CONTENTS 4/5
ADDICTED TO SALT
6/9
CROSSING BOUNDRIES
10/13 ANDREAS ANDERSSON 14/15 GOOD FISHING - GOOD FOOD 16/19 CAPTIVATED BY JENNY 20/35 ADDICTED TO SEA TROUT 36/41 PERMITTION 42/45 STAY FRESH TIM TAN 46/53 CHALLENGING CHRISTINA 54/55 CAST AWAY 56
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Concept & Design: Peter Sikking Editor: Dr Henk Verhaar Published by: WAFF
Photo & Fly Arnold Bonte
special thanks to spanishflytv
ADDICTED TO SALT WATER Ever since I discovered saltwater fly-fishing I get some kind of fever when I get near sea or ocean shores. A flu like feeling creeping up from my legs to my neck and giving me the shivers. I’ve tried to explain this feeling many times. Including to myself but I can’t. I know it has something to do with the smell and the sounds of sea and shore. Where dreams of monster fish can come true. But even without the fishing “the great blue” attracts. Just listening to the rolling waves and the scream of seagulls when walking along the shore where a whole new transparent world reveals its secrets, with all kind of little creatures, that move hastily away, when you carefully take some steps in their habitat. So maybe it is just listening to the rolling waves, the smell..... Or maybe it is evolution. We humans are made of water (90%) so maybe it is just the feeling of coming home that does it. Peter Sikking
CROSSING BOUNDRIES With Matt Kaminski
Like any challenge or passion in life, you start somewhere and work your way up within your own boundaries. You keep setting that bar higher and higher, in turn raising your level of standard and perfecting your craft, your skillsets and your overall approach to the sport and lifestyle. As a Colorado resident, I’ve been fortunate enough to fish some pretty spectacular water in the west. From the Gunnison to the Gallatin and everything in between. I am constantly at battle within my own mind as to not take any day on the water for granted as I have always felt it was the ultimate privilege to be living near premium trout fisheries. However, in recent years, I have come to realize that’s it’s not at all about living in or near a premium trout destination. In fact, there are some equally amazing waters back in Wisconsin where I grew up spin casting for smallmouth, and there are some phenomenal fly fisherman (and woman) living in small town Indiana. Beauty is in the eye of the beholder and once that barb for fly fishing sticks in you, you’re going to make the most of your water no matter where you reside or travel to.
BAHAMAS
Salt water cowboy On a recent family trip to the Bahamas a few years ago, I had a day to myself that little did I know would change my life forever. It wasn’t a fishing trip but I made it one when I strapped my trusty old 6wt trout rig to my backpack before I headed off to the airport. Sure, I admit, I was being a little bit cowboy about my rod selection as I thought back on all of the giant trout have landed on that rod. Would I recommend a 6wt for bone fishing, absolutely not. Is it possible, absolutely. I didn’t know a lot about salt water fishing at the time, but the second I stepped foot in the Bahama flats with my fly rod I knew that fly fishing for me was about to take a turn. Getting back to that bar being set one notch higher. My guide and I spent the first hour or so locating the bones and learning their behavior. I’ve done my share of sight fishing before but this was at a whole new level. I casted at a few early on but I really just soaked it all up like a sponge until everything made complete sense. Mistakes were made early and several lessons were learned along the way, but the moment that hook set in the first bonefish was one I’ll never forget. That little 6wt was put to the ultimate test as he ripped 100 yards out in the blink of an eye. Talk about a jaw dropping moment. After a few solid runs that fish eventually got away as he hung up on a reef ledge. But it was game on from there on out. A few smaller bones were landed and when that 9 pounder finally took my fly at the end of the day, I was ready.
BACK AGAIN I eventually made my way back to Colorado and soon found myself bundled up and running midges through some of my favorite winter water. Typically I would be infatuated with that scenario, but It was hard not to think back to that screaming reel under the Bahama’s sun. Later that evening I called up my buddy in Montana who guides out of West Yellowstone and shared the experience that I just had a week prior. I’ve never been much of a salesman, but we found ourselves right back out on those Bahama waters 5 weeks later.
