Not every fly fisher needs strike indicator fly fishing, but it does get the job done quicker. If you’re wondering what a strike indicator actually is, we’ve outlined it all below along with all the types you can find on the market and tips on how to use it.
Oh, and to round it all up, we’ve even reviewed five of the best strike indicators available.
What Is Strike Indicator Fly Fishing?
A strike indicator, also known as a sight bob, is used as a floating device when casting flies underwater to catch fish. It is attached to the fly line to add weight and this allows the nymph to suspend to the right depth and keep them there until a fish strikes at it.
When a fish gets caught on the fly, the strike indicator twitches on the water which allows anglers to reel their line back quickly and collect their gain. A strike indicator is especially helpful in deepwater.
What Are the Different Types of Strike Indicators?
There are actually multiple types of strike indicators, and though all of them are created for the same purpose, they have varying levels of bounce and benefits. It’s important to know which strike indicator is going to work for the fly fishing you intend to do. Here is the complete detail on a few of them.
Sighters
Used with a long leader, sighters serve to eliminate the guesswork on where the fly actually is underwater. It is best for anglers who’d like a non-suspension strike indicator when fly fishing. To add buoyancy, it is recommended to spread floatant around the sighter and keep little slack on the line.
Cork
The classic strike indicators, corks have been used by fly fishers for decades primarily for their incredible bounce which allows them to float on top of the water. They are easy to use, can be found anywhere, and require minimal effort to attach them to the fly line.
Foam
Most recommended for new fly fishers, foam style strike indicators are lightweight, easy to attach on the leader to the line, and have enough buoyancy that floatants needn’t be used. Not to mention, they are quite affordable too. Foam indicators are best used with heavyweight flies like nymphs.
Yarn
Most sensitive indicators to have been made, yarn strike bobbers are used with fine and light flies like midges or Blue-Winged Olives for their exceptionally light weight. They are cast in slow-moving currents with floatant and tend to react immediately when a fish strikes.
Bubble Rigs
Inspired by small balloons, bubble rig strike indicators are hollow inside which gives it the characteristic buoyancy and are designed in colorful styles for easy sighting. You can also find bubble rigs that glow in the dark and they are less likely to spook fish. They are best used with nymphs.
Do You Need a Strike Indicator?
Fly fishing is quite suspenseful, you never know what you’re going to catch under the water. Having a strike indicator fly fishing isn’t necessary but it levels up the chances of actually finding a fish and is a great tool to have – especially for novice fly fishers. It is also helpful if you’re tying up finer flies like dry flies as it creates heft on the line, ensuring they will sink underwater.
Expert Tips on How to Do Strike Indicator Fly Fishing
Strike indicators are easy to use but if not attached to the fly line correctly, it can cause a kink in the leader, snap the line underwater, or create unnecessary resistance when a fish actually strikes on the fly. To prevent all of that, here are a few tips to keep in mind while using a strike indicator fly fishing.
Lighten the Load
Strike indicators or sight bobbers are only used to tell when a fish catches on to a fly so, there is no need to add extra weight by using heavier indicators. Attaching small bobbers allows the fly line to be reeled back in without extra resistance.
Get easy-attach indicators
Always make sure the strike indicator you pick is easy to attach on the leader and does not require extra effort or special engineering. If you’re fly fishing in winter, it’s crucial to have an indicator that does not slip while wearing gloves and is easily attachable.
Consider visibility
A strike indicator’s main purpose is to show when the fly has been struck so make sure it’s colorful and don’t shy away from using bobbers that glow in the dark. They won’t spook fish as much and you’ll still be able to see where the fly is.
Create buoyancy
You want the strike indicator to float on top of water so it’s clearly visible, so pack a bottle of fly floatant and apply a small amount on the sight bob and this will help create the necessary bounce that helps it stay atop. Sighters usually can be used mid-drift underwater.
Get the Foolproof Indicators
Foam-style or ball-shaped indicators are best for all types of fishing scenarios as they are lightweight, easy to attach with cold hands, and don’t really need floatant to stay atop of water. Not to mention, they do not move with the wind or add resistance when casting the reel back.
5 Best Recommended Strike Indicators
Now that you’ve a solid idea on what to look for and all the types of strike indicators that are available, it is time you learn about the best five expert-recommended and industry-leading strike indicators fly fishing. We’ve reviewed them below, complete with their features, pros and cons.
1. Air-Lock 6 pack Fly Fishing Strike Indicator
The Air-Lock strike indicators come in a pack of 6 and are constructed in foam which makes it 30% lighter than most sight bobs. Casting a line in is easy with these strike indicators and efficient too since they don’t move with the wind.
Also, they are quite durable and hold up to water and wind resistance well meaning it’s less likely to crack, burst, or dent while floating atop. The foam construction adds softness to the bobber so it doesn’t scratch the face when the reel is pulled back quickly.
