Pensacola Fishing Forum / Misc. Forums / Fly Fishing

Barramundi on the Fly in Florida

captken — Mon, 10 Nov 2008 19:06:16 GMT

My son and a friend went Barramundi fishing somewhere near Lakeland yesterday. Hr caught at least 20 on his fly rod and most were in the 8-10# range. He said it was a hoot.

I plan to go with him next time he goes. I'll post photos we=hen I get home.

fly rod blanks for sale

fishindad1 — Mon, 24 Nov 2008 10:50:35 GMT

I have 5 fiber glass fly rods older but good reel seats and would make a good winter retie project all need to be retied with new eyes and are lengths between 7 and 9 ft and various weights. I do not know how to tell the different weights. I would like 10 dollars apeice for them or would give 4 to have one tied fcr me. If someone had the patience to teach me how to tie one, then I would tie them all myself and sell them in the spring. you can call me at (850) 916-o219 to make arrangements to see them. I am new to fly fishing but I am learning and really enjoying it. I go to Maine every year to visit my in-laws and I pick up a few hand tied salt-water flys up there.

12 Weight Fly Reel Selection Help

true-king — Tue, 11 Nov 2008 16:37:37 GMT

I was just looking for an affordable 12 weight fly reel, but couldn't find any. They were all so expensive. I have a rod picked out, but I was looking for a reel for less than $200. Help me out.

Fuhrer48

Fuhrer48 — Mon, 24 Nov 2008 15:09:41 GMT

I was just curious if any of you boatless folks have been able to stick a bonita from the beach on a fly rod? If so how did you go about doing it and what sort of fly did you use? My buddy and I have been talkin about it a lot and we have made it a goal of ours for the winter. Anybody that has had any luck doing so hope to hear some feedback!

Giving back... Polar Fiber Minnow Recipe

asago — Thu, 20 Nov 2008 19:41:54 GMT

Only been on this forum a month or so but have learned so much... want to give back a little, here's a recipe I use (written by a friend of mine) for what I think is the most versatile fly (sw and fresh)

In my experience, this is the most useful, versatile, and durable fly there is. It is easy to tie and its realism is unmatched by most streamer patterns. Use this fly and you are certain to become a believer. The version illustrated here, Gray on White, is what I use most often in both fresh and saltwater. The fly will be about 4 inches long.

Materials List

Hook: Gamakatsu Octopus Semi-Circle. Size 1

Thread: Mono. Size .006.

Body: Polar Fiber. Colors may vary depending on what baitfish is being imitated.

Lateral Line: Wing-N-Flash. Color: Ice Blue Pearl.

Eyes: Spirit Rive Prismatic. Size 5.0.

Epoxy: Devcon 5 minute.

Polar Fiber Prep Tips: Prepare bunches of material before tying (four per fly). The bunches are, typically, the same diameter as a pencil and about four inches long. Leave the under fur in the first three bunches but strip it out of the last to make a small head on the fly. The length, diameter and number of bunches of material can vary to make shorter, thinner flies or longer, fatter flies. Before tying in the fibers, be sure to trim the ends evenly as this will make the tie much neater and easier.

1. Place the hook in the vice as you normally would with most flies. Start wraps at the eye of hook. Wrap shank until thread hangs in line with point of hook.

2. Tie in the first bunch of White Polar Fiber. Tie in on top of shank using 7 to 10 wraps, one in front of the other, finishing just in front of the material.

3. Tie in the second bunch of White Polar Fiber just in front of first. Tie in on top of shank using 7 to 10 wraps, one in front of the other, finishing just in front of the material.

4. Tie in the Wing-N-Flash the same length as Polar Fiber to create the sparkly Lateral Line of the fly. Tie it in on top of second bunch of White Polar fiber.

5. Tie in first bunch of Gray Polar Fiber just in front of second White bunch. Tie in on top of shank using 7 to 10 wraps, one in front of the other, finishing just in front of the material.

6. Tie in the last bunch of material just in front of the first Gray bunch. Use as many wraps as it takes to cover the ends of the fibers to make a clean head. Whip finish.

7. Use a lighter to burn down any fibers protruding from under the mono thread wraps.

8. Re-position the hook in the vice so that the fly sits horizontally to the ground. Comb the fly from both sides to blend the materials together vertically.

9. Comb the fly from the top and bottom to blend the materials together horizontally.

10. Stick the eyes on fly in the desired position. Coat the head of the fly using 5-minute epoxy. The epoxy should not extend beyond the eyes and should not penetrate the head. It should make a shell around the head keeping the fly light in weight with almost neutral buoyancy in the water.

To make a heavier fly, simply allow the epoxy to penetrate the materials

Puttin' The Belgians on Fish

FlyLipps — Wed, 19 Nov 2008 20:32:00 GMT

Last week, before the cold front, I had some fly fishing friends in from Belgium, Glenn and his new bride Sandy. Glenn was lamenting about the poor quality of fishing in Belgium, so my friend Mike and I thought we would put them on some redfish. To insure that they catch a decent fish to brag about back home we took them to three mile bridge and let them get their fill of bull reds. It was a hoot watching them catch white trout and then telling them that was only the bait, we ran down the trout and hooked them up on some nice bull reds. Was an awesome time for all of us, but Glenn was wanting to get into some fly action so we pulled the boat out and headed for the Bayous hit some dock lights and hopefully catch a few specks. Well over the next few nights we caught more than just a few specks, we loaded up on both specks and reds.We must have caught 15-20 specks ranging from 15-22 inches and 6 or more reds from 17-22 inches. All fish were caught on my Spoon Rat in either gold, copper, or silver chrome. And as you can see in some of the photos, these flies took a beating, but never quit producing. We were working them slow and deep on some lights and fast and near the surface on others. These fish were hammering this fly. Was a great time, with some good friends. Here are some photos of just some of the fish we caught.

