There's really nothing too technical about fishing with a float 'n' fly, but there are a few things that you need to get started. First, and most important is warm clothes. In the winter months, weather can be very unpredictable, so it's best to put on an extra layer of clothes, gloves, and thick, insulated socks. If you're feet start to get cold, you're whole body is going to get cold. I would also recommend getting a pair of Thinsulate boots for float 'n' fly fishing. The higher number the Thinsulate, the warmer they will be. Also, make sure the boots you buy are waterproof. (You'll thank me for this when you're on the lake and it starts sleeting). You can buy a good pair for under $100 that will last a long time. If you don't already have a pair of warm boots for float and fly fishing, Bass Pro Shops is one place to start looking. You will also need to buy a thermal suit, especially if you plan on fishing on the coldest days in January and February. Just remember to always dress warm (you can always take off what you don't need), bring a small propane heater, a warm pair of gloves, and make sure your gas tank if always full before going out.

THE THREE BASICS
.........................................................................................

To start fishing with the float 'n' fly, you'll need three basic things.

1. A long 8-10 foot rod and spinning reel. The long rod will allow you to cast out your light weigh dollfly much further than a standard pole. I also recommend that you use only 6lb. test line so that the visibility is lower in the water for the fish. If you set the drag on your reel, 6lb. line will hold a very big fish (Click Here for a fish I caught using only 6lb. line). Stren EasyCast or P-Line is what we use most of the time.

2. A small 3/4 inch to 1 inch plastic floater. Find the floaters that you can clip on the top and bottom so they won't slip up and down while you're casting. Clip the line 7-12 feet above the dollfly. The floater will bob on top of the water while the dollfly will stay suspended at the desired depth.

3. A small dollfly. Click here for a detailed description. I also recommend that you get some small minnows before you go out. Some bass fishermen (especially tournament fishermen) don't use them, but we've found that they help catch more fish.

READY TO START FISHING
.........................................................................................

Now that you've got your basics and you're bundled up in warm clothes, here's how to catch 'em.

Hold the rod with the tip of it pointing in the area that you're going to cast. After flipping the bell on the spinning reel, and while the line rests on your pointer finger, bring the rod directly behind your head. Using your entire arm (not just your wrist), throw your bait out using a long, sweeping motion. The long rod you're using will allow you to throw out pretty far. (Hint: Since the dollfly and minnow are about 8-10 feet below your floater, you don't have to throw right next to the bank. In cold water the bigger smallmouth will be suspended out from the bank several feet).

Once the dollfly and floater hits the water, wait about 3 seconds, then hold your pole up in front of you so that the tip of the rod is slightly above your head.

Shake the rod tip quickly and gently a few times so that the dollfly and minnow moves around in the water a little bit. Wait a few more seconds, then repeat this. (Hint: If there's some wind and ripple on the water, you don't have to shake your rod tip as much since the waves on the water do it for you).

If a fish hasn't hit it yet, reel in your line a few times, then stop and shake the rod tip again. Pause for another few seconds, and keep repeating this until your float and fly is close to your boat. (Hint: Sometimes they bite when the float and fly is only a few feet in front of your boat).

Once your floater goes under water, DO NOT jerk it. Instead, wait until a few seconds until the floater is completely out of site, then pull your rod tip up quickly, but gently, and at the same time start reeling. (Hint: A common mistake is to jerk fast and hard once the float goes under like you see the fishermen in bass tournaments on t.v. do when they get a strike, but don't do this. Just let the fish take the bait, and wait. If you don't, you'll jerk it right out of their mouths).

Good Luck!