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In the game of anadronmous chasing confidence is key.  Confidence in the water you step in, the set up and most importantly the fly. The steelhead fly, more a blend of mysticism and mojo than hard science to say the least. In any run there might be a player that will tank a skater, want a small traditional or only move on the biggest baddest what the hell ya gonna do about me monster Intruder. With no way of knowing except gut instinct and quasi rules “bright day bright fly..” trying to put steelhead in a box that they don’t want to go into.  More realisticly it is  “let’s try this”, the main ingredient is confidence. The best way to get that whether it is a pattern or color combo is beach some steel. The more the better to increase the confidence meter.  Enter stage left the “Bantam”. The last two seasons this little dude has help tail more steely dans for me than any other fly. Could my old stand bys or my “homegrown” variations done it on the same day? Maybe. Probably, but to me this sucker exudes confidence. I’d tie it on and fish it every day. It is a great size, not “too big”, not “too little” to feel like I am midging in an ocean. I like to feel that at least the fish in a pool got a peak at my offering. Really from that point in this game it is up to them. How far do they want to move and commit. That is a big if and when and can change from fish to fish day to day. The essence of steelheading, looking for a player.  The bantam isn’t a player he just crushes a lot.


Lots more flies and info at Idylwilde