Glenn with his first real fly caught speck.

And then his first red on the fly

And of course Mike had to get in on the act with this nice red, that is a two tone Spoon Rat in the corner of Mr. Red's mouth.

This is me with the largest trout of the trip a 22 incher.

And this is a really nice multi-spot red

And another purdy red

And finally I have included this photo of one of the numerous ribbon, or cutlass fish, that we caught on the fly. I have chosen it to show how all of the Spoon Rats looked after many many attacks by reds, specks, and ribbon fish alike.

If you clould only choose ONE

bigpopper — Wed, 19 Nov 2008 20:17:42 GMT

If you could only choose ONE fly for freshwater, and ONE fly for saltwater what would they be?

Attempt at a "full dress" salmon fly

yakdiver — Mon, 10 Nov 2008 21:58:12 GMT

Alright, I have spent years trying to come up with the materials to attempt to tie full dress salmon flies. For those who haven't tried, it reads like a list of endangered species. Well, I found substitutes for some and broke the bank for the jungle cock and even the hooks. But, I finally came up with a somewhat respectable fly that I tied recently and just wanted to show it off. What do you think?

Just curious if anybody knows anything about the Pflueger Trion

Fuhrer48 — Sun, 16 Nov 2008 08:31:27 GMT

Im looking at the pflueger trion fly reel and I was just curious if anybody has any experience with it or if anybody has any opinions about it. Im also wondering what size to get. I plan on using it mostly inshore. Thanks for the help!

Tips for a begginer

hunterfisher — Fri, 17 Oct 2008 17:28:26 GMT

Hi, my name is hunter and im 13 years old and just starting to fly fish. Does anyone have any tips for a begginer?

Bulls on the Fly

Key Wester — Mon, 03 Nov 2008 20:20:49 GMT

We anchored up saturday just before sunset. Before it got dark there were only 2 other boats, it kinda got crowded after the sunset, ill get to that later.

We had decided to fish artificials tonight. My fishing buddy tossed out a plastic swim bait with a rattle in it, and put the rod in a rod holder. Less than 2 minutes later it doubled over, with the braid screaming.

My turn, i then stripped off all the flyline, and sent it down into the stiff current. Within 5 minutes i was bowed-up. We left about 9, .....4 bulls on the fly, 3 on plastics.

Lastly, to the shmuck that anchored directly behind me, you remember me, i was the guy with the q-beam pointed at you when you anchored down current from us, Im sure you remember, i took your picture and will post it if i dont get a pm from u!

Bull Reds and Bonito on fly!

Capt. Bob Quarles — Tue, 28 Oct 2008 21:30:50 GMT

My good friend Richard Montgomery from Leland Flyfishing Outfitters came into town for a couple of days and the weather cooperated beautifully for flyfishing.... it was perfect...

Saturday, we got into a massive school of reds in the bay and then again out in the Gulf, they were busting baits all around us. We had everything that could possibly go wrong.. did go wrong... we had tangles.. we had fish come unhooked.. we had reels get backlashed... we had Spanish cut of our flies right before a bull red could get it.. it was crazy....

We finally landed this one and made it all worthwhile.... I love this picture and Richard smiling... made it all worthwhile!

Sunday.. the reds didn't cooperate, but the bonito did in a big way...I even got to catch one on the new Sage 9 weight Z Axis (My next rod in an 8 weight) .... this rod is a cannon... coupled with one of the new Shark Skin lines from SA and one of my special flies... it was a deadly arsenal...pictures coming soon.. Richard has to figure out how to get them off his camera.. I forgot mine..I'll add them to the post when I get them.

We finished the day with a Rolling Rock and a cigar catching big ladyfish and bluefish on poppers on the less expensive rod Sage is now offering.. the " Flight" .... a really smooth casting little rod....... it was a good weekend... go get 'em .

I hope this cold weather doesn't run off all of the bonito, spanish and ladyfish, but I'm afraid it might.

I actually like this picture in black and white the best.. kind of old school...

Mostly flyfishing trips!

Capt. Bob Quarles — Mon, 20 Oct 2008 16:41:38 GMT

If you want to see some great pictures and read about all of the great flyfishing trips we have had this last month, click on the link below to the inshore reports section ... we did do some spin fishing as well, but the flyfishing is as good as I have ever seen it.. There are lots of targets around, if you ever wanted to try saltwater flyfishing or introduce a youngster, now is the time!

Ed Stalcup's first saltwater fish on fly -- " how far is he going to go" is what he said in disbelief as this ladyfish went into the backing! Rainbow trout apparently don't do what this fish did....

Here's my new buddy from La.. Rhad.. he loved the clear water and the sight fishing.. we have been catching these big girls on my 7 weight with a gurgler pattern.. talk about fun... they look like little bonefish coming down the sandbar at you....and then you hook one and they start jumping.. very cool!

