How to fish a booby fly
Booby fishing flies are specialised flies for rainbow trout used in fly fishing, particularly for targeting trout in stillwaters such as lakes and reservoirs. These flies are characterised by their unique design, which includes buoyant foam or buoyant eyes that cause the fly to suspend just below the water's surface. We can only speculate where the name "booby" comes from. The buoyant nature of these flies allows them to attract trout enticing fish to take. Booby flies are often used with sinking lines, can be used solo or on a cast with other flies. A popular technique is to also use the booby fly as an attractor with more natural flies on the cast. If a fish is initially interested in the high-viz booby, the other flies can be taken as a substitute.
Buying booby flies
Before making a purchase of booby fishing flies, there are several things to consider. First and foremost, you should assess the specific fishing conditions you'll encounter. Booby flies are highly effective in stillwaters, so if you predominantly fish in lakes, reservoirs or ponds for rainbow trout, they could be a valuable addition to your fly collection. However, if you primarily fish in rivers or streams, booby flies might not be as effective, as they are specifically designed for commercial fisheries.
The colour and size of the booby fly are crucial factors to think about. The colour of booby used can play a vital role in your success, have a range of colours so you can try out each one and identify which is best.
When fishing with booby flies, there is a specific technique you should employ to maximise their effectiveness. The key is to create an enticing, aggressive figure of eight-jerky motion with the fly. This can be achieved by using a slow retrieve with short, sharp pulls or twitches. The fly's buoyant eyes will cause it to dart and dive, imitating a wounded or struggling prey, which triggers the predatory instincts of the fish. The erratic action combined with the fly's buoyancy makes it an irresistible target for fish, prompting them to strike.
In conclusion, booby fishing flies are valuable tools for stillwater fly fishing, particularly for trout and other species. When purchasing booby flies, consider the fishing conditions, the target species, the colour and size of the flies. To fish with booby flies effectively, use a slow retrieve with short, jerky pulls to create an enticing and erratic motion that imitates wounded prey. With the right approach, booby flies can become a go-to choice in your fly box when you're out on the water.