The ability to adapt to changing conditions is often the key to success on the water. Although we’d all love to have every fly, gadget, or gizmo with us to tackle anything mother nature throws at us, it’s not necessary, not to mention expensive!
So, today we offer you some super simple advice to help you prepare for a number of changing conditions on the water; carry a permanent marker!
A simple felt tip Sharpie or other permanent marker can do wonders during a day of fishing. Here are a few, but certainly not the only uses for the fly fisherman.
- Match the hatch. Notice the body of that mayfly that just landed on your shoulder is darker than any fly in your box? Or, the caddis larvae you just found under a rock are nearly black, but all you have are bright green imitations? Not to worry, match the natural with a few swipes of permanent marker!
- Match the flats. Not much survives on the flats unless it blends in really well, so matching the color of the bottom is important in imitating a bonefish’s natural prey. An olive or tan permanent marker can turn a standard tan gotcha into a great imitation when fishing over turtle grass or other vegetation. Just bar the craft fur wing for a super fishy imitation!
- Camouflage your leader. When fishing over ultra-wary fish (think spring creeks or gin clear water), the glare from your leader in bright sunlight can potentially spook fish. Coloring a leader with a permanent marker will eliminate leader glare. However, we recommend leaving the tippet portion of the leader clear so the fly doesn’t appear to have a nine foot antennae attached to its head.
- Hone in your indicator. Strike indicators are used by many anglers to detect the subtle take often associated with fishing nymphs. However, an indicator only works if you can see it. Bright indicators can become lost in the glare during extremely sunny conditions. So, if you’re having trouble seeing your indicator, but don’t have another color on hand, try coloring half of your indicator with a black permanent marker to create contrast for a better visual.
If you don’t already, make sure to bring a permanent marker along on your next outing, it could make the difference! If you already keep a marker in your pack or vest, drop us a comment below on how else you use it!
We use a Sharpie on Irresistible fly patterns. Make dark rings around the spun deer hair body for a great bee imitation. Grayling up in Alaska go nuts for these. Works well on rainbow too.
Great call Mark! We’ll have to spin up a few for our Grayling. Thanks for weighing in!