Blob fishing is a fly-fishing technique centered around the use of a distinct type of artificial fly known as a "blob." This method often employs a specific approach of presenting the fly, particularly in stillwater environments.
The core of blob fishing involves casting a sinking fly line to achieve a desired depth and then allowing the fly line to hang vertically. This technique is essentially a form of still fishing, frequently described as "dangling a fly," where the fly is suspended straight up-and-down in the water column at a specific level, rather than being actively retrieved.
The Blob Fly Explained
A "blob fly" is typically a compact, highly visible fly pattern, often made from synthetic materials like Frizzle or fluorescent chenille. These flies are characterized by their vibrant, often garish colors and their buoyant or semi-buoyant nature, which allows them to maintain a strong presence in the water. Their bright appearance and unique profile are designed to attract the attention of fish, especially in murky or colored water, or when fish are feeding aggressively.
Key Techniques for Blob Fishing
While blobs can be fished with various retrieves, the method most closely associated with "blob fishing" as a specific tactic emphasizes a static presentation.
1. Sinking Lines and Vertical Presentation
To execute this technique effectively, anglers typically use:
- Sinking Fly Lines: These lines are crucial for getting the blob fly down to the precise depth where fish are holding or feeding. The choice of sinking rate (e.g., intermediate, fast sink, extra fast sink) depends on the water depth and the desired speed of descent.
- Accurate Casting: The line is cast to the intended depth, allowing the fly to settle quickly.
2. The "Dangle" or Still Fishing Method
Once the sinking line reaches the target depth, the primary action is to allow the fly to remain largely stationary. This involves:
- Minimal Retrieval: Unlike traditional fly fishing, where constant stripping or retrieving is common, the blob is left to "dangle."
- Vertical Alignment: The goal is to keep the fly line and the blob hanging straight up-and-down in the water column. This static presentation can be highly effective, as it mimics a natural food item that might be suspended or slowly sinking.
Why Use Blob Flies?
Blob flies are highly popular, particularly in stillwater fisheries and commercial trout lakes, for several reasons:
- High Visibility: Their bright colors make them easily detectable by fish from a distance, even in challenging light conditions or stained water.
- Triggering Strikes: The combination of their size, color, and sometimes their movement (even minimal from currents or boat drift) can provoke an aggressive reaction from fish.
- Versatility: While often used in the dangling method, blobs can also be retrieved slowly or quickly, twitched, or used in conjunction with other flies in a multi-fly setup.
Target Species
Blob fishing is exceptionally effective for various species, primarily trout, especially rainbow trout. The technique has proven successful in enticing these fish, with specific patterns like the "Tequila Blob" being notable for their effectiveness in catching rainbows.
Summary of Blob Fishing Technique
The table below outlines the key aspects of the "dangling" blob fishing method:
| Aspect | Description |
|---|---|
| Line Type | Primarily utilizes sinking fly lines (e.g., intermediate, fast sink) to reach specific depths efficiently. |
| Presentation | Involves casting to the desired depth and allowing the fly line to hang straight up-and-down, creating a stationary or very slowly drifting presentation. |
| Method Name | Often referred to as "still fishing" or "dangling a fly," emphasizing the lack of active retrieval once the fly reaches depth. |
| Effectiveness | Highly effective for trout, particularly rainbow trout, in stillwater environments, as the bright, static presentation can trigger aggressive strikes. Patterns like the "Tequila Blob" are noted for their success. |
Blob fishing, with its emphasis on static presentation using sinking lines, offers a unique and often productive approach to fly fishing, especially when traditional active retrieval methods are not yielding results.