Here's the link:

http://www.pensacolafishingforum.com/fishingforum/Topic204511-15-1.aspx

had a great time

troutbuster — Sun, 19 Oct 2008 03:10:42 GMT

I have been fishing with Capt. Baz Yelverton from Gulf Breeze a couple of weeks ago.

I really had a wonderful time, Icaught fish on the flyrod I can only dream of, and I can recommend him to fish with to anyone.

here are some pictures

TL's Floris van den berg (the Netherlands)

[IMG]http://i35.tinypic.com/ae7cl1.jpg[/IMG]

[IMG]http://i35.tinypic.com/33z371d.jpg[/IMG]

[IMG]http://i36.tinypic.com/sngzsn.jpg[/IMG]

[IMG]http://i33.tinypic.com/2881jra.jpg[/IMG]

[IMG]http://i34.tinypic.com/b3lk4n.jpg[/IMG]

[IMG]http://i36.tinypic.com/2h3pzdx.jpg[/IMG]

couple specs

fishFEEDER9697 — Fri, 17 Oct 2008 19:51:01 GMT

wanted to go stick a few flounder last night, but having "family usable" equipment, my little brother inevitably leaves everything inop. I was pretty pissed but decided to try to salvage the night and go toss a few flies. ended up with two 17-18 inch specs. it was kinda difficult to get a strike. tide was an hour or two before high. i prefer the middle of an outgoing tide. also, i was back up in perdido bay, and i think it is kinda tough to coerce a strike on an artificial with so much natural forage available in the bay right now. i have been favoring a blonde style fly

... but to no avail. at one point, I did miss a good strike. the first spec came on a deerhair minnow similar to this one but yellow w/ red head.

the second one came on a hi-tie pinfish pattern.

i'm still pretty new to fly fishing. i cast fairly well, but i like to be able to glance back and check my loop on the backcast.

in the dark, i end up tying the leader in a knot behind me a lot, as i still utilize visual reference having not yet internalized the rhythm and muscle memory. :banghead

How to tie one of my favorite Bluegill Flies.

captken — Wed, 24 Sep 2008 17:26:36 GMT

I made a cutter out of a .44Mag case to cut perfect spider bodies out of craft foam or packaging foam. Bend the case mouth to the shape you prefer using pliers.

Place the cutter on the foam and tap with a hammer or mallet. I use Starboard to cut on.

I used silicone legs from a spinnerbait skirt but I frequently use legs made from Bungee cord material. Just strip the outer wrapping and use the rubber.

_________________

Tips for out of towner

bamaflyfish — Mon, 13 Oct 2008 00:07:37 GMT

I will be in town next weekend with my family and I want to take my son fishing. Does anyone have a tip on where we might have a good chance at some trout or reds. I plan to bring my Riverhawk boat so I will be floating but I am not familiar with the water there. Any tips will be appreciated.

Fly Fishing School

SkinnyWater — Tue, 14 Oct 2008 21:04:17 GMT

DYI Rotary Fly Tying Vise.

captken — Sat, 27 Sep 2008 19:13:26 GMT

[IMG]http://i247.photobucket.com/albums/gg129/captkenroy/rotary.jpg[/IMG]

[IMG]http://i247.photobucket.com/albums/gg129/captkenroy/rotary2.jpg[/IMG]

Close up of Vise Jaws

[IMG]http://i247.photobucket.com/albums/gg129/captkenroy/thirdhand.jpg[/IMG]

All pipe and fittings are 1/2" The dowel is 5/8".

The vise stands in the hole in the red board in pic#2. One thing I want to do to improve this vise is to taper the nose of the vise. This would make tying tiny flies a lot easier.

Use another short length of dowel to make other jaws for larger and smaller hooks. Changing the width of the saw kerf in the jaw is all you need to do.

I just noticed that I photographed two different jaws. One jaw used a thumb screw and the other a wing-nut. Either method works fine. Notice that the head of the bolt in the jaw with the wing-nut is mortised into the vise jaw so the bolt won't turn while you tighten the jaw. In the other jaw with the thumb-screw, the nut is mortised into the dowel jaw.

I have a $200+ rotary vise (Nor-Vise) and this home made vise will do anything it will.

Fly tying is not rocket science. Fly tying materials are not necessarily expensive.

Easy enough to make a fly tying bobbin that works fine too.

Downtown Sunrise Menhaden King Fly

Key Wester — Thu, 09 Oct 2008 17:42:46 GMT

We,ve been tearin up the kings at the turning basin on live menhaden. i tied this up just now, gonna try it at the auditorium at sunrise tomorrow. It is fitted with two hooks connected with steel at 90 degrees. I also tied in the leader so it would be straight. Im using a 12wt with a 200 grain sinking line. As hot as the king bite has been, i might have a chance????

FISHING TIP # 197 FLY LINE MANAGEMENT

captken — Sat, 11 Oct 2008 07:00:25 GMT

Stretch your fly line and a little more.

I've mentioned stretching your flyline before starting a morning's fishing more than once. Stretch the fly line and flake it out on the deck. Yeah, but---

When you strip it off the reel, stretching as you go, your coils on deck are upside down with the top of the bitter end of the line on the bottom. That makes the all important first cast a serious pain in the butt. Stretch the line, coil it on the deck then make one cast and strip the line back, coiling it in a perfect shooting coil before you make that first IMPORTANT cast. (I don't remember mentioning this last part before but I do it unconsciously because I always use a stripping basket.)

Strip off the amount of line you can cast and NOT ONE FOOT MORE because excess line is in the way. If you can't cast it, why have it on deck or in your stripping basket where it is apt to tangle?"