SOME TIPS I’m still learning more and more each time I visit, but if I had to share a few thoughts for anyone that is considering this experience. Don’t be a cowboy like me and take your 6wt. Well, you could.. but my 8wt does much better now, especially on the gusty days. Practice your casting too, especially those double hauls. Wait for a super windy day and practice directly into and across the wind. You’ll need it. Finally, get a guide. There’s a handful of great ones down there and they are an invaluable knowledge bank. Also, check your ego at the door and listen to your guide. They will see fish that you won’t. A lot of them. Trust their trained eyes and If he says “2:00, 30 yards, now!” Don’t hesitate, just do. Bonefish scales are like mirrors and they can be very stealthy. The window of opportunity can be extremely short at times so always be on the lookout and ready for action. Matt Kaminski
TYING THE ANDREAS CF BAITFISH With Andreas Andersson
It is difficult to disconnect Andreas Andersson from his famous Dalberg Diver. You could easily be tempted to forget that Andreas ties a lot more than DD’s. I am very pleased that Andreas could find time to share a very successful saltwaterpattern with us.
Andersson’s CF baitfish
Andreas This baitfish pattern has been working really well for both nordic salt (sea trout for example) as well as several tropical fish as well (snook, striped bass as well as tarpon and GT if done bigger on strong hook). You might have seen it online as it has become pretty popular lately. They are all Andersson’s CF baitfish, I do from time to time add a couple of feathers to give them a flatwing or deciever vibe or to make them longer but its basically the same only minor variations.
The material list for the striped green CF baitfish -Ahrex NS110 hook -Craftfur Green (sometimes called Kelly green) and white. Tail tied in straight back, front part tied in reversed to be folded back creating the head and fish profile. -Holographic flashabou red -Lateral scale flashabou pearl (1/64� version) - Red 5 or 6mm eyes, glued on with gel superglue. - Deercreek Uv-resin to shape the head.
CAPTIVATED
Jenny Tates Boeschenstein
Photo Hobie Tatelman
HOOKED I’ll never forget my first saltwater fish on the fly. As I walked the flats of Crooked Island I held my breath as I spotted a school of tailing bonefish within casting distance. I was consumed by a rush of excitement while being surrounded by the most beautiful turquoise water. The moment came together—the cast, the strip, the set. I was hooked into a beautiful bonefish and along for the ride. From that day forward, saltwater fly fishing has become my greatest adventure in life. I credit being an angler to my father who got me on the water at a young age and helped me to experience the wonders and beauty of the ocean.
MORE THAN CATCHING FISH Over the years, I’ve found that discovery and disconnection from everyday life are equally as important to me as finding “the one.” While landing fish is exhilarating, fly fishing offers a sense of purity and stillness that can only be experienced through the outdoors.
THE BEAUTY BEHIND More man and woman finding the beauty behind fly fishing as well as the thrill of the bite. The combination of the two is what makes fishing so special to anglers. For anyone new to fly fishing: ‘the learning curve can be long, but with adequate time spent on the water, the “ah-ha moment” and the zinging of the line is just around the corner’.
MANAGING WATER Upper Numedal Fjellstyre (Board of Public Lands) manages the fishing in 57 water systems within a 500 ha area in East Hardangervidda. These public lands are centrally located in Hardangervidda and border the Telemark county in the south and Hordaland county in the west. The Board of Public Lands’ primary focus is to manage usufructuary rights and business in the local community, while safeguarding the local community and society at large through conservational and recreational interests. FLY FISHING If you want to find some of the finest trout that eastern Norway has to offer you can try Geitvassdalen. This water system has a very healthy population of wild trout, more than healthy enough for one to land in the frying pan without making you feel bad about it. Getting here is a bit challenging however, as it takes roughly 3-4 hours to hike in. Most choose to hike in via Mårbu, however you are also able to take a boat from ”Synken”. From Mårbu, take the easiest trail towards ”Rauhelleren”. From here you will eventually make your way to Numedalslågen and Geitvassdalen. If you steer off ohe trail westwards you can find the Fjellstyre cabin Jegerbu or continue to Muran, which is a large stone cabin on the banks of Geitvatnet. There are great fishing spots along (?) the entire length of Numedalslågen, from where it runs out of Lågaros to the lowest section towards Krossvatnet. The fishing license for Hardangervidda East gives the right to fish in all running waters in this area. There are also other options for finding your way to this mecca for trout fishing. Either hiking in from Tinnhølen/Trondsbu southwards or from Solheimstulen in Uvdal. From there you will find another trail which is also bicycle-friendly, and which leads roughly 30 km to the cabin ”Jegerbu”.
for more information visit fishspot here
Ragworm
ADDICTED TO SEA TROUT Text and Photography Peter Sikking
Catching big silvery sea trout is on many fly anglers’ wish list, and so it should be. Sea trout is not an easy fish to catch but the reward, when finally successful, is therefore even greater.
