The Rise of Fly Fishing for Bass: Inside the Bug Toss Bass Tournament and the Future of the Sport
Explore the rise of fly fishing for bass, the Bug Toss Bass Tournament, float-and-fly techniques, and where the sport is headed next.
Spring Reset: 5 Tying Tips for Baitfish Season with Jon Ray
Spring has a way of resetting everything. It’s the start of a new season, but also a reminder of what got left behind. Open your fly boxes and you’ll usually find a mix of what worked and what didn’t, along with a few patterns that have seen better days. This time of year is about clearing space, getting organized, and sitting back down at the vise with purpose. For me, that means focusing on baitfish, dialing in small details, and getting ready for whatever conditions show up once the water starts moving. Here are 5 tips to keep in mind when tying this Spring.
1. START FRESH
Don’t carry over last season’s mistakes. If a fly is questionable, it’s gone. Spring fishing isn’t the time to second guess your box.
2. BUILD AROUND BAITFISH AND CONDITIONS
Spring fish are keyed in on baitfish, but conditions drive everything. High water, changing visibility, and varying flows all matter. Tie a range of sizes and profiles so you’re ready for whatever shows up.
3. USE UV TO UNDERSTAND AND CONTROL YOUR FLIES
One of the main tools I rely on is the Loon UV Plasma Light. It’s part of my tying process, but also how I think about how flies show up underwater. It’s rechargeable, powerful, and consistent. When you’re working with UV materials, that matters.
4. ADD COLOR WITH INTENTION
Paired with Loon UV Colored Fly Finish, you can control how much a fly stands out. On smaller baitfish patterns like Alvin’s, a touch of Hot Orange under a balanced minnow can make a big difference in soft current. On larger streamers, finishing with a hint of Hot Green adds just enough chartreuse to get noticed without overpowering the fly.
5. STAY ORGANIZED
Flashabou has become a staple in my smallmouth and steelhead patterns, but it can get out of hand fast. Using bench rings to organize by species keeps things simple. One ring for steelhead, one for smallmouth. Less time digging, more time tying.
FINAL THOUGHT
Spring tying isn’t about filling boxes. It’s about being ready. Tie with intention, focus on the details, and keep moving forward.
