Here are the variables that are in this experiment: Line Power: Equal both at 10 lbs Rod Lenght: Equal both the exact same 76 rods made by the same manufacturer with the same power rating Reels: Equal both lines were on the same sized Shimano Stradic Ci4 reel Lures: Equal both were 1/2 oz teardrop shaped weights so that wind-friction is minimized Casting Force As equal as possible without a $$$$ machine Line Diameter: Not equal but thats ok because it is part of the reason why braid has an advantage Note: I did 5 casts with each line for the first round before switching the weights and doing 5 more casts to make sure that the weights used were not impacting the results
Its best to check pots every other day, or if thats not possible, at least once a week
If those are out of your budget, no need to fret
As an example, here is a short list of my favorite small stream patterns: Pats Rubberlegs, brown & black, #6 Mercers Missing Link, dark, #14 & 16 PMD Challenged, #14 & 16 Poxyback Green Drake Emerger, #12 Adams, #12-16 Fred Gordons Prince Nymph (Amberwing) Mercers CB Micro May in Olive, #16 18 Chubby Chernobyl, brown, #8 Stimulator, orange & yellow, #6 & 8 Jigged Green Drake, #12 Zebra Midge, red & black, #16 & 18 Cinnamon Foxs Poopah, #12 & 14 Birds Nest, #12 & 14 Peaches n Cream, #14 & 16 Olive Hot Spot Jig, #14 & 16 Sweet Pea, #16 Weiss BP Nymph, #18 Leader & Tippet Material: For smaller dry flies, size 12 18 on a freestone stream, a 9 5x tapered leader will get the job done in most situations
My kayaks shallow draft and super silent propulsion, combined with a high-powered fish finder and GPS put me on fish I would have forever missed