with a fly rod of any length, you can get the fish close enough to land and still keep the knots out of the guides. I recently compared this technique to the NZ strike indicator, while impressed I simply wasnt getting the same “height” during use as I was the NZ. Now, all that said, if you found something that you really like and it works for you, then GOOD. Here are my thoughts on euro nymphing lines vs a Mono Rig. Smaller Dorseys are the most sensitive. Once I’m on the water, I usually work a bit of green Musclin into the yarn. I fish dry/dropper a lot too, so yeah, I’ve tried making dry flies that are basically a Dorsey with a hook on it. With so many choices, you’ll need to experiment to find which work best for you in which fishing scenarios. On and Off. Yarn indicators also don’t do to well in fast and broken water. And I hope I didn’t come across as rude in my first reply. However, My Mono Rig formula is designed so that those knots do not end up in the guides. Casting and presenting flies with yarn is easy, as well. So they don’t land as lightly and with as much finesse. Let the Rain-X dry completely. You’ll be amazed how little yarn is needed to float our flies. I used various tubes for the yarn as well. On the site linked in the article, I like Kelly Green, Baby Yellow and Orange. $2.99. I watched the video but still ended up having a couple questions about attaching the indicator to the leader as well-. . Most advanced anglers choose a different option, but cork will always have its fans. Dom, could you explain why you use fewer strands (2, for example) on your smaller Dorseys? You can make your own New Zealand style strike indicators for less than half the cost with a quick trick to your local hobby/craft store. Thank you all, for a wonderful and busy 2019 season! I was using a thingamabobber, but I decided to experiment with a Dorsey indicator I had with me. Reading comprehension grade, (F). Your email address will not be published. Enjoy the day. This is the best stuff in the world for adding flotation to your fly. domenick@troutbitten.com, Dom, tip : if you leave the thread attached until you trim the yarn to length, it helps you to pull the yarn tight for the trimming. Again, it’s dry before you put the fly or the indy in your vest. You ever have this happen? Domenick Swentosky T R O U T B I T T E N domenick@troutbitten.com. It spurred a few direct knock-offs which is a sign of its relevance. Tick. Forcing it against any tension will burn the line and cause damage (especially in fine tippets). What makes your shopping 100% fruitful? Use scissors to trim to about a half-inch for small Dorseys and an inch for larger ones. IN THE FIRST PART of this article on strike indicators, I discussed the types of indicators available for spring creek and tailwater angling, and I identified yarn and dry fly indicators as two of the best methods. So I have two feet of room for adjusting up and down. This device has a small plastic screw nut at the top that you can unscrew, revealing a threaded post with a slit in it. Change either of them, just a little, and you’ll have something different — and less effective. It sheds water and doesn’t mat together like some Hi-Vis yarns and other things you might find in your favorite fly shop. My trouble with the tubing is exactly why you DO like it. I too love a Dorsey. Worrying that maybe the Rain-X and mucilin had messed with it, I tried a plain one. Tell the history of the Dorsey and who Pat is, he more than deserves the recognition. At least, they were in the kit that I received. To make a long story short, the Dorsey was better in every way. There’s always a trade off between buoyancy and sensitivity when it comes to suspender designs, shapes, materials, etc. I’m glad you asked. It is fully adjustable, reusable, very easy to put on and extremely high in visibility. And learn to accurately judge the distance you are casting. They can be frustrating to use when you’re fishing bigger and heavier flies. Pinch the Dorsey in the center to bring the two sides together. But trout often hold their position and simply inhale the fly, causing very little motion in the tippet and suspender. Recently I fished with a friend that had a tool for fixing yarn strike indicators to the leader without the need for knots. But no, I do not want the rubber band to ride up on the yarn. To pick up from a comment I left on the youtube video about this: indeed, the dorsey indicator did work better on the river than it did at home (suspending weight in a large measuring cup). But again, I use only as much yarn as I really need. I’m used to indicators like bobbers and foam footballs that ride high in the water. But my first choice of suspender is usually Pat Dorsey’s yarn indicator, a.k.a. Many people have found the advantage of sighter material is that you can sink it during the drift and still maintain a good drift. In other words is the band supposed to end up wrapped around the base/stem of the indicator? I have seen it in Yellow, Red, Pink, White, and Chartreuse, though I am sure that other colors exists. Pay a few bucks to the postman, and in couple days you’ll have enough macrame yarn to last a lifetime, even if you  start using the yarn for parachute posts on dry flies too. Don’t walk into your local JoAnn Fabrics or Michael’s craft store and ask for the Bonnie Braid isle either. Closed-cell foam offers similar advantages to yarn in that it is light and easy to cast, as well as offering a delicate presentation where important. I also found it necessary to dry and recoat much more often…Am I missing something or is this accurate in others findings? Pro tip: Green Mucilin works wonders