Strike Indicator Instructions
If you would like to view a short On The Water Instructional Video of the proper use of fly fishing with strike indicators then click on this link. It's a perfect demonstration of the things that can happen to you while fly fishing with strike indicators. A great film clip demonstrated by Professional Guide Karl Weixlmann and filmed by George Douglas, owner of Kype Magazine. Strike Indicator Fly Fishing On Steelhead Alley. www.youtube.com/watch?v=uvO6tGw_Odw
It's easy to use the strike indicators made by Float Master Products. Float Master Strike Indicators can be put to use within a matter of seconds even on a pre-existing set up. You never have to cut anything off of your line to put them to use, or to remove them from your line. There is two different shapes of indicators (Round & Teardrop) and both are set up the same way. The best way to put them to use is to remove the rubber tubing from the top of the indicator and hold it between your teeth. You will want to moisten the tubing while it's there. Select a location on your leader fairly close to the depth you intend to fish. Now fold your leader in half making a small loop. Insert the loop thru the hole in the bottom of the indicator and push it thru the hole until the loop is exposed out of the top about 1/4 to 1/2 inch. Now place the moistened rubber tube half way thru the loop in the leader and pull down on both halfs of the doubled over leader that is sticking out of the bottom. Pull the indicator and doubled over leader in opposite directions. This will draw the rubber tubing into the hole in the top of the indicator, folding the rubber tubing in half and securing the indicator on your leader. Pull on this just enough until the rubber tubing reaches about half way into the indicator. Leave a small portion of the rubber tubing remaining from the top of the indicator (about 1/8 inch) as this will keep the indicator from flying off of your leader while casting, or fighting a fish. The rubber tubing also doubles as a shock absorber while battling the fish, minimizing your chances of breaking the weakest point of your connection between the fly rod and the fish.
To make a simple depth adjustment, just moisten your leader in the water and slide the indicator up or down the line. The moisture from the water will lubricate the rubber tubing and your line, extending the life of both rubber tubing and leader. It is wise to inspect your indicator setting and the position of the rubber tubing after every fish or every snag. Reset your indicator if the rubber tubing has been pulled flush with or below the top of the indicator,or if the rubber tubing is exposed out of the bottom. The strongest line retention will occur when the fold in the rubber tubing is inside the middle of the indicator. This will minimize any chances of loss of the indicator.
Removing and Resetting the Indicator
To remove the indicator from your leader you can just pull the tubing out of the top and simply slide the indicator off of your line, or by extending your index and forefinger together from one hand and wrap the leader around both fingers one time. Hold the indicator in the other hand and pull in opposite directions just enough to expose the rubber tubing out of the bottom of the indicator. Once you reach this position, Pinch the rubber tubing with your index finger and thumb and continue to pull in opposite directions until the indicator pops off of the rubber tubing. You can always reset your indicator and go back to fishing or just replace the rubber tubing straight into the hole in the top of the indicator and put it back in the resealable package.
The rubber tubing is interchangable throughout nine of the ten different sizes of indicators that Float Master Products makes. The only exception is the 1" teardrop indicators. Because of it's size, a larger diameter piece of rubber tubing in required in this application to achieve 100% line retention.
It's easy to use the strike indicators made by Float Master Products. Float Master Strike Indicators can be put to use within a matter of seconds even on a pre-existing set up. You never have to cut anything off of your line to put them to use, or to remove them from your line. There is two different shapes of indicators (Round & Teardrop) and both are set up the same way. The best way to put them to use is to remove the rubber tubing from the top of the indicator and hold it between your teeth. You will want to moisten the tubing while it's there. Select a location on your leader fairly close to the depth you intend to fish. Now fold your leader in half making a small loop. Insert the loop thru the hole in the bottom of the indicator and push it thru the hole until the loop is exposed out of the top about 1/4 to 1/2 inch. Now place the moistened rubber tube half way thru the loop in the leader and pull down on both halfs of the doubled over leader that is sticking out of the bottom. Pull the indicator and doubled over leader in opposite directions. This will draw the rubber tubing into the hole in the top of the indicator, folding the rubber tubing in half and securing the indicator on your leader. Pull on this just enough until the rubber tubing reaches about half way into the indicator. Leave a small portion of the rubber tubing remaining from the top of the indicator (about 1/8 inch) as this will keep the indicator from flying off of your leader while casting, or fighting a fish. The rubber tubing also doubles as a shock absorber while battling the fish, minimizing your chances of breaking the weakest point of your connection between the fly rod and the fish.
To make a simple depth adjustment, just moisten your leader in the water and slide the indicator up or down the line. The moisture from the water will lubricate the rubber tubing and your line, extending the life of both rubber tubing and leader. It is wise to inspect your indicator setting and the position of the rubber tubing after every fish or every snag. Reset your indicator if the rubber tubing has been pulled flush with or below the top of the indicator,or if the rubber tubing is exposed out of the bottom. The strongest line retention will occur when the fold in the rubber tubing is inside the middle of the indicator. This will minimize any chances of loss of the indicator.
Removing and Resetting the Indicator
To remove the indicator from your leader you can just pull the tubing out of the top and simply slide the indicator off of your line, or by extending your index and forefinger together from one hand and wrap the leader around both fingers one time. Hold the indicator in the other hand and pull in opposite directions just enough to expose the rubber tubing out of the bottom of the indicator. Once you reach this position, Pinch the rubber tubing with your index finger and thumb and continue to pull in opposite directions until the indicator pops off of the rubber tubing. You can always reset your indicator and go back to fishing or just replace the rubber tubing straight into the hole in the top of the indicator and put it back in the resealable package.
The rubber tubing is interchangable throughout nine of the ten different sizes of indicators that Float Master Products makes. The only exception is the 1" teardrop indicators. Because of it's size, a larger diameter piece of rubber tubing in required in this application to achieve 100% line retention.