BEFORE READING THIS ARTICLE
SEA TROUT ADDICTION For an increasing number of fishermen, fly-fishing for sea trout is nothing less than an addiction. One that is slowly working its way up in several addictions lists. A warning label reading: ‘I am addicted to sea trout’ is therefore no luxury but is becoming a necessity! And now that label is finally available*! NOTE: If you see fishermen with the ‘addicted batch’, approach them with care. Try to avoid contact and do not start a conversation. *order your label here!
* the label is woven on high quality fabric and is easy to attach to vest, bag and cap! Cost: € 7,50- / $ 8,- including shipping
ADDICTED TO SEA TROUT
IN THE SHADOW OF THE DOUBT BIG WATER
Taking your first steps into the salty world of sea trout fishing can be a little overwhelming. A lot of water in front of you and no clue where to begin. Your carefully tied sea trout fly looks, let’s put it mildly, somewhat ridiculous. And when after a few hours of casting, with wind continuously blowing ice-cold salt water in your face, doubt creeps up and the desire to turn 180 degrees and go home crosses your mind, do not worry. We have all been there. But then the sun comes peeking through the grey April sky and the water in front of you changes from dark-grey to emerald with a touch of turquoise. And now you can see the weed beds that sea trout use to search food and to hide in. Places with a sandy bottom, and the socalled leopard vegetation. Sitting in the shadow of one of those crazy crooked trees (on the island of Funen) all the pieces fall into place. Suddenly everything comes together and makes perfect sense.
I have an appointment with Martin and I meet him on the island of Langeland at its most northern town: Lohals. Martin and I have never met before. All our communication was through email. But within the hour it feels like we have known each other for years. We share a passion for marketing and an even bigger passion for fly fishing for sea trout. And what’s more: Martin can make a mean burger, so‌..
Meeting
Martin
Early next morning, after a good night’s sleep, we head for Tåsinge. From Lohals to this small island is a 30-minute drive. And because Martin is driving I can sit back and really enjoy the beauty of Langeland. And the scenery is stunning. It is mid-October and autumn is high. Chestnut trees have scattered hundreds of chestnuts in the road. And when sunlight peeks over the low hills and colours the castle at Tranekear orange and yellow, I feel at peace with the world. Even if you are not fishing, it’s a delight to be part of this small island. We park the car 50 meters from the place we selected. On the east coast of the island of Tåsinge.
Hidden treasures on Tåsinge If I could, I would! I would give up my life here (just outside Amsterdam) and move to the little island of Tåsinge in Denmark. I know exactly where: right beside the inlet on the eastern end. It’s the kind of place where the weather seems nice all the time. When we arrive it is almost too perfect. A little wind would be nice. That’s the problem with fishermen, we always have to complain about something. Because Martin has an injury on his shoulder he is fishing a spinning rod with a transparent float and a shrimp fly. Martin fishes the right side of a big weed bed and gets his first take after only two casts. A small sea trout has to acknowledge his superior and is set free again after a few minutes to eat and grow. We fish the weed beds on the left side of the little bay and we both catch some fish. (foto Martin incl vis). After an hour we decide to visit a new spot. We got a tip from René Voltelen. He is a well-known guide for this area.