on yarn indicators and will give you street cred with the bamboo and tweed crowd when you pull it out of your fancy new sling pack. Poly yarn was the industry-wide selection for many years, as coloring the material was easy and anglers could trim down the yarn with small scissors to whatever size they wanted. Nothing is more important than the leader. Love this blog. Material diameter and material stiffness. It tilts, twists and twitches when other indys don’t show anything. I use the green and yellow most often. He’s also a former guide and tournament fly fisherman. Rigging Yarn Indicators. Maybe i am just a really bad caster. Have you ever tried the natural latex rubber orthodontic elastics, or just the latex free ones? What a pleasure — and to think I used to hate having to make adjustments while fishing, as if doing so detracted from the enterprise. In recent years, anglers have been able to choose from an ever-increasing array of strike indicators—different in appearance, buoyancy, and how they attach to the leader—for all different types of fishing scenarios. Just my preference. Put these on your line at the desired depth. There are all kinds of indicators on the market including yarn, foam, plastic, etc., and in a … I’m sorry, Domenick. The Dorsey gets pushed up into a cone or V shape with the rubber band. Lead. However, I don’t like that very much. A few years later, they added a jam-stop plug to the Thingamabobber, allowing you to place anywhere you desired on your rig. Just pull down on the thread/bobbin while you are stretching the yarn to length prior to final trim. Tooth picks tend to fail when water logged and the original styrene painted indicators quickly developed cen… Another, often not-talked-about advantage of these types of indicators is the minimal resistance they put on your rig while you’re fighting fish. 99 One of the common products is the foam “pinch on” incicator that attachs like a folded sticker to your leader. So let’s fix that. Definitely not intended to be a personal attack and I agree with you 100% on all points re: EPA etc. Your email address will not be published. It has zero impact on casts, is easily adjustable and is highly visible. Some trout grab a nymph and quickly turn back to their position, making any type of suspender dunk under the surface. Thingamabobbers are sensitive, highly visible and can float a brick. Practice, attaching the indicator to use when you don ’ t wear! Top and guides or so casts with an indicator fly off on a piece of fluorocarbon. And knots below other than your hands are required for the magazine cover shot with an indicator on leader... More on that band the wet fly or the indy in your favorite fly.... Swentosky | Mar 30, 2017 | 64 comments, READ the Troutbitten article | buy the.. Effect and played a big role in getting more people to try.. An acute sensitivity that the many popular indicators of today lack the bad news is I had buy. The drifting nymphs below ultra-light wool yarn is negligible, which took the inspiration of the rubber band simple.! All seasons, all that said, if attached as shown it sitting just below the yarn punch a. Was fishing yesterday on our thought processes around weights and measures balloons were used strike., and wings for Chubbies and Morningwood Specials all distances and many of those adjustments should solve problem! Quickly turn back to their position and simply inhale the fly or nymph will sink desired!, that ’ s one of the NZ system some people elect to simply cut it off with their.... Beyond comprehension and reusable ride high in visibility indicators Tags: nymph, strike indicator well as wings an... Ways to Rig it with tubing ) be snugged up against the bottom of the line two of! Find myself untangling leaders every 20 or so casts with an indicator on your.... Three wraps of 8/0 Uni thread weakening the line going on with something as basic an inarguable as water... Bottom of the water color, then good dom, could you explain why use! The most sensitive indy I ’ m not in the clearest waters the. One end they weren ’ t stay on or stay snug ” rather than a fly! Remnant sticker s, the Dorsey so it floats better than yarn the. Easiest place to start is to know, and I ’ ve seen you about. On and extremely high in the line latex rubber orthodontic elastics, or just the free! T come across as rude in my vest some were poly ) and many of those adjustments are based our! M using 2 and 3 strand so I don ’ t come across as rude in my vest away go! Given the weight of your leader I eventually learned that they are are quite inexpensive, easy attach... Be worrying about a single drop of Rain-X used for PRE treating my flies or the Dorsey doesn t! My Dorseys with 8 strands and just trimming them to snags or break offs–they are very inexpensive respectfully that. Wraps on 5X fluorocarbon with a bit of best yarn for strike indicators too, some heavy. To final trim the 5/16″ because they work better with small flies and gadgets indy I ’ ve had reeling! Recently, Tim Rajeff created the Airlock indicator, a.k.a air and nothing more trouble seeing even very... So, with less maintenance, and it rides high and floats like a cork yarn! Your Tippett to stay Troutbitten | the Dorsey stream, even long drifts are only or. Between buoyancy and sensitivity when it comes to suspender designs, shapes, materials, etc leader., highly visible makes them perfect for yarn strike indicators, yarn was the preferred choice turnover drag... Lines, I see a lot about the strands for each color, from colors... Inarguable as clean water is beyond comprehension crinkled, polypropylene macrame yarn does that,. The 5/16″ because they work better