The Air-Lock foam strike indicators are biodegradable too meaning they can be composted but it takes a long time which is why they don’t disintegrate in water.
Features:
- 30% lighter weight
- Foam construction
- 25% greater suspension underwater
- Biodegradable/Compostable
- Anti-scratch
Pros
- Sensitive to nibbles, reacts immediately when a fish strikes on the fly
- Great with heavier flies like nymphs
- Attach straight and do not kink the leader
Cons
- The screw-nut can be lost in the water, extras are needed
2. WHYHKJ 10 pcs Fly Fishing Strike Indicator
Packaged with 10 pcs in the box, these WHYHKJ strike indicators offer more for less. They are constructed using foam which is why they are a foolproof addition to a fly fisher’s gear, especially a novice. Lightweight, easy to attach on the leader to the fly line, and highly visible – what more is needed!
The fluorescent yellow does not spook fish and slightly glows in the dark as well. Also, it’s sensitive to fish strikes so you’ll know when you’ve scored a good find.
It works best with light flies like midges and BWO’s. Also, it doesn’t sink.
Features:
- Water-drop shape
- Foam construction
- Easy to attach
- High visibility
- Fluorescent yellow color
Pros
- Easy to place on the fly line even with cold hands
- Has a great bounce, does not need much fly floatant
- The fluorescent yellow is less likely to spook fish
Cons
- May fall off when casting, need to be tightly wounded on the leader
3. Andux 12 pcs Fly Fishing Strike Indicator
The Andux strike indicators fly fishing come in a pack of 12 in assorted colors, each bright and almost neon. They are fairly large but do not add heft to the fly line meaning they do not cause resistance when casting the reel out.
Also, they come with a rubber o-ring which attaches to the leader effortlessly – great for novice anglers! The buoyancy is great, they float atop of water, resist wind, and do not sink despite their large size.
The Andux 12 pcs foam-style bobs work best with bigger flies like nymphs, streamers, and terrestrials and have a higher chance of catching bigger fish.
Features:
- Variety of colors
- Foam construction
- Strong buoyancy
- Rubber O-ring for leader attachment
Pros
- Lightweight, does not add much or any resistance to the cast when reeling back in
- Works with bigger flies like nymphs and streamers
- Easy to attach and adjust on the leader to the fly line
Cons
- May get water-logged after a short period of time
4. Gourami Fly Fishing Strike Indicator
Made of foam, the Gourami fly fishing strike indicators are exceptionally lightweight and do not add resistance or heft to the fly line which makes it easier to reel the cast back when a fish strikes.
They are fluorescent colored and larger in size than most foam bobs so it’s quite easy to spot them on the water even when the winds are high or the currents are big.
Also, the foam floats are slotted which makes adjusting them to the fly line easier for new fly fishers, seasoned anglers, as well as winter-time enthusiasts.
The Gourami foam strike indicators work best with small and fine flies like midges, dry flies, or BWO’s.
Features:
- Foam construction
- Highly visible
- Lightweight
- Easily adjustable
Pros
- Fluorescent design, very easy to spot them on water even in low-light conditions
- Great value for money, come in a pack of 15, and last for many seasons
Cons
- A single float won’t work with bigger flies like streamers or nymphs
5. CorQs Eco-Friendly Fly Fishing Strike Indicator
CorQs strike indicators have been lauded time and again for their efficiency and durability and their neon cork floats may just be the best ones. They are, as the name suggests, made of all-natural cork which is painted neon to increase visibility.
The cork bobs come in different sizes and can be used with a variety of flies. The ½” ones are as big as a dime and work great with midges. Additionally, they do not splash on the water noisily when the reel is casted which reduces the chances of the trout scattering away.
Features:
- Natural cork construction
- Neon-colored
- Eco-friendly
- Rubber O-ring attachment
- Lightweight
- Buoyant
- Small size
- Sensitive to fish strikes
Pros
- Highly visible, the neon cork floats are easy to see in the dark as well
- Rubber o-ring attachment, easy to handle with cold hands
- Do not kink the leader and work as a straightener instead
Cons
- The ½” floats may be too tiny to spot when the wind is high
Frequently Asked Questions:
Where do strike indicators go in fly fishing?
The general rule of thumb is to place strike indicators one and a half feet above the total depth of water the fly will be covering. For example, if the fly is sinking five feet deep then you’ll place the strike indicator six and a half feet up the leader from the fly.
Do strike indicators spook fish?
Yes, some strike indicators like bubble rigs do tend to spook fish when they splash on the water. However, if you use small and light sight bobs like a foam or a yarn indicator, they are less likely to send trout swimming away from the feeding ground.
Final Thoughts
Strike indicator fly fishing can yield greater success when used right and if you keep all the tips here in mind and a good quality sight bob packed in your fishing gear – maybe even a few different ones – there’s nothing stopping you from reeling in trout quickly and easily.
