Boobies on stillwaters: line, leader and retrieve
Course pack: Booby count-down log and retrieve card. Coach Willy, our virtual AI coach, can explain each step, set you a practice task and check your understanding.
Who it's for
You've done the basics and want to tighten things up. Aimed at trout.
Where and when
Done on the bank. Best in: all.
What you'll work through
- 1Check the rules and when a booby makes sense
- 2Set up a sinking line and short leader
- 3Count down and retrieve with purpose
- 4Handle takes and fish care
Step 1: Check the rules and when a booby makes sense
Alright mate, let's get stuck into boobies on stillwaters: line, leader and retrieve. I'll walk you through what to look for, what to try and how to tell whether it helped. We'll start with check the rules and when a booby makes sense, then work through a proper practice job at each step. Take it at your own pace and keep a few notes so you've got a useful plan for next time.
By the end of this step
Have a go at: check the rules and when a booby makes sense.
Willy’s take
Right, before you even think about tying a Booby on, check the rulebook for the water you're fishing. Loads of fisheries don't allow Boobies at all, and plenty that do only allow them on retained-fish days, not catch-and-release ones, because the buoyant eyes sit the fly up near the trout's mouth and it can get taken right down deep.
If you're planning to return your fish, a Booby isn't the kind thing to pick, full stop, even if it's technically allowed. Ring the fishery or check the website before you set off, not when you're already stood on the peg with one tied on.
Have a proper look at your net and forceps too, because if you do end up with a deep hook you want to be ready to deal with it calmly and quickly, with wet hands and no rushing about.
Kit I'd start with
- For deep Booby work on stillwaters, start with your usual fly outfit matched to a fast sinking line, something like a Di-7 as a sensible starting point, with a reel that holds the line plus backing comfortably.
- A leader of roughly 5 to 8ft of 8-10lb fluorocarbon is a reasonable starting length for the cited deep approach, kept short so the buoyant fly doesn't fight too hard against the sinking line.
- Carry a small selection of balanced Boobies with symmetrical eyes so they don't spin on the retrieve, in a size or two until you know what the water wants. Always carry a proper landing net and forceps, and appropriate humane dispatch gear if you're fishing a retained-fish water. Eye protection matters as much here as any other fly session.
- Spend your money on a decent sinking line and solid fish-care kit before chasing fancy flies, and always check the specific fishery's rules on Boobies before you buy anything special for a trip, since some venues ban them outright regardless of how good your kit is.
On the bank
Worked example
Imagine this: You've booked a day ticket on a reservoir and fancy fishing a Booby deep, but you're not sure whether this particular water allows them or whether today's ticket is catch-and-release only.
Your turn: Check the rules and when a booby makes sense
- 1
Check the fishery rules for Boobies before you go
- 2
Confirm whether today is retained-fish or catch-and-release
That's the free sample — this is where it stops
The full step keeps going with the rest of the practice job, common mistakes and fixes, a check-your-understanding quiz and your Booby count-down log and retrieve card. Then 3 more steps, each with its own task, and Coach Willy on hand to talk it through.
Start this course free ↓
You've read the free sample
Start this course free
Free members choose one available course per calendar month. Joining doesn't use your choice — you pick when you're ready.
Join free to start this course