The tube, eerily similar to a tube of ChapStick, has lingered at the bottom of my fishing bag until I happened upon it again last week. I was out fishing for the evening so I decided to add it to the bottom of my waist pack and use it if I remembered in the height of the fishing.
As dark fell hard in a deeply shadowed bend pool, I could no longer see my fly. Out came the glow in the dark floatant. I place a dab on the Usual followed by exposure to my headlamp. In short order both the fish and I could see the fly better. Perfect.
Yet it felt like cheating.
With all the new technology available to us, where does one draw the line?
I think this stuff might have other applications.
ReplyDeleteThat's all I'm saying.
No doubt. Probably some cold weather applications....
DeleteCheating looks like fun.
ReplyDeleteTis
DeleteIn Chariots of Fire, Eric Liddell says, "My arrogance, sir, extends just as far as my conscience demands." For purposes of this discussion, "arrogance" can easily by swapped out for "sense of fair play." So if it feels like cheating to you, it is. It may not be to others. Me? I'd be interested in trying it at some point just to see what it feels like.
ReplyDeleteOn the other hand, there's something deeply poetic about squinting your eyes in a desperate attempt to see that Light Cahill in the gloaming...was that a rise? I'll raise the rod tip....yes. Fish on.
I think I would miss that.
Steve Culton
I have a spare tube. I'll bring it in November.
DeleteSteve, this is a take it or leave it proposition depending on the specific anglers view or beliefs. I mean there is so much other fly fishing (get the edge)tomfoolery out there that I don't think this item tips the scale. In fact, I see it as interesting and worth the time if you fish under the conditions you describe.
ReplyDeleteYup, the right tool for the right job. Certainly worked well.
DeleteI'm for anything that can keep my fishing longer! I would worry about the light spookin the fish, but I'm sure there are ways around that. If we didnt move forward with technological advances of the sport, we would all be using cat gut leaders, non-fluorescent coloured lines, etc.
ReplyDeleteThe fish didn't seem to mind.
DeleteI like the conundrum and am not sure what I would do... If there were lightning bugs popping off, I just might use the floatant. On the other hand, I might also throw a big popper instead (mice, that sort of thing). Both create attention - and I think when fishing, its perfectly fair play to create attention.
Delete