Five Things an Expert Euro Nymphing Angler Learned this Year, with Jesse Haller

We all learn something every time we go fishing, even the amazing vacuum cleaner Jesse Haller, our resident Euro nymphing expert.  So I asked Jesse what he has learned over the past 12 months, and it’s a fun and eye-opening interview that got me excited about trying some new ideas and strategies for Euro nymphing.  I hope you enjoy this one as much as I did.

In the Fly Box this week, we have the following questions:

• Is there a good way to figure out what fly sizes I can use on a given rod?
• Can I use big trout streamers for Atlantic salmon?  Why are traditional salmon flies tied they way they are?
• I have trouble with line handling with two-handed rods.  What should I do?
• I can’t find smallmouth bass in my river even though I know they live there.  What kind of water should I look for?
• Why do some hook styles come in odd sizes like 13 and 15?
• I can’t get enough distance on big lakes with my 9 foot 6 weight Recon rod.  Would a longer rod help?  Would a two-handed rod get me more distance?
• Is it necessary to pinch the barb on hooks smaller than size 20?
• Why can’t I get flies shipped from the US to Canada, and is there any way to get around this?
• If I catch a big fish, is it OK to go back to try and catch it again in the same day?
• I am having trouble deciding on the right line for bass fishing on my 909 rod.  Some bass bug lines are rated two line sizes heavier.  What should I do?