[pork]

I might have posted this one before, I don't remember. Anyhow, I'm still refining it a bit. When leaves are in the water, I point the hook upwards and the hackle stems act as a sort of "weed guard." Not 100% effective, but much less frustrating than pulling leaves off a conventional hook after every other cast. It loses it's keel, but the fish haven't seemed to mind so far.

 

[fredaevans]

Not an original thought, but it works.

Given this is a tube, and the hook is separate, take a bit of 10# leader and tie at the eye the other end just above the hook point. What you've got now is a 'weed guard.' Not to worry if a fish does a CHOMP! the bit on the hook just folds off to the side.

fae

 

[Bwana Bill]

Nice Ally's, Ben. I never thought of tying one on a tube- going to have to give it a go.

I feel your frustration with the leaves, some days I can't get five feet of a swing started without snagging one!!

-Bill

 

[reelstory]

That would be a great choice, IMO, for late October on the Margaree when the leaves are a plenty with your hook idea. The Alley is a fly that I can depend on there.