As I write this blog entry, I can’t help but think people on this site have a pretty good understanding of my fisheries background as it pertains to the work I put into the ponds. I am not a biologist, professional writer programmed to entertain, nor do I claim to know everything there is to know about the topic I am going to discuss. If you want to find fault in my writing, I’m sure you can. I do have 45 years of pond fishing experience in the state of Maine, plus the drive and flexible thinking it takes to not fear the skunk (I do not give up). I have experimented with loads of different techniques, met wonderful people, traveled, and have tied thousands of flies (many my own patterns). I have been fortunate to fish most corners of the state, over and over, in order to find large pond Brookies, as they are my passion.

With the experiences I have gained, I have noticed trends that may or may not help on your journey to be the best pond fisherman you can be. My goal is to jump in and talk “shop”. I will not discuss individual places; I will talk about certain flies, and I will give up a few things I have experienced in my travels. I’m getting older and feel it’s time to give back some (not all) to the sport I love. I feel the first order of business is to develop a general philosophy that suits your particular mindset, skill set, and what you desire to accomplish. For you, it might be to get away from people, hang with family, use it as a means to stay moving into old age and connect with nature, etc. Only you know. For me, my fishing philosophy is never set in stone and is literally a living document that is forever changing to make me better today than I was yesterday.

With that said, the answer to everything in the world of fishing Maine ponds (and, in many ways life itself) seems to be, “It depends’ ‘. This answer permeates all aspects of my fishing experiences, and I tend to be extremely open-minded in regards to techniques and the diverse ways fly fishermen go about their sport. I believe there are no right or wrong ways to fish. I feel the right way to fish (within the parameters of the laws) is the way that best suits the individual with their particular mindset/skillset and desires. If the law allows it and it interests you, then enjoy the experience. I make every attempt to understand all genres’ particular nuances and figure out a way to incorporate them into fly fishing within the confines of our laws.

I often state, “Think outside the box”, and this is one example of how it can be done. For me, being a flexible thinker is the most important tool in my arsenal. Anyway, there’s my foundation; you have found a pond, have the equipment, have your flexible mindset. It’s time to fly fish your new favorite pond in the greatest Brook Trout fly fishing state in the whole United States. Let’s get started.

My first question on a particular pond (in Maine) would be – is it ALO, FFO, general law, and can I keep fish? The answer to that question drastically changes my thinking of how to attack a particular body of water. The second question I ask: Is it a smelt pond? If so, I’m fishing over bait and now I’m using streamer flies plus, I’m automatically thinking Deep 6 until rising fish decide to change my thinking. If it’s not a smelt pond then, I’m looking at the pond with a completely different mindset (use of flies as lures, color, size, movement, and silhouette).

I have 3 lines in my vest: a dry line, a rate 3 full sink line, and a Deep 6. I have my reasons, and they fit well within my distinct philosophy. I also use Maxima tippet 4 lb and a 4-5 foot leader for sinking line (I’m not sure it matters, but I’m used to its tensile strength, and it works for me). I also have indicators (just in case).

The Retrieve – In this regard, everyone is right in their approach, and there are no wrong answers. So, right, wrong, good, or bad, this is how I roll. Depending on water depth, I choose the appropriate line. Cast, let it sink, find bottom, then, I retrieve the fly, giving the fly the chicken dinner for 3 or 4 seconds. As I “visualize” the underwater action; I see trout coming to investigate, in my mind’s eye.

Second, begin a finger walk and feel for bumps, ticks, nudges, blades of grass, anything out of the ordinary (basically tension). Keep walking it until it’s off bottom and directly below your watercraft (you can figure this out with time on the water), then, dangle it and leave it (painstakingly). Give it time and perhaps bump it slightly with a quick bounce, but in general let it marinate.

After a minute or two, start a drought. DO NOT rip it in for another cast!!! Put the tip of the rod on the water and lift slowly and steadily with one motion (consistent and fluid). I draw from as deep as possible and DO NOT stop the draw (ONE MOTION). Using polarized glasses as soon as you see the outline of the fly, STOP. Be aware! Look around in the water!! Look for shadows, outlines and/or missiles looking to ambush from under the boat, or from behind the fly.

Most times they won’t blitzkrieg the fly, but you will see “frying pans” emerge from “nothingness” behind the fly and simply watch it (many times with their noses on the flies tail). This is crunch time. As the cat and mouse game unfolds and you notice the Brookie will not commit (and, if you also feel any quick movement will spook the Brookie), simply (with your wrist) change the direction of your fly rod tip causing the fly to gently switch directions beside the boat and one to two feet below the surface (in general Brook Trout do not fear the boat).

Sounds weird I know but, proof is in the pudding!!! If a fish follows… you will connect often with this technique. As time goes on you can refine the 6 part series as the fish dictate their daily preference. For instance, you may just cast and dangle (after finding that’s how you’re catching most of your Brookies or they may only agree to the rip and strip you get the idea; you can refine the series from here). You may have caught 15 fish in the dangle part of the series. WHO KNOWS it can be different day to day!!!

All parts of the series are critical early (especially on a new pond) because as a flexible thinker I know any retrieve will work better one day than another depending on who, what, when, why and how lol. My fishing inner circle calls me “Bobby Dangles” and it’s my fishing alter ego, as I spend so much time glued to the end of my rod watching for any indication of life (some of my biggest fish come from the dangle portion of the show).

Because I painstakingly dangle all flies (on every cast), I developed this technique because I know there are no right or wrong ways to fly fish. All retrieves are right and on certain days they are all wrong. By combining all into one cast, it takes that variable out of the equation. Overall, if you rip and strip solely (it definitely has its place), you’re missing out on a whole lot of fun. The sight fishing component of watching frying pans lift off bottom, follow the fly, and then commit or not right in front of you is such a rush! Actually, it’s shockingly fun and addictive! Remember, if it’s windy and you struggle to sight fish ponds in deep water, “visualize it happening”. High performers in any sport visualize success and this is no different. I think it’s part of Zen and the Art of fly fishing.

The Game- The “Razzle Dazzle” is a game my buddy and I use a lot. Another nuance. Big Brookies definitely travel in pairs (and sometimes schools). There is no doubt about it, and if you have spent a lot of time on the water, you will notice the pattern. If you lock onto a stud fish, don’t panic to bring it to the net. Relax and enjoy the experience! Because, if you keep your eyes peeled, more often than not, there’s another toad following it! Then, (and this is another reason to use a short leader), have your fishing buddy put his fly in the area adjacent to the boat, and within the melee of the fish you are fighting, hold on to your socks. Many times if you keep a calm demeanor, it will be a double hookup (and you can watch the second take).

After asking me to blog, I asked Kevin if 6 entries are reasonable. So, here we are. There’s literature out there regarding how much Maine has to offer in the world of fly fishing; however, I’m not sure there’s a lot of information on how to actually catch them (on the ponds). I have historically been tight-lipped because that’s who I am and who Mainers are (and I will continue to be tight-lipped in regards to particular bodies of water, but I hope you understand…many hold big Brookies). A caveat, another nuance I’ve noticed over the years is…unless you have a grizzled old veteran at your side, you will be dealing with the 5-year plan (regardless of skill set). If targeting the ponds is in your future, it will take 5 years to become a grizzled old veteran that consistently catches the fish you see in the magazines. Early in your career, expect the “Skunk” and be okay with it. It’s part of the learning curve. Anyway, 5 more blogs if you want them, if not tell me to STHU, and I am good with that! I thought pond fly selection might be a good spot to start the next blog with their nuances and patterns. Then, perhaps a few fun fishing adventures (who knows).

Talk soon, Jim McCloskey