[Frank Whiton]

Hi Seth,

Fyshstykr has given you all of my yarn indicator secrets. I have tried all of the various indicators and I prefer yarn. I carry scissors with me all the time so I can trim my indicators. Joni doesn't care for yarn indicators but she is still a kid.

The knot I use is a modified Dropper Loop Knot. I only use 1 1/2 turns before I form the loop. I will try to do some pictures that show how I tie on the yarn. Since I only use the 1 1/2 turns to form the loop the loop will tighten up on the yarn like a slip knot.

The yarn I use is Macrame Poly that you can buy at a local sewing shop. I like the 6mm size. I take an inch or so and lay it in my loop and tighten up the loop. With the knot I use I have never lost an indicator. It does crinkles the leader where you tie it on. After the knot is tight, I take my scissors and un-ravel the yarn. You can also comb it or use Velcro to fluff the yarn.

The second picture shows a Dropper loop but you can't use all the turns like it shows. If you use too many turns the knot will tighten and it won't hold the yarn. The first picture shows when you want to pull up your loop like you were tying a dropper.

Frank

[Joni]

Originally Posted by HuronRiverDan

PopTops work nicely as do FloatMaster Indicators, I use them when Steelhead fishing.

Dan

POP TOPS! That is my first choice also. It tells you if you are suspended...PUUUURRFECT!, then Thingamabobbers and Biot Strike! Wahoo!

Stillwater, Slip Indicators are a must! "The Fly Desk"

[fyshstykr]

Thank You Frank, I knew you would bail me out.

[sesro1978]

Thanks everyone!! I've definitely got some options to try out :-)

On a fish catching note; I caught my first fish of the season last night- a yellow perch. Not exactly what I was going for but I guess it'll do. Supposedly there are rainbows in the same area but I didn't see or catch any...

[MBWCC]

My personal observations regarding various indicator options and their pros & cons:

1. "Bullet" indicators (i.e. the Orvis version, others with a simple rubber tube through a hard foam body, other hard foam body with "toothpick" to pin in place on leader or fly line -- Can't build your own or difficult to build your own (read "expensive") Orvis "twist" version stays on the line the best of the bunch, but others are acceptable if not perfect. "Bullet" indicators cut through wind better, or create less drag in no wind versus other options. Don't twist the fly line as much as other choices. Don't float as well as other choices. Good sensitivity--hey, they barely float on their own. Not too good in fast or turbulent water--hey, what do you expect--they barely float on their own. These are my personal favorite for slower water and lighter weight nymph work.

2. "Foam" strip indicators -- Buy ready-to-use, or build your own from craft foam -- see Wal-Mart's kids' craft section -- cut sheet into strips -- plus two o-rings per indicator purchased at the local hardware store; read “cheap�. Float really well. Many colors and mixed color options -- just buy different color foam sheets, cut strips, and build indicators in colors to match your wildest dreams. Many size options, small, medium, large, huge, etc., --just cut strips longer or wider and use bigger o-rings. Foam indicators twist the fly line about the worst of all choices (corkscrew through the air and water). Good in very fast and turbulent water--hey, these things are virtually impossible to sink. Medium sensitivity (somewhat too buoyant--even the fish have trouble sinking these). These are my other personal favorite for fast or turbulent water.

3. "Yarn" indicators -- Buy ready-to-use or build your own from synthetic yarn and o-rings; read “cheap�. Float fairly well, but eventually become water logged--need occasional floatant application. Good sensitivity (nearly neutral buoyancy--did I mention that they eventually sink on their own?). Twist the line.. Heavy duty drag in the air and water—very difficult to cast any distance or into the wind. My third choice, but good for medium fast or medium turbulent water.

4. Floating "balls". Float very well. Twist the line as badly as any other choice. Not very sensitive (these things are relatively huge, air filled balls--good luck pulling one under water). Can't build your own or difficult to build your own (read "expensive").

5. "Bio-Strike"--Difficult to fashion your own (read "expensive"). Somehwat difficult to reposition. Leaves a residue on your leader or fly line. Near neutral buoyancy; good sensitivity.


The above being my personal observations and preferences; your preferences may differ.

[fyshstykr]

3. "Yarn" indicators -- Buy ready-to-use or build your own from synthetic yarn and o-rings; read “cheap�. Float fairly well, but eventually become water logged--need occasional floatant application. Good sensitivity (nearly neutral buoyancy--did I mention that they eventually sink on their own?). Twist the line.. Heavy duty drag in the air and water—very difficult to cast any distance or into the wind. My third choice, but good for medium fast or medium turbulent water.





Good post!

I agree with you for the most part on yarn indicators, I guess the only part in question for me would be in;how much more resistance yarn has in casting for me?
It's been a while since I've tried some of these other options on the market now. I'm gonna try some of the other options this season and compare.

Thanks.