Pond Boss Forums FISH & FISHING Fly Fishing & Other Fish Species Stubby Steve refresher

Hi Bill sounds like a fun project!

You want a hook that is light enough to float the pellet, strong enough not to straighten with a 10-40# GC screaming drag.

I've had luck with sz 8-10 octopus or baitholder hook.

If you're going after GC I'd recommend using mh spinning gear instead of your flyrod unless you have a 6 wt or bigger. If you attach a small spring bobber 4-6' above the hook it provides enough weight to cast. If GC are weary try using a 8-10# florocarbon leader below the float.

Fly fishing stubby steves is fun, but if you only have one shot at your GC before they get hookshy I'd approach it in a more utilitarian manner. That's what I do to remove brood SMB from my reproduction pond - don't have time to waste on missing them with a flyrod - I hook up much more reliably with the spinning rig.