I don't know how many years it took me to realize I was doing this unconciously.

Rocky Mtn. Flyfishing

Private Pilot — Tue, 07 Oct 2008 20:09:26 GMT

I flew out to Loveland, Colorado last friday. We celebrated a birthday in the family(the over the hill one). Explored the mountains on day 1 and 2, and played a little golf. On our final day, I got to get in a few hours of flyfishing. We drove out to a river right in the middle of the mountains. It was near Estes Park. Got the waders and boots on, and I was ready to go. This was my first time ever fishing in the mountain rivers. Threw a couple flies in behind some rocks and got nailed instantly. Missed him 3 times.

Before I knew it, it was time to jump back into the plane and head home.

Never landed a fish, but it was an awesome time.

Dry Fly Boxes

bigpopper — Sun, 05 Oct 2008 21:58:29 GMT

Can anyone suggest a good dry box for flies at a reasonable price.

Thanks

Tied up a few flies

true-king — Sun, 21 Sep 2008 12:27:35 GMT

Made some basic baitfish patterns and a couple poppers. Don't make fun of my pompano rocket, it was my first one.

New to Saltwater Flyfishing

bigpopper — Thu, 02 Oct 2008 21:06:03 GMT

I was down in PCB/Okaloosa 2 weeks ago. We had a great time, and I was finally able to saltwater fly fish. Amazing. Well, after Hurricane Ike had passed and the gulf calmed down enough to fly fish it was Wedensday morning. I hit Okaloosa beach with a size crease fly and got a lady fish to hit but no take , then switched to crab patterns, nothin not even a nibble. Back in PCB on Thursday morning I had no luck at all with any form of tackle. Wife and I hit the beach at 11:00 and the crowd was thick in the water. I took the fly gear out anyway. I made my way out to the sandbars that were the least crowded and started throwing Murkin crabs, Mc Fleas, Shrimp patterns, still nothin! So I thought to myself, when this happens in freshwater bodies of water I just go smaller fly size. BINGO! I had just piked up a chartruse/white clouser #6 or #7 , started getting good hits but no takers. changed to a brown and gold deciver #10 got a Pompano but tossed the hook. Few cast later nothin again . I dug through the now full of water fly box (got to get a water tight one) Tied on the smallest fly I had, a McShrimp maybe size 12 or 14. First cast with the McShrimp big hit, got an AmberJack, fought like a 2 lb. bass. Got him to my hand and he was about 9in. long and about half as tall as my hand. What a fun litte fish to catch! Unable to get pics , i need to get a waterproof camera. Just could not get out to the deeper water where the big ones were. Saltwater flyfishing is great and will take getting used to.
Does anyone have some suggestions as to what I could do to land bigger fish? Thanks in advance.

another new setup

flynurse — Thu, 02 Oct 2008 00:32:36 GMT

just got a new 3wt 7'6" TFO signature series. i lined it up to 4wt line to help with the casting, especially into the wind. think i'm going to go tomorrow to my folks lake and see if i can tear up some bream. need to tie some flies too.

fly tying class at bass pro shop

flynurse — Fri, 19 Sep 2008 18:03:03 GMT

me and my brother (skinnywater) are going to the class on this tuesday. they have intermediate one on the next tuesday will probably go too. just wondering if anybody else is going.

Tying Vise reccomendations

Private Pilot — Tue, 05 Aug 2008 15:58:34 GMT

I need a new vise and was wondering what are some good brands. I've seen the apex's and griffins, but they are a little pricey. Anything $50 and under? I believe ebay has a few selections. I saw a Corona, Mastex, and a Crown vise. I need a C clamp with nice big jaws.

Mount your Favorite Fly.

captken — Wed, 24 Sep 2008 08:15:23 GMT


Here is a Tarpon scale with the guilty fly on it. Knock off one scale, tack or clamp it to a board and allow it to dry thoroughly. If it isn't shiny enough, spray with a little Krylon Chrome. Paint top and bottom of the scale with Krylon Clear Coat after the scale is completely dry.

The scale with the fly came off the largest and easiest Tarpon I ever caught on a fly. I caught this one on a 9wt. I was fishing for Mackerel in a narrow channel when 4 big Tarpon swam by 30' out. (notice the wire leader) One cast, one jump and the fish beached himself. Geting that fish back to the water was scary because he was bigger than I am and as hot as a $2 pistol.

The scale I show clamped down is from a much smaller fish one of my clients caught. I try to mount a scale for clients to remember the fish by.

Fly Tying Material From a Regular as Clockworks Source.

captken — Wed, 24 Sep 2008 09:29:59 GMT

Take a look at the pearl/blue thing. I've used blue, pink and green. They are free and, make nice poppers for calm water fishing. They are light and cast easily. If you don't know what it is, ask your wife/GF.

The rope/yarn has an iridescent pearl flash. I saved this from a Christmas package from last year.

I use a little maribou to give extra wiggle.

Wrap the hook from end to end as you tie on the tail then coat with Sally Hansen's Hard as Nails polish. Lightly tie on the sparkle yarn before the nail polish dries then add more nail polish to the outside of the yarn before sliding the blue tube on. Allow to dry and add eyes if you choose. Cover the eyes with more nail polish to lock them on.

