Tight Line, High Stick, Euro Nymph, Mono Rig -- What's the Difference and How Did We Get Here?

10 snips

Nov 12, 2023

Nymphing has transformed from a fallback option to a preferred method among anglers, offering intricate techniques that enhance the experience. The conversation dives into various nymphing styles like Euro and Mono Rig, highlighting their unique characteristics and benefits. Advanced tactics such as tight lining and high sticking are explored, emphasizing effective fly presentation and leader strategies. Historical influences, the growth of internet forums, and the interplay between tradition and innovation in fly fishing are also discussed, providing a rich perspective on the sport.

Ask episode

Chapters

Transcript

Episode notes

Intro

00:00 • 2min

The Evolution and Popularity of Nymphing in Fly Fishing

02:21 • 5min

The Art of Nymphing: Techniques and History

07:00 • 12min

Exploring High Sticking and Tight Line Fishing Techniques

19:00 • 2min

Mastering Tight Line Techniques

21:08 • 12min

Evolution of Nymphing Techniques

32:50 • 9min

Exploring the Evolution of Nymphing Techniques

42:01 • 4min

The Evolution of Nymphing Techniques

45:44 • 21min

The Evolution of Fishing Techniques in the Internet Age

01:07:07 • 2min

Mastering the Art of Nymphing: Embracing Complexity in Fly Fishing

01:09:20 • 5min

Over the years, nymphing has grown up a bit. There's more information, more styles and more acceptance of those styles than ever before. While nymphing was once seen as that thing you did when trout wouldn’t eat dry flies or wets, more anglers than ever choose nymphing first — as their go-to method for catching trout in all seasons. Because nymphing provides a unique complexity unlike anything else in fly fishing. And anglers who are dedicated to the craft take particular joy in seeing their refinements pay dividends.

All that is to say . . . nymphing is fun. And in large part, what makes it fun is the control that is gained through tight line tactics. Indeed, the popularization of contact nymphing systems coincides with the popularity and the surge of nymphing among the community.

One of the most frequent requests we receive is for a full breakdown on the differences between the tight line styles. What is euro nymphing, and how is it different than the Mono Rig? Can I tight line with a fly line and a shorter leader? Is that called high sticking? What are the key differences between Polish, Czech, French and Spanish nymphing styles? And how does a thinner or thicker tight line leader help or hurt my presentation?

Troutbitten has become synonymous with the Mono Rig. And while each of us at Troutbitten spends lots of time with traditional leaders and fly lines, we all enjoy the benefits gained from tight line tactics when fishing underneath the surface.

In this episode, Austin Dando and I walk through the differences between all of these styles. We provide some history and think objectively about how far the tight line game has come. And next week, the rest of the guys will join us to talk about the strengths and weaknesses, the advantages and disadvantages of what we call the standard, thin and micro thin mono rig leaders.

Resources

READ: Troutbitten | Category | The Mono Rig
READ: Troutbitten | Beyond Euro Nymphing
PODCAST: Troutbitten | Fly Fishing the Mono Rig — Versatility and the Tight Line Advantage Taken Further
READ: Troutbitten | Design and Function of the Troutbitten Standard Mono Rig
VIDEO: Troutbitten | Mono Rigs and Euro Rigs -- Micro Thin or Standard?
READ: Troutbitten | Thin and Micro-Thin Leaders for Euro Nymphing and the Mono Rig
READ: Troutbitten | The Full Mono Rig System — All the variations, with formulas and adjustments

Visit

Troutbitten Website

Troutbitten Instagram

Troutbitten YouTube

Troutbitten Facebook

Thanks to TroutRoutes:

Use the code TROUTBITTEN for 20% off your membership at
https://maps.troutroutes.com

Thanks to Skwala

Use the code, TROUTBITTEN10 for 10% off your order at
https://skwalafishing.com/