[VFB] qUOTE

[Richard Zieger]

"Another problem occurs that can often be better seen when a fishing a popping bug.   The purpose of  stripping and then pausing before making another pull on the line is to allow you fly or bug to stop briefly, hopefully exciting the quarry.  But when the rod is held high, as most anglers do, or the tip is used to manipulate the fly, little or no pause ever occurs with your offering.  Tie on a popping bug and cast it out on the water, and you'll be better able to see what I mean.  Flip the rod tip up and down, activating the popping bug, but keep the rod tip above the level of your waist or belt.  Watch the bug; it will keep moving for an extended period after the rod tip has stops moving.  When the rod flip up, the line is pilled taut, dragging the bug nearer.  As the rod stops but is held a few feet from the surface, a sag occurs in the line between the rod tip and the surface.  This gradual sagging of the line continues to drag the line toward the angler.  But if the rod tip is held at or slightly under the surface, each pause during the stripping routine guaranties that the fly or bug also stops moving."   "Advanced Fly Fishing Techniques"  by Lefty  Kreh   Rick