_________________
The head end is "Belled" more than it looks like in the photo. It pops nicely.

Fly Fishing Ain't Magic.

captken — Mon, 22 Sep 2008 18:33:59 GMT

Fly Fishing AIN’T Magic
By Capt. Ken Roy

If you believe everything that is written about fly fishing today, you are probably intimidated unless you have mighty deep pockets that you don’t mind digging into. For the average guy though, $400 for a rod, an additional $3-400 for a reel, $60 or more for a line and $50 or more for backing just to see if you might like fly fishing is a little ridiculous. I think that a lot more folks would get into fly fishing if they weren’t steered wrong by snobby writers who would never be caught dead using anything but Scott, Winston, Sage, or G. Loomis that they most likely get free just for pushing them in their articles. I’m here to tell you, it ain’t that way at all.

Several manufacturers have beginners packages for both fresh and saltwater fishing that are perfectly adequate for anything I’d expect a beginner to target. I can think of several nice outfits that you can buy for about what you’d pay for a mid range spinning outfit and less than you’d pay for an “Over the counter” Grouper rig. Let’s say $150 tops for a rig that is light years above anything available on the market as little as 20 years ago. I’d suggest an 8-wt for both fresh and salt. Light enough for Bluegills and heavy enough for most fish up to 30# or so.

There are at least a million standard fly patterns and dozens of personal variations on each of these but a half dozen or so flies will catch every saltwater fish normally found on this coast. Perhaps later, we can tie all of these on T&T. BTW, fly tying AIN’T magic either and it doesn’t have to be expensive, regardless of what you’ve read.

I am not going to go into casting. There is a heck of a lot better stuff written about casting than I could ever write. Remember one thing when it comes to casting: If you can cast 40 feet accurately and consistently, you can catch plenty of fish.
NOW LET’S LOOK AT ADVANTAGES AND DISADVANTAGES OF FLY FISHING.
The logical way to start would be to explain the advantages and disadvantages of fly fishing.

The biggest advantage of fly fishing is its stealthy and natural presentation of a lure that simulates critters that specific fish are targeting as food. Simply put, you can fish a lure (fly) that closely matches the size, shape and color of natural food and present it so lightly that fish in mere inches of water aren’t disturbed. The delicate presentation cannot be matched with spinning or bait casting gear.

If you drop a jig, spoon, or plug within 3 feet of most fish in really shallow water, most will rapidly depart. Casting beyond a fish and retrieving the lure close to the fish works pretty often but, lots of times, your lure is intercepted by a fish you haven’t seen and, most often don’t want to catch. Casting beyond the fish isn’t always possible and there are the times your lures snags on the bottom. Often, you can drop a fly within striking range of a fish without spooking him and, for most saltwater fish species I target, refusals are rare. Kinda neat to see your target, make the presentation and then watch him stalk or crash your fly. That, in itself is another advantage, excitement.

If, for some reason, you don’t hook up, you often get another shot because fish don’t always spook. Simply cast the fly again. This cast should be duck soup because you already have the correct amount of line out.

In areas where you have a distinct grass line, bank, oyster bar, or any area where fish are congregated, fly fishing is often more productive than any other technique because, once you have the right amount of line out, you can make multiple casts to the area with total control.
Flies that are properly weighted can be fantastic in a chum line. Darn few other artificial lures can achieve the correct sink rate. Spanish mackerel, Mangrove snapper and Spadefish shy from a lure that sinks too fast or too slow.

Properly tied flies, especially those tied with weed guards, seldom snag and can be fished through weeds, rocks and oysters that seem to reach out and eat jigs and plugs. This is a huge advantage. If you snag a $5 plug right in the middle of a bunch of fish, you go get it and spook the fish or break it off and still may spook the fish and loose a $5 lure to boot.
If you are a fly tier and lots of fly fishermen are, there is great satisfaction to catching a fish on one of your creations that cost mere pennies to tie.

There are a few more disadvantages than advantages to fly fishing.

WIND is the biggest buggaboo of all. There is a way around this though. Pick up your spinning rod or bait caster or try to find an area where wind isn’t a problem. Finding an area with wind protection isn’t always an option on salt water. A spinning rod can be a trip saver if you aren’t too hardheaded to use one.

A fly rod isn’t much of a “Searching” tool. On open flats, a spinning rod or bait caster has a great advantage. You can cover huge amounts of water with relative ease compared to what a fly fisherman can cover. For scattered fish, the spinning rod is by far the best option.
Under perfect conditions, I can occasionally send a fly 90 feet. Under fishing conditions, 60 feet is a long cast for me and for practical fly fishing, 40 feet or less is much preferred. Actually, it is kinda cool watching a fish take a fly 20 feet from the boat. If fish are striking 60 feet from the boat, I try to get closer or just pick up my spinning rod.

When fish are feeding deep, anything beats a fly rod---even a hand line. Yes, some folks use lead core fly lines and weighted flies but, in my opinion, this is trick stuff. Lots of big bottom fish have been caught by fly fishermen but why not use more suitable tackle? Nobody ever accused me of being a purist when it comes to fly fishing. I’ve been known to hang a hunk of bait on a fly.

When you are fishing for fish that demand a fast retrieve, with a fly rod, you are limited by how fast you can strip the fly. This is best accomplished by holding the rod under your arm and stripping with both hands. Imagine what happens when a Bonita or other really fast fish grabs your fly and the reel handle tangles in your shirt. I’ve had this happen at least 3 times. With a fast retrieve bait caster or spinning reel, high speed retrieves are simple.

