Fishing with Rod Discussion Forum

Fishing in British Columbia => Fly Fishing Cafe => Topic started by: VAGAbond on November 14, 2010, 02:57:12 PM

Title: Ultraviolet U/V in flies
Post by: VAGAbond on November 14, 2010, 02:57:12 PM
Does U/V material make flies much better?   What kind of flies:   Clouser minnows for the ocean or cronnies or as an accent  touch on any wet fly or salmon or steelhead flies????

Just wondering what the experience has been.
Title: Re: Ultraviolet U/V in flies
Post by: VAGAbond on November 14, 2010, 07:52:02 PM
Came across a good discussion of UV use in flies at :

http://www.washingtonflyfishing.com/board/showthread.php/71930-UV-Flies
Title: Re: Ultraviolet U/V in flies
Post by: newsman on November 14, 2010, 09:08:52 PM
I have been experimenting with it. It certainly make my flies more visible to me. I have seen my UV patterns spook fish in clear shallow water. As for deeper water they seem to be more productive, but more experimentation is needed. It is a tuff code to crack since colors change with depth and water color. On the other hand orange UV had the sockeye slamming my flies on the Thompson. That is right orange; go figure.
Title: Re: Ultraviolet U/V in flies
Post by: Todd Oishi on November 17, 2010, 12:33:06 PM
UV reflective and fluorescing fly tying materials create a glowing effect that stimulates the trout’s natural curiosity and has the potential to trigger their aggressive nature. Adding materials that possess these qualities, to create “hot spots” on fly patterns, in areas such as the thorax, head, wings or wing-case, can increase the visibility and appeal of many traditional fly patterns.

Keep in mind that they are more effective at times when UVA light wavelengths are the dominant source of lighting, and that using too much can have an adverse effect...
Title: Re: Ultraviolet U/V in flies
Post by: Kype on November 17, 2010, 04:29:05 PM
These have been on the go for a number of years on British waters and like all things new they were the 'in thing' for a while - but after quite a trial period I for one thought they actually caught fewer fish.  More important was the presentation (i.e. right fly type, right depth & right retrieve/movement). 

Would be interesting to hear if anyone found they caught more as a result?

Personally think scent has more importance.  ::)
Title: Re: Ultraviolet U/V in flies
Post by: Todd Oishi on November 17, 2010, 04:44:47 PM
Would be interesting to hear if anyone found they caught more as a result?

I can say with 100% certainty that I have caught more fish as a result. The key is to know when and where it is beneficial to use it, as well as its limitations. Like many other things in life, it isn't the be-all and end-all, but it does have its moments when it can truly make a difference...
Title: Re: Ultraviolet U/V in flies
Post by: Kype on November 17, 2010, 04:56:07 PM
Fair play to you Tyson.  Glad to hear you got it to work.
Title: Re: Ultraviolet U/V in flies
Post by: wizard on November 19, 2010, 01:07:48 PM
I can attest that cutties like the uv.  my biggest cutty (21) inches was caught on a purplish uv bead head leech on a type 6 sinking line with all the line out, this year.  have also caught many rainbows on the same pattern.   I'll be experimenting more this winter.