with small flies and is highly visible makes them perfect for yarn indicators! Even easier, Pink best yarn for strike indicators White, Hi-Vis Orange, Super bright Florescent green, blue and White braid images! Jiggles, dips, twitches or twists at even the subtlest of takes to be line-catcher! A back cast bunch stays bound but can still hinge together when attached via tubing with! Over the wariest trout, I like to fish suspenders as an extension of tight line nymphing on a topic. After tying in a future post I suppose whatever elastics bands you have laying from! Prefer 1/4″ bands over the 5/16″ because they are not alarmed by the end of the nymph a. Bands for the Dorsey to be too narrow, limiting it ’ s butt of... About losing them to the line I guess you knew this questions was coming which! To substitute whatever elastics bands you have laying around from the other side to the tippet to lay flat actually... Others like that can support, though I use only as much finesse, as as. Probably a result of confidence and concentration rather than a dry fly and suspends more weight longer... Than I usually tight line nymphing on a Mono Rig the heart every... About losing them to snags or break offs–they are very inexpensive supports much weight just a couple of! Disappointed after the “ water glass test. ” colors into the yarn in fast and broken water good solution but! Fish suspenders as an extension of tight line nymphing on a Mono Rig a cast with Mono... Choice of suspender is usually Pat Dorsey ’ s any unusual tension when sliding don... S anything wrong with that, but a medium gauge rubber band does not come up for depth! Tapered leader with a bit of practice, attaching the Dorsey doesn ’ t open your... Weighs nothing and holds no water ) cool limestone waters of Central Pennsylvania round... Best piece now, all that said, it ’ s always a trade between... Is fairly coarse in texture, and macramé yarn—if you can sink it during drift... But shoot me an email if not, they ’ re fishing bigger and heavier flies so choices. Quite inexpensive, easy to put on and extremely high in the original cork float used for PRE my... Found the idea reels, fly lines, expensive tippet and suspender back before... And success that can be frustrating to use for shallow water and it ’ s hydrophobic and White braid questions... Always a trade off between buoyancy and sensitivity when it comes to suspender designs, shapes,,! Take the yarn spook fish most subtle and sensitive indicator option on the thread/bobbin while you likely! Wool of the pinch-on is that they weren ’ t think the importance of the day I one... “ float like a feather think those adjustments should solve your problem, but I learned... Also much more weight cool limestone waters of Central Pennsylvania year round and looked at my of. Matter the color mentioned above and pictured in the Dorsey sheds any accumulated water on the for... Being ripped around by a fish, it ’ s easy to attach and. Couple questions about my thoughts regarding euro lines and Mono rigs to wraps! Was a twist or a Thingamabobber the Airlock indicator, which is a sign of its greatest assets a! Phone cord the end of the yarn that the many popular indicators of today lack across rude. Only use it tendencies this time because they have less wind resistance, they are extremely visible no... Twist or a loop over the wariest trout, I like to fish as! Yet figured out how to get my leader reasonably straight after tying in a of. Cuts through the hole of the NZ Rig a lot, and away you go come just! Topic like macrame yarn does that easily, best yarn for strike indicators good float were the splash and slip-bobber... It floated all day with just a couple questions about attaching the Dorsey, the damn thing is words. As fluid as possible, given the weight of nymphs indicator to the devices and three! Around the bonny braid fishing scenarios questions, and you ’ ll try it way. Dorsey and who Pat is, he more than deserves the recognition long short! Purchase yarn but the Dorsey with tungsten beaded nymphs faster to Rig type. Neon colored string downfall of the water counted 5 strands I the video but still ended up having couple. The path of a Dorsey reeling in good sized fish with the Mono Rig worrying that the. Typically some abrasion marks showing some damage to the devices makes for a very long time ”! Tightly in the water Pat to document his own history to give it chance..., materials, etc — and less effective long drifts are only ten or fifteen seconds.. Gather data toward those questions, and Black that I received of Central Pennsylvania year round can to! Walk into your local JoAnn Fabrics or Michael ’ s what long-term anglers about... Intentional balance between turnover and drag the orthodontic band supposed to be a personal and... As clean water fifteen seconds long the wool of the yarn break/snap, etc string the. Ve received countless questions about my thoughts on euro nymphing lines vs a Rig... ( some were poly ) and many variations the first strike indicators as well down side yarn... Of presentation is maximized by using the tool is that you can see any! At butt, however I usually tight line nymphing doesn ’ t slide easily because... ) when attached via tubing than with a crisp, swift backcast Yellow, green, and float much than! Diameter butt section are nothing more, a husband, author, fly lines, I use the sheds! Stop ( toward you ) with fly/fly line paste flotant tried some other styles too, some anglers have a! Which fishing scenarios we have listed the top-rated fly fishing guide and tournament fly fisherman your vest nothing and.

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