Now for the Meat of this Article:

At this point, let’s assume that everybody can cast 40 feet with reasonable accuracy and repeatability. If you are used to fishing spots at a range of 80 to 100 feet, you must realize that you are going to have to stay low and be quiet because fish have a much better chance of seeing and hearing you at close range. Clothing choice is a far bigger concern when you must get close. Bright stuff just doesn’t get it when you have to get close and personal.

Your approach is often dictated by wind and tide. With the sun at your back, you can see fish further. Unfortunately, they can see you better also. In this situation, stay low and use side arm casts if possible. Conversely, with the sun in your face, you can’t see nearly as well. The fish can’t see you as well but, they can see the sun reflected off bright objects. (Your bright yellow shirt or shiny fly rod for instance.) Stealth is of utmost importance. If you can’t approach fish unnoticed, chances are you aren’t going to catch much regardless of how good your other skills are.

Ok, There is a likely looking spot.

I don’t see a fish but there is good current moving over a rock creating a little ripple. It looks like a fishy spot. The depth up stream of the rock is possibly 5 feet and the rock is about 2 feet under the surface. Since I haven’t seen a fish, the first cast should always be up current of the rock. This is based on the inclination of actively feeding fish to be on the up current side of obstructions, facing into the current or directly on top of the up current edge of the rock. I drop my fly several feet up current, the distance determined by the current speed. If the current is really ripping, I may cast 8 or 10 feet ahead of the rock.

We’ve made our cast. Now what?

This next part is all important---TAKE NOTES!! The instant the fly touches the water and before the leader and line hit, drop your rod tip all the way to the surface and point it at the fly. There is a good reason for doing it this way. With the rod tip high, the heavy fly line sags and drags the fly back toward you and away from where the fly should be. It must have taken me 20 years to understand what was causing my fly to swim toward me when I really didn’t want it to. Keep the rod tip low and you can maintain control while you pick up any slack with your line hand. I try to remove the slack with minimal fly movement. Now you have control of the fly with the line, leader and rod directly in line with the fly. Your fly should be right where it hit the water. If there is an instant strike, you can hook up with a short jerk of your line hand (NOTE: This only takes an instant and soon becomes almost automatic.)

Now let’s talk about line control. I mentioned “Line hand” in the preceding paragraph. Maybe I got ahead of myself. Holding the rod in your right hand, your line hand is your left hand. The forefinger on your right hand is of utmost importance. This finger pinches he line against the fore grip between each strip of the fly and is first to detect a strike. If you are casting a lot and catching fish, quite often you will need protection on the right forefinger. Line burns and cuts are common. One wrap of adhesive tape can prevent or at least minimize problems but it always interferes a little with the sensitivity needed to detect a soft strike. Most line cuts and blisters are right between the first and second joint.

Now let’s talk a little about rod and line handling beyond basic casting. I’m right handed so I cast with my right hand. Many right handed casters mount a fly reel to crank with their right hand. This necessitates switching hands to fight a fish or reel in line. I understand that this is the recommended way but I mount my reel to reel with my left.

The Retrieve or Fishing the Fly---ANIMATION. There are many types of retrieves. The retrieve type and speed is dictated by type of fly and the prey it imitates, the species you are seeking, water depth, current speed, and possibly other factors.

We described the spot and made our cast a few paragraphs back. A slow sinking weedless streamer that matches prevalent baitfish in size, outline and color should be a good choice.
In this case, I’d let the fly sink a foot or so before starting my retrieve. I base this on water depth and clarity for the most part. In reasonably clear water, a fish should be able to see or detect your fly from several feet away. In this type spot, I expect to find Redfish, Trout, and Jack Crevalle. If you are in a brackish area, you might catch a Largemouth.

My favorite retrieve for a streamer is 2-6” strips and a short pause. (This same retrieve works equally well with a Clouser minnow.) Strip-strip-pause, strip-strip-pause, etc. When fishing along a bank where the water drops off pretty fast, I seldom work a fly out more than 6 to 10 feet. Ok, where is your rod tip---STILL RIGHT AT THE WATER LEVEL AND POINTED RIGHT AT YOUR FLY. As you strip, the index finger of your rod hand cradles the line, pinching it against the rod when you need to reach forward to catch more line with your left hand. This gives you positive control of the line at all times and allows you to set the hook instantly.

With a shrimp imitating fly, I generally fish it with a slow, steady pull for about 2 feet, stop for a second and pull it slowly another 2 feet or so. Popping bugs and Sliders are among my favorites. I like them because they are productive and you get to see the fish take them most times. I usually let either style sit a few seconds then give them a hard 6” jerk. The Popper chugs loudly and the Slider darts forward 6” or so. I then twitch them at about 3 second intervals. Again, I seldom fish these flies more that a few feet past the targeted area and then cast them several feet down current of the previous cast.

Another top water fly that I use frequently is a personal creation I call a Walker Dog. It is basically a slider type that sits at about 45 degrees tail down at rest and comes to horizontal when jerked. I fish it in 3” jerks with only a tiny pause between jerks. Basically the rhythm is jerk--jerk--jerk--, etc. Jack Crevalle try to annihilate this fly.
With your rod tip held low and pointed at your fly, your fly reacts instantly and exactly with the movement of your line hand. You control the rhythm. Any slack reduces the effectiveness of your stripping as does lifting the rod tip. You can comfortably move your line hand about two feet. After that, pinch the line against the handle with the first finger of your right hand, then reach forward and grab the line right at the rod and start another 2-foot retrieve. All the while, you maintain constant and consistent action for your fly while being ready to set the hook. If you try to move the fly with by moving the rod tip, you loose control of the fly because you will, invariably, cause slack line. If you use hand pulls, you are always in control.

