George Daniel Demonstrates Euro-nymphing!

[jonbo]

George Daniel, Guru! Hey guys (mon amis, something, something?), put your berets on, grab your cigarette holder and a glass of chardonnay or pinot (something) and check out this YouTube put out by Orvis. It features George Daniel demonstrating euro-nymphing. Well, in the first part of it he discusses some really basic stuff about leader construction and what-not. A lot of us have already figured out the line-leader-sighter setup we want to use and this part doesn't add anything to what I already know. But at around 26min, 30sec, he starts getting into casting and rod-tip control. I found that part really informative. I noticed especially how still he keeps his rod arm and how carefully he strips line. Me, I flop it out there, drag my "team" down the river and wonder why nothing takes it. I don't think I've grasped the "finesse" aspect of euro-nymphing yet. Anyway, I think I learned quite a bit from about 26.5 minutes on.

[FlyAndStream]

Admittedly, I've never really watched or read any of his stuff much, though not for any particular reason. I think as with all these euro experts, it's good to pick up some direction then go set out to perfect your craft – building on what you've learned through time on the water. I've found there's never a simple shot in the arm, without on the water experience.

Though, you're right jonbo – you never really want to "drag your team of flies down the river."