Matching the Leech "Hatch"Īnother great advantage is how versatile leech patterns can be. It’s a logical evolution for a pattern that has caught fish on many continents for many decades. That’s the idea behind my Radiant Leech-it’s a smaller, denser version of the old Egg-Sucking Leech, and it swims in a jigging motion with the hook up. A bright spot on a leech really helps attract attention, especially from migratory fish with a life history of feeding on eggs. Mentioning the Egg-Sucking Leech brings up an obvious question: Do leeches actually suck eggs? I don’t believe so, but you can’t go wrong putting two of your favorite snacks on the same plate. Other standout leech patterns include the Goat Leech, Simi Seal Leech, Egg-Sucking Leech, Bunny Leech, and Balanced Leather Leech. Its chenille body, palmered soft hackle, and marabou tail make the Woolly Bugger look alive in the water, just like a swimming leech. I personally believe that the black Woolly Bugger-an iconic pattern created by Pennsylvania’s Russell Blessing in the late 1960s-is still one of the best leech imitations ever. The first designs of flies to imitate leeches arguably date as far back as the early 1800s. It seems ironic that the very creature that waits in vegetation to scam a quick bite from a passing fish can so easily have the tables turned on it and become a meal.īecause fish eagerly consume them, leeches have long been favorite baits. MARCH BROWN HIDDEN WATER TRAVEL FLY ROD SKINLeeches breathe through their skin and feed on the blood of whatever is around, including fish and snails. Leeches are still used today for specialized medical purposes, such as improving blood circulation in microsurgery. MARCH BROWN HIDDEN WATER TRAVEL FLY ROD PROFESSIONALIn 19th century Europe, the demand for medicinal leeches was so great that they were actually farmed, and some people in Britain worked as professional “leech gatherers,” collecting wild leeches to sell for medicinal use. Pliny the Elder reported the use of medicinal leeches in the Roman Empire. For these reasons, they have been used in medicine in many parts of the world for at least 2,500 years. Leeches can also reportedly reduce swelling in tissues and promote healing. Leeches are parasitic worms that attach themselves to other animals to drink blood. Carry Mini Leeches and Mini Leech Jigs in these colors in sizes 12 through 16 and you’ll be prepared to catch trout in both rivers and stillwaters. Leeches come in three natural color schemes: rust, olive, and black. The jig versions are tied on 60-degree jig hooks, and when attached with an improved clinch knot, they balance in a horizontal position, just like a real leech. Tied with micro pine squirrel extending from a thick ostrich herl collar, these patterns imitate the tapered bodies of leeches. This incident inspired the design of the Mayer’s Mini Leech, Mini Leech Jig, and Mini Leech Jig Radiant. Pointing toward the water, John asked: “What is that? It’s moving really fast.” I will never forget sitting on the bank of Spinney Reservoir one day, eating lunch with my good friend and client John Johnson. Leeches can be found drifting in moving and still waters, or swimming like a ribbon. With a color palette ranging from black to tan, leeches can hit every shade in between. Thankfully, most of the leeches of interest to fly fishers live in fresh water and are commonly ½ inch to 3 inches long-plenty to provide a hearty meal for trout and many other gamefish. That sounds like something from a horror movie. Some leech species can grow up to 18 inches long and live as long as 20 years. Whether you are fishing a lake or river, in high or low water, winter or summer, there is a good chance you can mimic this common food supply and catch fish. This makes leeches extremely important in fly fishing, as it is always leech season. Leeches are aquatic worms that are members of the annelid (ringed or segmented worms) phylum, and are found on every continent except Antarctica. This article was originally titled "Flies that Don't Suck" in the Feb/March 2022 issue of Fly Fisherman magazine.Ī word for “leech” can be found in almost every language on Earth.
0 Comments
Leave a Reply. |
AuthorWrite something about yourself. No need to be fancy, just an overview. ArchivesCategories |