Strikes, Bites, Nibbles, Etc.--- REACTION AND HOOK SET.
Back to our scenario: Our fly is about a foot below the surface. It perfectly obeys the strip- strip-pause, strip-strip pause cadence of our left hand because we are holding the rod tip low and in alignment with the end of the floating fly line. Perhaps we see a flash as the fish eats the fly or just feel a heavy tug. Our reaction should be a fast strip of line with the left hand while raising the rod tip to about 30 degrees above horizontal. For lack of a better term, let’s call this a “strip-hook set.” When you use a “strip-hook set,” you move the fly about 2 feet or so. If you miss the fish, he will often charge and eat the fly a second time. You seldom miss a hook up when the fish is enraged. If, however, you strike with the rod and miss the hook-up, the fly comes out of the water and you have to cast again.

There is an even more compelling reason why the strip-strike is more effective. Up to this
point, we’ve been meticulous about maintaining a straight and tight line from rod tip to fly to maintain control. The strip strike conveys the pull straight down the line and we are still in control and tight to the fish. Conversely, striking with the rod requires lifting the line, which certainly eliminates the straight-line pull, wasting a lot of the strike energy because of friction caused by dragging the line sideways through the water. The bending of the rod tip causes an additional loss. At this point, our rod is way out of position, making it hard to control the fish. If the fish happens to be a Bass or Snook, he is already headed toward cover.

The term “SCREWED” comes to mind.

Fly Fishing "THE SHORT GAME."

captken — Mon, 22 Sep 2008 09:00:34 GMT

Fly Fishing: The Short Game.

When fly fishing out of my kayak, I depend a lot on my short game. Long casts require too much effort and, for the most part don’t catch any more fish than my usual less than 30 footers.

Actually, my casting most often resembles casting a spinning rod more than “Normal” fly casting. Many fly fishermen would turn up their noses at my casting but there is “Method in my madness.”

To start with, I fish with a 7’ 5wt. rod with no fly line as most folks know it. My line consists of about 100 yards of 30# test Cortland Micron Flyline Backing with ~2’ of 30# lead core trolling line with 12” of 20# Stren Dura Tuff Mono and a foot of 10-12# Dura Tuff for a leader.

Casting (Such as it is) is duck soup. With the leader and lead core plus about 2 feet of backing off the tip and hanging off the port side of my yak, I swing the rod horizontally to the stbd. side, loading the rod. I point the rod toward where I want to drop the fly and allow the line to shoot. Twenty to 30 foot casts are easy and accurate. This is side arm casting so the line makes only a tiny splash as it lands.

The rod lies across my lap or stripping basket and I strip with both hands. Setting the hook is super simple, just a quick twitch of which ever hand is pulling the line at the strike.

Wind is seldom an issue unless it interferes with anchoring and boat handling. Actually, a little ripple is a good thing because it breaks up your outline.

The flies I use are simple too. I use regular Bass worm hooks and seldom more than a half dozen grizzly hackle feathers and a little hot orange or hot pink thread for the head. In the same situation, my Dad would add a size 0 or 1 silver Colorado Spinner in front of the fly. Chances are, he’d out fish me too. A simple brown or olive wooly worm is deadly on Mangrove Snapper, especially if you add a tiny strip of GULP, FishBite or even shrimp to the hook.

I usually fish this way while at anchor, casting at obvious spots like run-outs rocks, logs, docks, etc. Count your fly down and keep the fly as deep as possible. I don't get hung often because the fly is darn near snagless when tied upside down.

This is absolutely deadly in October and November when the Flounder are around shallow docks. In the Gulf Shores area, try Cotton Bayou. The Interrarity Point area was good to me too, especially for big Trout. Of course, I haven't fished the area in years.

Barracuda on fly

true-king — Fri, 05 Sep 2008 07:59:40 GMT

Anybody tried it? I was thinking about tying up a long charteruse fly with a lot of wiggle, kind of like a cuda tube.

Novice Fluff Chunker

SkinnyWater — Sat, 30 Aug 2008 22:21:07 GMT

It 's not as fancy as the outfit you experts may have, but I figured for the money it would make a good learning outfit. Its a Dogwood Canyon, 8 wt with a 2 piece 9' rod from the BPS. If this one survives the learning process, I'll try to sneak a nice outfit into the house. I'm surprised the wife let me leave BPS with this one. I'll get my brother (aka flynurse) to teach me the ropes. I've already watched several casting tutorials on YouTube. The next step is fly tying. I picked up 3 store bought flies to start with.

anybody have a 8 wt rod for sale?

mistermogin — Thu, 28 Aug 2008 21:34:16 GMT

Looking for a 8 wt rod if anybody has one for sale.

Summertime fishing report -lots of great pics!

Capt. Bob Quarles — Wed, 23 Jul 2008 21:41:49 GMT

Summertime Fishing report... if it swims.. we are going to try and catch it!

The bar has definitely been raised in 2008 to a new level of action and excitement.

Here is a picture compilation of some great trips with some great people...it was a wonderful summer. The fishing has been awesome...just wanted to share.

