How to Use Your Predator Fishing Rod

A Predator fishing rod is a fly rod used for fly fishing. The rod features a fast action and power for picking up line and larger fish. Yet you don't have to use a fly reel when using it. Instead, you can attach a spinning reel to the end of the rod and go fly fishing in a stream. With this method you can fish without the added effort of having to learn how to cast the line back and forth as you would in traditional fly fishing.

  1. Setting Up

    • Put the fishing rod together, ensuring that the eyes on the rod line up along the side. Feed the fishing line from the reel through the eyes on the rod. The type of line you use depends on the type of fish you try to catch. The larger the fish, the greater line weight you need. Tie a fly onto the line about 12 inches from the end and a second one 5 inches below the first one. Add weights to the bottom of the line so it drags along the bottom of the stream.

    Testing

    • After you add the weights to the bottom of the line, you need to test its action. Cast the line upstream and reel in the slack. Allow the flow of the stream to carry the line downstream. As it floats downstream, you should feel the line bump along the bottom of the stream. If the line doesn't bump along the bottom, but rather floats smoothly, you need more weights. Add more weights and test again.

    Casting

    • Once you have achieved the proper weight for the line to bump along the bottom of the stream, you can begin casting for fish. Cast the line as far upstream as you can. When the flies hit the water, reel in the slack. As the line drifts closer to you, reel in the slack to keep the line as taut as possible. You should continue to feel the line bump on the streambed. When you feel a stronger tug, followed by a brief pause, you likely have a bite.

    Reeling In

    • When you feel the stronger tug and pause, pull back on the line to set the hook. While this action can happen when the weights hit a rock or other obstruction, it is best to attempt to set the line to avoid missing out on a fish. Once you have set the hook, reel in the line as you would for any other type of fishing. Reel in the fish, letting out a little line if the fish struggles excessively to avoid breaking the line. Use a net to bring in the fish when it gets close enough.