Sometimes we are so quick to cast that we diminish the chances for hook up dramatically by not letting the line sit. On a number of occasions I have been in the middle of conversation with an up stream angler between casts when the fly gets smacked. My rule is that the deeper and higher the water flow, the longer the time to dangle. In higher water, travelers are moving up the sides where there is less water resistance. If you must, force yourself to do so. Creating what seems like the perfect amount of time, then counting to yourself will pay off, I guarantee it!!! After it happens you will not need to count any more.
This rule applies to all trout, steelhead and salmon angling. It also applies to nymph fishing as well. Pop up on the lift and then wait a moment before casting.
Another option is to make the fly dangle in other locations in addition to directly below our river position. If you were to cast down and across and immediately throw a big loop mend up and out you are slowing down your fly from moving sideways. Mend again, and again, and again and you continue to slow down and in some river current conditions keep the fly in a zone for a much longer period of time.
Should you do this on every cast? No. The dangle is just another piece of the puzzle to give credence and cover certain situations. But waiting a moment before that next cast can produce some very hard takes. Another aspect to the dangle is the 'pull and drop'. When you have your fly on the dangle pull up slowly and then let it drop back into the fishes face. This can produce a very strong take possibly from aggressive irritation.
Having confidence is a key component to successful angling. The things that make up every cast are the things we believe in and I have made the dangle a powerful go to option. Pick a good fly with lots of action to dangle and count one thousand one , one thousand two........................
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