Panfish and Bass fly fishing basics
I found out after watching this DVD twice that it was copyrighted back in 2003, but I just saw it for the first time about a month ago at the local Sportsman's Warehouse and decided to pick it up. I've been looking for just the right fly-fishing/fly-tying video, and I thought this one was it. Turns out it isn't what I expected, but everything it proclaims itself to be!
This is an outstanding video for the beginner fly fisher. Released by Scientific Anglers and a scant 58 minutes in length, "Panfish and Bass fly fishing basics" by Larry Dahlberg packs all the punch of his regular tv series "The Hunt for Big Fish". It begins with the "bloop-bloop-bloop" of a large Dahlberg Diver (the diving fly made of deer hair which was popularized by mr. Dahlberg) working the nerves of a soon revealed Peacock bass. We then see several tropical species before settling in on the North American fish we've come to see.
The first segment, "Panfish" begins by demonstrating the natural curiosity of the average panfish, as Larry tosses first a cricket, then the chewing gum he was just chewing, into the water. The fish grab both, showing just what a great starter they are for the beginning fly fisher. He goes on to explain the importance of insects in the diet of these fish and why that makes the fly fishing approach not only appropriate but extremely effective.
He continues on to explain the where, when, why and how of finding the fish on any body of water, including coverage techniques to make the most of your time on the water. Subtle things of which to take note, like the composition of the bottom, are clearly noted. There is video a a great double on a two fly rig, and this segment (as well as the entire DVD) is replete with the classic Dahlberg slo-mo and extreme close up views, making catching a Bluegill seem like the most exciting thing ever!
There is plenty of underwater footage of not only the fish but also the flies in action, and best of all there is no shortage of what other fly fishing shows seem almost to avoid: shots of the actual take! Personally speaking, this is the most exciting moment of the fishing show for me, and while our hardware throwing brethren realized long ago that their viewers love seeing the moment of the strike, somehow fly fishing producers find that to be a definite negotiable and I just don't get it. In fact, later in the DVD in a bonus section on Northern pike is the most incredible fly take I have ever seen in video, when a Pike comes almost vertically from below a fly and it's jaws snap shut over it like some scene from a Godzilla movie where the giant lizard eats a boat!
In this segment mr. Dahlberg performs an effective demonstration to show the physics behind casting with a fly line vs. casting any other way, showing how the weight of the line provides the power. this leads us into a segment on Largemouth bass which reiterates the crossover facts from bluegills, plus gives a where, when, why, how on the techniques and conditions for catching this larger cousin. He mentions that hsi favorite flies for hunting mr. Bucketmouth are the diver, popper, slider and skipper, and demonstrates each.
From here we go to casting instruction. Declaring stroke and timing to be the highest priority issues involved in casting, he uses a small wooded dog with bright orange wheels to demonstrate with tremendous clarity the role of timing. (You have to see it to believe it.)
From here he launches into casting instruction that includes the best videography of good and bad casting that I've seen to date. Demonstating hauling, roll casting, false casting, line control and other important factors in making your fish catching experience all it can be, I truly believe that a person could watch, pause, try, repeat and master all the basic casts. Mr. Dahlberg takes great pains to note the benefit of practicing in your backyard before even considering going near water! If you have a portable DVD player, this would be where it earns its' keep. take it outside with you as you practice.
The next segment covered is Smallmouth Bass fishing in rivers. This segment contains more great video of casting techniques and goes into boat control, detailed fish location and how to thoroughly work a pool.
While the topics are well covered, drift control is inexplicably left out. Perhaps more important to the trout fisherman, I think it does come into play at time with Smallmouth, especially when fishing a mayfly hatch. Otherwise another great segment.
Our next topic is knots, and this segment gives up close presentations of how to tie the accepted, effective knots going from tying the line to the reel all the way down to the tippet/fly connection. I was surprised to not hear a reminder of wetting the knot before tightening, a reminder I think should always be made.
From here is a brief tying segment which showed how to tie mr. Dahlbergs' favorite panfish fly, the Black Gnat, and one of his Dahlberg Divers. This segment would be best suited for someone who has already begun tying. It goes by very quickly and you'd need to know the basics of tying first. Though if you do, it'll be pretty simple to follow and make these two flies.
The last segment is on Northern Pike, and really seems more like a chance just to show another fish, as details are few. There isn't a plan given on where or when to find them on a given body of water, and more tackle details would've helped.
I am admittedly a Larry Dahlberg fan, that's what influenced me to buy this DVD in the first place. Still, for the beginning (1st or 2nd...even 3rd year) fly fisher who hasn't taken any classes, this video is an outstanding tutorial. Mr. Dahlbergs passion is evident, his instruction clear, and the video shows all. The experienced fly fisher may find that parts of the casting segment drag a bit, but I can recommend this DVD even for you because one day you'll wanna teach others how to fly fish, and even if you are already an effective teacher, (and especially if you aren't!) this DVD will add to your ability to teach.
For it's purpose, teaching the basics of fly fishing for bass and panfish, I give "Panfish and Fly Fishing Basics" a 10 out of 10. I paid $17.99 for it.
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