George Daniel is a bug chucking legend. My man has written several books and has appeared on many covers. He is extremely well known within the fly-fishing community. George would be on Mount Rushmore. He competed in five World Championships. Daniel has also coached the US National Team on four other occasions. He has traveled all over the globe and has learned from the very best anglers in the world.
George’s true passion is fly-fishing education. He appears at many clubs and fly-fishing shows around the country. George conducts hundreds of lectures. He also tallies more than 280 days on the water throughout the year. George Daniel is currently the Director and Lead Instructor for the Pennsylvania State University Fly-Fishing Program.
I know George quite well. Well, I only met him twice. But we follow each other on Instagram. I guess you can say that we are boys. He is the man — my idol in terms of bug chucking. The guy makes it look so easy.
I caught up with George a few weeks back. He was giving a short presentation on “Advanced Streamer Tactics” in front of a small, wealthy crowd at Bald Birds. Hudock Financial sponsored the event. I knew many folks in the stands.
George Daniel is very soft-spoken. Humble and tells some great stories. He talked to us for 45 minutes about improving streamer fishing. He had some amazing footage. George is a master, and I learned so much. I fish more than most, and my skills don’t even come close. Fishing to George is a science. I was intrigued with his passion and fancy wording. I got goosebumps when he showed off a few photos of fishing in Yellowstone. I am relatively new to streamers, but George gave me the much-needed pep talk. I will give her a shot.
Streamer fishing is hands down the most active and exciting way to chase fish with a fly rod. It’s all about the retrieve and creating action with your fly. This is what fools fish into believing they’re attacking small prey. Unlike other types of fly fishing, where we strive for a drag-free drift, fishing streamers are more like reeling in a spinner on a spin rod. You are basically retrieving a lure to make a fish give chase.
Streamers are much larger than the usual dry and tiny wet flies. They mimic small baitfish instead of insects. They are totally different. You want to fish streamers like you are working your favorite bass plug. Get them close to structures, big boulders, and undercuts. There are many different styles and techniques. I started simple and have been using the 6-inch strip. I make a cast downstream and bounce my fly. I slightly pull on my line. Some folks will call this method the 6-inch strip. I have my presentation move in the current. This action usually triggers a savage strike. I caught three fish on my muddler minnow the other night.
Streamer fishing is just another way to catch fish. It may provide some results when others don’t work. George provided me with some basics. I patiently waited to say hello when he was done. There was an old guy who was dropping names in front. He went on and on about how he was a fan. George was very modest. I had several things that I wanted to ask him. But I totally choked when it was my turn. HEY GEORGE. JAMIE SPENCER. Yes. How are you? Man. You guys had a great season. THANKS, MAN. MIND IF I GET A QUICK SELFIE? I told my mother it was like her getting a photo with Barbara Streisand. Tight lines.
