By David Hulsey
Guide trips can vary from a couple of hours to a full day or a multiple-day event. Knowing what to expect can make or break your time on the water. In this article, I’d like to share some of the differences between typical wade and float trips for trout.
Wade trips can give you an intimate experience with a particular section of stream. If you are trying to learn how to fish a piece of water, a wade trip gives you time to break down the river into small parts and to fish particular techniques.
If you are a beginner, wading around the creek is a much easier learning environment.
Floating in a drift boat bouncing through a hole only gives you limited time for decision making. Trout aren’t going anywhere if you don’t spook them, so wading gives you time to really hone your craft.
Wading involves… well… “wading.” Being prepared with good waders and felt or rubber studded boots is a must. A sturdy wading staff will also help to keep you upright in the river, which is a major plus!
Your guide should know the section of river like the back of his hand. Keeping you from swimming is a biggie for him or her. Wintertime can be challenging because you will be standing in ice water for extended periods of time. So, dressing for this is a must. Warm fingerless gloves are the most forgotten item on my trips. I always keep extra pairs on hand. If I can keep you focused on the fish and not the fact you are getting frostbite, we can usually hook a few!
Float trips in a boat can cover multiple miles of water in a day. Depending on water flow, fishing conditions, other fly anglers, etc., you might float at a pretty good clip or putter around slowly working every likely looking spot.
The big advantage a float trip has over a wade trip is the fact you will cover more water, which usually means more shots at more fish. In a boat, you can sometimes get by without wearing waders, especially in the warmer months. Non-marking soled shoes that you’re not afraid to get wet will work great, and your guide will appreciate not having to scrub black marks off his or her craft.
The increased elevation the angler has while in the boat is a huge advantage to spotting fish and casting with more distance. Wading chest deep in the river really hurts your fishing ability, not to mention that taking a surprise bath will probably happen sooner or later.
Teaching a beginner how to cast is more difficult in a drift boat. Also, standing on your line or tangling it around the anchor happens a lot if you aren’t careful. Usually, a float trip lends its advantages to the angler with a few trips already under their belt. Older folks tired of taking an ice bath with a few big rocks thrown in will appreciate a float trip also. Couples who have a non-angler involved in an outdoor adventure make good use of the float by putting the fisher in the front and the non-angler in the back of the boat. The beautiful scenery, wildlife, birds, etc. can make it a fun day for them, too!
Give me a ring. We’ll custom design a trip that best suits your needs. All gear is included free of charge!
Give David Hulsey a call at (770) 639-4001 to book a class or a guided trout trip. See his website at www.hulseyflyfishing.com.