Tom Nakashima wrote:

I hope you can relate
to me using lightweight tackle. Throwing #4 Zuddlers and hooking up on big
leopard rainbows really doesn't do much for me. For one, you can't see the
strike, just feel it, and so what if you drag your prize in by using 8 lb
test line.
Last year I spent most of my time just working on presentation for Alaska,
using my 5wt., 5x leaders and 3 lb tippets. It's almost like a dare to see
how small I could go, and to test my dry-fly skills...to see if it could be
done.
I started using #18 Adams patterns, to #16, to #14 and finally ending up
with #12 Adams pattern, which the 4 -plus pounders seem interested in....if
presented right.
Yes, I was at my limit using 3 lb tippet with the #12, but I doubled the
loop in the eye when tying the clinch knot. I was making smooth cast at 60',
but still had sight of my fly. It's a thrill to see the swirl the rainbows
make as they take the fly down. A simple lifting of the rod and a gentle
pull with the line hand and I had them hooked.
Whoever said large Alaska Leopard Rainbows aren't smart, hasn't fished the
dry fly yet. The rainbows all seem to have the same thing in mind when
hooked. They dart toward you as if to think you lost them, and you're
reeling in like mad, then they instantly dart out, you have to have fast
reactions and your drag set loose. As I said before a mid-flex rod to keep
the bend, and monofilament line helps as a cushion because of the stretch.
I've seen trout come out of the water, but not 3 to 4 feet and so violently
shaking their heads...repeatedly 5 to 8 times. They also try to bury
themselves in the mud, I suppose that's a defense. I'll have to say I
stayed pretty relaxed throughout the battle. After about 30 minutes, it
seemed like taming a wild horse, but not without a great fight. The only
problem is that I think I got spoiled now...but I'll be back in Alaska in
two years or sooner.
sorry, got more then you wanted to hear, just got carried away.
-tom



I was going to let this slide but from reading your posts, I sense that
you're a conscientious angler concerned about the welfare of the
fisheries. The Alaskan Fish and Game feels that the Rainbow populations
are vulnerable to sport fishermen are the most protected species in
terms of limits etc. Many rivers (the Arolik too I believe) are C&R for
Rainbows. Others have very low limits.

You CAN fish light tackle with little harm to the fish but when your
tackle is so light that it is the norm for you to take 20 to 30 minutes
to land a trout, IMO, your gear is too light. After a fight of that
length, lactic acid is going to build up heavily in the trout's system.
Even though it may swim off fine, its life can be threatened by this
build up. A Google search will turn up lots of info about this. Although
I can't claim to know where that line is drawn, from reading the
research, I'm convinced that a 20 to 30 minute fight for a trout is
going to have some negative effects.

Willi