Six feet rod 

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The small streams of the flatland, often disregarded, are a fantastic gyms for practicing fly fishing. To one condition, to cast in a very narrow scenary and not just in relationship with the reduced size of the creek.


These 'forgotten' places are hidden by a tangled vegetation of low trees and bushes, they demand skills in casting and in approaching the hot spots with top care at the cost of catching only fry. The tackle I take with me is made up of one small box of dry flies and some nymphs. The rod's lenght plays a key role.


Under tunnels of vegetation, to cast with anything longer than 6 feet becomes impossible without snatching leaves and branches. It is the only rod length - whithout considering shorter ones - that gives a serious chance to unfold some meters of fly line. Other upside of the shortness is the increased accuracy in positioning the fly exactly where intended.


The weight of the fly line is important in laying very delicately the fly. These streams are not deep, the water crystal clear. Even if one manages to cast unseen by the fish, a smash on the surface will alert the finned population. An AFTMA of class 2 or 3 works perfectly in these cases.


The fly line is light and the rod - at least the one I am using - very flexible and extremely light. It casts on its own with no effort, attempt to force is mostly counterproductive. On larger fish, while holding the line, the cane exteme softness returns a feeling of direct contact to the fish, with the rod providing the optimal elasticity to the system.


This enviroment offers real sport fishing, finding the right fly, presenting with precision and delicacy under tunnels of vegetation can be great fun. Every now and then nice little brownies turn up and get promptly released. There are surely their big mamas hiding under some of these sunken roots out there.



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MORE FLY FISHING CONTENTS

 THE RIVER SCHWARZA

 GERMAN TRAUN

 THE PüTTLACH