Bevin wrote:

Having never fly fished the NC area, I'm gonna have to ask someone some
questions to get myself prepared (like, what flies do we use in NC? I
think my San Juan bugs aren't gonna cut it). Is this a good
opportunity to load up on new gear or what?

Here's what I used with good success on my trip there in June:

TFO 7'6" 3-wt. rod with a Cortland "3.5" "precision taper" line
(loaded pretty well at short distances, and not so long that it's a
hinderance)
short leaders (less than rod-length, but not necessarily too fine;
4x was what I used while I was there)
#16 para Adams (bring plenty because you will lose some to the
trees/rhodos)
yellow humpies and stimulators
nymphs? I dunno ... I fished 99% dries
felt-soled boots
wading staff (not for fast water, but to use as a walking stick and
for negotiating slippery rocks)
drab olive and brown clothing (spooky fish in clear water)

Prior to the trip, get your legs in shape for hiking and practice
your rollcasting, sidearm casting and bow and arrow casting. And be
prepared to be stealthy; crawling, slithering, crouching as you approach
the water. Keep your falsecasting to a minimum; less falsecasting =
less chances of getting caught in trees and spooking fish.

Finally, be prepared for a great time chasing strong (but mostly
small) wild fish in gorgeous surroundings.


Chuck Vance (who can hardly wait to get back there)