Fixed Line Tactics & Techniques

Article by Arran Kerr

I often find myself looking for ways to improve my fixed line abilities. There are no shortage of guides from true master anglers, but I’m not one of them. I do however have a lot of success on the water, and have really stepped up my angling game over the years.

In conversations with friends we discuss why seemingly so many people give up after unsuccessfully dead drifting their fly. Five years fly fishing with a reel taught me nothing but “dead drift your fly” and “strip your line.” But not everything a trout eats is dead, so why do we limit ourselves to dead drifting?

Following two years of fixed line fly fishing I’ve learned so many amazing techniques that have led to additional fish in the net on any given outing. Thus, I’d like to share the things I do on the water with different manipulations, presentations, and flies, focusing on when or where to use them with a fixed line rod.

Pon-pon

“Tap-tap” if you will. Slowly drag the fly along or slightly below the surface of the water while simultaneously “tapping” the rod with your index finger. I personally find this works best with dry or wet flies.

Gyakubiki

Cast downstream and swim/jig/pulse up and against the current. This works exceptionally well with streamers and wet flies.

Tomezuri

PAUSE! Literally. Just pause that fly in place to allow fish to see it and come for it. Any fly will do.

Swinging

Imagine you’re going to dead drift your fly. Now pull ever so slightly downstream with the rod. Swinging has given me success with anything from dry flies to nymphs, and especially streamers and wet flies.

Combinations

Combining these manipulations may seem odd, but it works. For example, I always find myself telling people I fish with “Don’t dead drift your fly halfway through the pool and recast. Do something with it!” If I’m dead drifting I’ll start swinging the fly about halfway through the pool into tomezuri at the end. I can’t stress enough how many more fish I catch with all of these in my quiver.

Fixed Line Streamers

This is a topic I don’t see talked about very often. Though it has been done, I wonder why more people aren’t trying this. This is ideal in combination with long rods with long handles and probably the only time I prefer a furled line over a level line. The furled line (or in my case a single strand of Dacron fly line backing works wonders) has no line stretch, which gives a better connection to the fish upon hookset.

A longer handle will allow for two-handed casting, or as I call it, a “half spey cast.” (Probably incorrect but it’s easy for people to understand.) Of course the longer rod and line allows for reach. Connect your streamer to your tippet with a loop knot to add a bit of action to the fly!

Tactical Nymphing

Nymphing is often touted as the best method of catching fish, and for good reason. You may not get to see the fish take the fly, but you will certainly catch fish! After acquiring my Riverworks ZX4-PRO I find myself nymphing even more than I already did.

Basic nymphing is incredibly simple. All you really need to know is how to read water for the best cast and drift, keep your line tight so you can “feel” the strike, watch your line for any odd movement or pausing just like you would for anything else!

Conclusion

The next time you’re out on the water, give some of these tactics and techniques a try. I’m certain you’ll find more fish at the end of your line.

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Arran Kerr is the father to a little girl and they love fishing, hiking, and foraging! You can find Arran on Instagram @appalachian_af.

This article originally appeared in the 2022-23 issue of Tenkara Angler magazine.

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