Rattles in Flies....

[Darian]

This subject came up on Blanton's BB and in the discussion, the following information was posted about the hearing capabilities of Stripers and other fish:

"....The Virginia Institute of Marine Science tested the hearing of stripers. They connected a probe to the ear nerve and exposed the fish to various sounds, and recorded the response (if any) in the nerve. They concluded that stripers cannot hear the small glass and plastic rattles that are typically used in flies. I do not think the research findings on stripers are available on line but I will look. Dr. Horodysky did the research, and at a seminar he summarized that stripers (and many more inshore fish) do not hear the little rattles. They did hear the larger buckshot-size rattling sound made by plugs (like a rattletrap). He also did not think they could hear conversations in a boat. So we don't need to speak softly in a boat. They also cannot hear the high frequencies of a fish finder. Interestingly, menhaden (a favorite food of dolphins and whales) could hear high frequencies of these predator's sonar!

I quit using rattles on most flies after hearing his talk. I have not noticed any difference. Some of his work is here...

https://science.hamptonu.edu/mes/faculty/horodysky.cfm"

Many fly guys/guides use rattles in their flies and are sold on their effectiveness. Maybe this info will help in making choices. Food for thought when tying/using flies for Stripers.