When we’re fishing larger water for larger fish at Chile West, one of our favorite techniques is bangin’ the banks – covering lots of water in rapid-fire fashion with a streamer.
Nobody knows our fishing in Southern Chile better than Chris Price, our manager at Chile West. Chris lives with his family in Coyhaique and has been fishing in Chile since the Clinton administration.
Here’s the rig that Chris reaches for when it’s time to make that streamer swim.
The Summary
Cabela’s FT 907 2 piece fly rod. “I like a fast action 7 to 8 weight suited for casting a heavy line and weighted fly.”
Cabela’s Drake LA III reel.
Rio Streamer DC 250 grain 24 ft sinktip.
The Detail
100 yards Cortland Micron backing, tied to the spool with an arbor knot.
Rio Streamer DC 250 grain 24 ft sink tip, tied to the backing with a nail knot.
Butt section of 12 inches of 30 pound Izorline, tied on the fly line with a nail knot, finished with a perfection loop.
4 foot leader of 12 pound Izorline, finished with a spider hitch, to connect loop to loop to the butt section.
“The fly is usually ‘dink proof’, meaning prejudiced against small fish. I like something in rabbit, weighted and articulated.”
The Commentary
“This fly rod and line rig is designed to cast big flies and a heavy sink tip. We’re not fishing here – this is better described as hunting. We’re searching out every nook, cranny and deep bucket that might be home to the ‘big one’.
While shorter sink tips will get down, they quickly rise as the line is stripped. The idea with this rig is to get the fly down deep, quickly and keep it down during the strip. You must be aware of the depth that you’re casting into and let the fly soak accordingly. This line sinks fast and so you must get on the strip fairly fast to avoid hanging up, but hey, big browns like a chase. Whether you’re in river or a lake, this rig will produce.”