Snapper fishing has been awesome this year. Gary Miller came down to Pensacola Beach again.. , his wife Kelli and daughter Molly fished with me two days-- one day offshore with Capt. Eddie Woodall and one day inshore catching redfish and trout in the sound.

Big Ladies need love too! Baitfish Ball on Pensacola Beach...crazy action.

Here's Jeff Roberts with a big lady early in the morning!

Bonita on Fly! We had more big bonita this year than I ever remember, and then they disappeared..I sure hope they come back.. we had some great trips flyfishing for them.

Kirk Martin gets in on the action on one of my hand tied bonita flies! Kirk and Jeff fish with me every year on their summer trip to Navarre.

Brad caught a nice King Mackerel on fly, on my little Sage XP 8 weight! Brad is going to be all over my website.. this is the guy that caught a bull red on my 7 weight two years ago and he's been fishing with me ever since and having some really good days.

Karnar caught a smoker King! Brad and Karnar had a killer day.. we ended it swimming in some super clear water on a deserted beach.....she's hooked.

New client Matt Holley with one of 5 species of fish we caught on fly..

We even had a Blue Angels show at the end of the day.

Matt's friend Chris Webb with a barracuda. This fish ate a bait right at the boat and then stripped off 50 yards of line in a nanosecond and started greyhound jumping.. it was spectacular!

Tarpon Time for Paul Heatherington! Paul and I have been trying to pull this trip off and get him a tarpon for 2 years.. He landed his plane in Apalachicola at 8 and I had him on a fish by 12.. it was classic guide and client teamwork.. he put the cast right where I told him to... even under dark overcast conditions. The first jump was right at the boat and she had to be 8 feet in the air as we were looking up at her...it was an amazing sight I'll never forget.

The consummation of my love/hate relationship with tarpon at the end of my week long vacation...Carefully reviving Paul's fish for release.

Capt. Bob hooked up on a tarpon on fly! Getting down and dirty east of Apalach with my 12 weight...

My little 70 pounder at the boat..this fish jumped six times and put on a show.. at the end of the fight we even had a manatee swim up to the boat. Things went terribly wrong when the lip gaff pulled out as the fish jumped as we tried to pull her into the boat..we broke her off at that point and she swam away fine!

St. Joe Bay scalloping trip with my son Ben and cousin Bentley.. look at the gin clear water.

We live in Paradise in the Panhandle.. so many fish to catch.. so much to do.. Life is Good.

That's it for now.. I'm heading off soon to Puerto Rico on a diving trip and I'll be gone for the first half of August! I hope you liked the photos. Thanks for looking and reading.

Tying flies

Maps — Sat, 17 May 2008 14:22:21 GMT

Where's a local place for tying supplies? GB B&T has some stuff - anyplace else? (short of driving to BassPro in Destin)

-Waded Big Sabine this morning and did pretty good with trout....small trout.

Thanks

few flies i tied...

reel_dedicated — Sat, 23 Aug 2008 12:26:42 GMT

well with a breif visit to Bass Pro Shops fly shop and a quick friendly chat with Velvet Tines (nice to meet you by the way!!) i got all the essentials to tie a few flies... i have been doing this for years and have kinda got out of it due to the fact that i got tied of having to order materials everytime i needed something... so thanks to BPS they are making one of my hobbies a lot easier... hopefully i will make it home sometime soon and get all of my supplies from my parents house...

sorry the pics didnt turn out that well... i don't have Jon skillz...

[img]http://i112.photobucket.com/albums/n162/hunter_2002_84/PICT4947.jpg[/img]
here is a shrimp pattern
[img]http://i112.photobucket.com/albums/n162/hunter_2002_84/PICT4940.jpg[/img]

[img]http://i112.photobucket.com/albums/n162/hunter_2002_84/PICT4941.jpg[/img]
[img]http://i112.photobucket.com/albums/n162/hunter_2002_84/PICT4946.jpg[/img]
glass minnow.. i used to hammer trout and reds on this fly under the lights

[img]http://i112.photobucket.com/albums/n162/hunter_2002_84/PICT4942.jpg[/img]
flash clouser minnow
[img]http://i112.photobucket.com/albums/n162/hunter_2002_84/PICT4944.jpg[/img]

[img]http://i112.photobucket.com/albums/n162/hunter_2002_84/PICT4948.jpg[/img]
[img]http://i112.photobucket.com/albums/n162/hunter_2002_84/PICT4949.jpg[/img]
bucktail crab

[img]http://i112.photobucket.com/albums/n162/hunter_2002_84/PICT4950.jpg[/img]
L-Y

Fishing Report - 8/17/08

DJD — Sun, 17 Aug 2008 18:14:13 GMT

Went out this morning over to the docks at big lagoon fishing for specks, hooked a few on the docks and caught several Blue fish on the outlet of west side of pass. One of my friends also fished at FT Pickens and they got lots of Blue fish, a Red Fish and a Bonito (Followed by a large Barracuda). Also went into Escambia bay and saw some schools of mullet (I think) and 3 jack crevalles that were working the schools. I cast several times where I saw the Jack's fins surface but no strikes, anyone know what type of fly these will hit and what kind of presentation/strip is required?

Thanks.

how young can you start them off fly fishing?

AUradar — Fri, 15 Aug 2008 13:03:08 GMT

if you were considering a quick trip to the mountains for labor day. Do you think a 6 yr old could handle fly fishing? How young have ya'll started them off at?