Fly Fishing Insider Podcast
Mike Komara simplifies competition fly fishing by fishing a single fly, which gives more control and reduces tangles. Adjusting the casting angle changes the sink rate and depth of that fly. Walking the beat before a session to read the water and the fish's behavior is what sets up the whole approach.
Mike Komara is a competitive fisherman who fishes regional, interregional and national level competitions.
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How does competitive fly fishing actually work?
The average competition consists of about 12 anglers, with regional competitions being smaller and interregional competitions larger. Mike Komara explains that the nationals are the biggest and most intense level, running about 48 anglers.
Why fish a single fly instead of a multi-fly rig?
Mike Komara prefers a single fly because a single fly allows more control and reduces the chance of tangles. Fewer tangles means more time with the fly in the water, which matters under a competition clock.
How do you change the depth of your fly without changing flies?
Adjusting the casting angle changes the sink rate and depth of the fly. Mike Komara uses that adjustment to work different levels in the water column before reaching for a different pattern.
What is walking the beat before a session?
Walking the beat means covering the water before a session to understand the water itself and the fish's behavior in it. Mike Komara treats that preparation as essential, along with adapting as conditions change during a competition.
How do you find what the fish want?
Mike Komara experiments with different flies, sizes, and levels in the water column to find what works. Adjusting fly patterns and presentation techniques to entice fish is the ongoing process, not a decision made once at the start.
What does simplifying fly selection look like?
Mike Komara keeps fly selection simple and fishes close to structure for better chances of success. Jig streamers are highly effective in that approach, maintaining contact with the fly is crucial, and confidence in the fly on the end of the leader is the key to it all.
Key takeaways
- Nationals run about 48 anglers; the average competition is closer to 12.
- A single fly gives more control and fewer tangles than a multi-fly rig.
- Casting angle changes sink rate and depth without changing patterns.
- Walking the beat before a session reveals the water and fish behavior.
- Jig streamers work well when you maintain contact with the fly.
