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Listen "Indicator Size Matters: Small, Medium, Large When to Use What?"
Episode Synopsis
Indicator Size Matters: Small, Medium, Large When to Use What?
Stillwater anglers often ask: does indicator size really matter? The answer is yes and picking the wrong size can cost you fish. This episode breaks down exactly when to use small, medium, or large indicators to match your conditions and fly setup.
Episode Intro
Welcome to the Stillwater Edge Podcast, I’m your host Greg Keenan. Today we’re tackling a crucial but often overlooked topic: indicator size. Whether you’re fishing tiny chironomids on glassy water or chucking big balanced leeches in a wind chop, using the wrong indicator can mess up your presentation, kill sensitivity, and reduce hookups. I’ll walk you through the specific times and reasons to use small, medium, or large quick release foam indicators especially for BC style Stillwater setups.
Key Takeaways
Small Indicators: When Stealth Counts
Ideal for calm conditions, clear water, and light flies
Less water disturbance = better stealth
Sensitive to subtle takes, great for spooky fish
Natural drift in glassy water
Best for spring/summer cruising fish near the surface
Medium Indicators: The Daily Driver
Best all around choice for mixed conditions
Handles light chop, heavier flies, and variable depths
Supports tungsten beadheads and longer leaders
Great visibility without being intrusive
Saves time when switching flies or depth on the same rig
Best option when you're unsure or exploring new water
Large Indicators: Built for Tough Conditions
Use in strong wind, rough surface, or when visibility is critical
Perfect for deep water, long leaders (20+ feet), and heavy flies
Buoyant enough to suspend heavy rigs without sinking
Easy to track in low light or at a distance
Go big when fishing wind lanes, drop-offs, or bulky gear
Outro
Indicator size isn’t just preference it’s a performance tool. Match your size to the conditions, fly weight, and depth to maximize your chances on the water. Small = stealth, medium = balance, large = stability in rough weather. If this helped, follow the podcast, share it with your fishing crew, and hit me up with your indicator questions on Instagram or my website. As always tight lines, and I’ll see you on the water.
Stillwater anglers often ask: does indicator size really matter? The answer is yes and picking the wrong size can cost you fish. This episode breaks down exactly when to use small, medium, or large indicators to match your conditions and fly setup.
Episode Intro
Welcome to the Stillwater Edge Podcast, I’m your host Greg Keenan. Today we’re tackling a crucial but often overlooked topic: indicator size. Whether you’re fishing tiny chironomids on glassy water or chucking big balanced leeches in a wind chop, using the wrong indicator can mess up your presentation, kill sensitivity, and reduce hookups. I’ll walk you through the specific times and reasons to use small, medium, or large quick release foam indicators especially for BC style Stillwater setups.
Key Takeaways
Small Indicators: When Stealth Counts
Ideal for calm conditions, clear water, and light flies
Less water disturbance = better stealth
Sensitive to subtle takes, great for spooky fish
Natural drift in glassy water
Best for spring/summer cruising fish near the surface
Medium Indicators: The Daily Driver
Best all around choice for mixed conditions
Handles light chop, heavier flies, and variable depths
Supports tungsten beadheads and longer leaders
Great visibility without being intrusive
Saves time when switching flies or depth on the same rig
Best option when you're unsure or exploring new water
Large Indicators: Built for Tough Conditions
Use in strong wind, rough surface, or when visibility is critical
Perfect for deep water, long leaders (20+ feet), and heavy flies
Buoyant enough to suspend heavy rigs without sinking
Easy to track in low light or at a distance
Go big when fishing wind lanes, drop-offs, or bulky gear
Outro
Indicator size isn’t just preference it’s a performance tool. Match your size to the conditions, fly weight, and depth to maximize your chances on the water. Small = stealth, medium = balance, large = stability in rough weather. If this helped, follow the podcast, share it with your fishing crew, and hit me up with your indicator questions on Instagram or my website. As always tight lines, and I’ll see you on the water.
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