hip wrote:In general, ( there are of course other exceptions) once you start using your fly rod to target fish outside of the Trout / river world your basically just trying to mimic the tactics the conventional guys are using.
Yes! Exactly!
But I do think in some of those exception cases, the fly setup has an advantage and that's being able to control the line directly with your hand. Slow dragging baits on the bottom, twitches, *, and long sweeps can be done with a fly setup in ways you just can't do with conventional gear. With the gear, you usually have to use your rod to do the action, which works well for certain cases. And I don't think you can re-create the action a clouser type bait pattern makes when stripped with conventional gear. Reeling up the slack is what messes it all up. And for the same reason, you'd probably be able to do much nicer "walk-the-dog" type topwater retrieves.
I guess what I'm getting at is what I've been wanted to do for a while but haven't had the chance to, purists cover your eyes... taking traditional bass baits and fishing them on a fly rod. Shocking, I know, but throwing a Senko, or a lizard/crawfish plastic with a fly setup would work great. You would have so much more control on the action. You also delete the annoying step of having to reel in slack after supplying movement by sweeping the rod tip.
The single largest disadvantage for fly fishing bass is getting the bait in certain tight spots. It's much easier to pitch baits to structure, into coves, and under docks with conventional gear.
Also, various density lines are perfect for fishing suspended fish. Not so easy to do with anything besides a suspending crankbait. Great for the Fall when the fish key in on the shad balls in deeper water.
So, ya, do what Jon said, fish similar baits (if not the same!) in similar ways. Take your sinking line and tie on a 6" Roboworm and drag it along the bottom in the weeds or the shallow banks.