Figure of 8 Retrieve

[Pross]

I have seen / heard the figure of 8 retrieve mentioned lots but I'm not sure exactly what it is and when it is used. Can anyone describe it for me (I know these things are difficult to put into words!)?

[Old Smoothound]

Originally Posted by Pross

Can anyone describe it for me (I know these things are difficult to put into words!)?

Sorry Pross,

But it is very difficult to describe this retrieve, but here goes.

Hold the fly line in your left hand whilst trapping the line against the handle of your rod with your right hand (right hand if you are left handed) lay the line accross your hand where your fingers meet your palm.

Now for the tricky bit.....bend your wrist and "climb" your fingers up the line. This is done by using the thumb and index finger and you little finger and at the same time bending all of your fingers. A fold of line sits in your palm in the sahpe of a figure of 8, repeat the process until all the line you want to retrieve is in.

This is by far the most versatile of retrieves as it can be varied at sped or slowly or a bit of both. It generally brings the fly back through the water on a level plane. if the speed is correct.

I hope this helps.

[Pross]

Think so, I've seen it done on TV but wasn't sure if it was the right thing as I expected the hand to be doing some kind of figure of 8 so it makes a bit of sense now. I'll have to try it when I finally get a chance to get the fly rod out!

[codlin']

aye aye-once you master it its a doddle and by far the best retrieve for nymphing and working buzzers-once youve found the depth the fish are at the figure of 8 keeps your flies in the zone longer.try varying the speed too ive found that nymphs retrived slow with a couple of sharp twitches often enduces a take-hope this helps!!