Nevada State Record Rainbow Trout
A Laughing River Sucess Story

E-Mail to John Smeraglio
February 20, 2011
Subject: Great Videos & Thanks

I'm new to fly fishing, having caught my first trout on a fly March of 2010.  At 64 years of age I am in a hurry to learn, and so picked up your, along with Hafele, video "Advanced Nymph Fishing".  Before watching this video I was a miserable nymph fly fisherman, but after watching it a couple of times I've advanced to nearly competent.

My great story is that I just caught a 16 lb, 8 oz rainbow trout, which is a new NV State Record.  Two tips from your video really helped me, and these were move and if it isn't working change.  The first tip allowed me to catch my first trout on a nymph (yep, in a year it was wooly buggers, streamers, and dry flies for success).

I was determined to catch something on a nymph.  On a trip to Ruby Lake NWR I was fishing a section of the collection ditch and when there was no strike I would move a foot and then make another few casts.  Nothing struck and I moved again.  I walked maybe 30 yards up the bank when I tied into a nice little rainbow with a gold-ribbed Hare's Ear.  It was thrilling and all of a sudden I could catch them.  Fishing is fun; being outdoors is fun; they are even more fun when you catch a few fish.

One evening towards dark, pockets and seams became clear to me.  I can't explain why, but all of a sudden I could visualize fish habitat.  I saw a spot where two currents converged over a hole and there was a long line of foam on top.  I just new there was a good trout in it.  I made a couple of casts and tied into a 10.5 pound trout.  What a thrill.  Darkness fell and I went home.

As soon as I could I was back -- who doesn't go back when they catch a big one?

On my return the Hair's Ear wasn't working.  So I changed -- tip two -- to a stonefly nymph I happened to tie the night before.  On the 2nd cast into that hole, the water exploded.  There was splashing, flashing and best of all a screaming fly reel.  It was a challenge to land that hog with my 5-wt fly rod, but I got it done.

Anyway, you were part of my success and I wanted to say thanks.  Your video is great.  I love the humor and you do a very nice job of synthesizing the material.

Mike Mott

Link to Elko Daily Newspaper article:   
    http://elkodaily.com/lifestyles/article

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