When you think you know something We park our car at a small harbour. In all honesty, it is a place I would never choose to go fishing. The water starts already quite deep. On the left side the water is surrounded by high reeds, and it looks more like a stillwater lake you would find inland. There is a picnic table along the shore, which gives me the idea of leisure visiters, including swimmers and boat people. How wrong I was‌... We discuss how to fish and decide that I will go left, where the little harbour becomes a sort of channel. To reach it I have to hike through the forest. After only 15 minutes of fishing, I see Martin coming around the corner and I start fishing towards him. It seems he caught his first sea trout mere minutes after I left. And in the ten minutes following that first one he caught a second and lost a third. All decent (50 cm) sea trout. We head back to where he started and decide that I will take the camera and take some pictures. small sea trout from Tüsinge
JUMPERS When I unpack my camera, I see, out of the corner of my eye, a good-sized fish jumping. I put the camera on the picnic table in front of me, grab my fly rod, and start running and casting at the same time. After 10 casts I scream to Martin, who is fishing the ‘still water’ side of the harbour to the right: “I don’t think I can reach that fish with the fly, could you give it a try with your spinning rod?” While talking to him I keep retrieving my line and suddenly I feel some resistance. It is next to nothing, but I slowly pick up the line, make a new cast and start retrieving the line. One meter, two meter, then a sea trout makes a spectacular jump and completely misses my fly! With a hartbeat racing at 150 a minute, I try to keep calm and keep stripping. After three fast strips, I make a sudden stop and Kaboom! Fish on! And yes ladies and gentlemen: it is a jumper! Man, how I love this fish. Especially in the 50 cm range. At that size, they always give a good show. Forgetting all about the camera and the promise to make some nice pictures, I release the sea trout, giving her back her freedom. Over the years I caught a good amount of sea trout. And where other fisheries sometimes get a bit boring, I never reach that boring point when fishing for sea trout. Although I also love river and lake fishing, I would be very sad if I couldn’t fish for sea trout no more.
Langeland Sea trout dreams can come true on Langeland It was September 2009, when a friend of mine caught no less than 106 sea trout during a week-long trip! Another friend caught, on his first cast, on his first trip ever to Langeland, an 80 centimeter sea trout! Many of the fly fishermen I know caught large sea trout on the island of Langeland. I myself caught two fish well over sixty centimeters, next to the bridge between Tåsinge and Langeland.
ELDORADO I have already described the scenery on Langeland. I think it is amazing. It is like going back in time. And speaking about going back in time, back in the late 1960s, when the Danish project to bring back the sea trout was initiated, it all started for the island of Langeland. Langeland was better known as ‘a sea trout eldorado’! And we all know how it works: we humans don’t name places just for fun or randomly. Something changed over the years. It is an educated guess that 70% of the sea trout fishing tourists choose Funen when they come to Denmark for sea trout fishing. Nowadays Langeland is more famous for its cod fishing than for its sea trout fishing. Personally I think it is a matter of unknown, unloved. Langeland proved for many many years to be a sea trout Eldorado, where the chance of catching big sea trout is as much a reality as on the island of Funen. Whatever the future may bring, Langeland can always count on me to come sea trout fishing for a couple of days. The island is just too beautiful to not go.
Funen When I cross the bridge next to Middelfart, it feels like coming home. I know this island very well. I have been here in every season, from a fantastic trip in the first week of January, when I caught literally ice-cold silver sea trout, to the warm summer nights in early August. Funen has the same charm as the places where I (partly) grew up in England. There is always a small road that leads to an inlet or a sheltered bay. From the north, at Hasmark, to Faaborg in the southwest, to Svendborg and the little island of Thurø in the south, on Funen you can always find a place to catch sea trout. In any season! I say goodbye to Martin. He has work to do. I still have a day or two. I put the dog in the car and drive from Langeland to Tåsinge to Funen. I know a little beach in the north-east where I once met a beautiful Danish lady. Maybe we’ll meet again. You never know what will be coming your way when you are addicted to sea trout. Funen
special thanks to seatrout.dk
WITH YOUR PERMITTION
James Johnson: addicted to permit
As soon as I set the hook, I realized that this battle was not going to be comparable to reeling in a brown trout back home. The first run was 100 yards long and seemed to last mere seconds. Just as I announced that I had the fish under control and coming into my hand, it took off on a second scorching run that left both my knuckles and my ego bruised. A few tense minutes later, I held my first fly caught permit in my two shaking hands.
Ambergris Caye That was my first of almost 100 permit’s that I have landed on fly tackle in the waters around our lodge on Ambergris Caye, which is an island 10 miles off the coast of Belize. The more I chase these elusive trophies, the more impressed I am with their ability to snub my best attempts at the perfect presentation and their ability to find the perfect piece of coral to wrap my fluorocarbon tip-pet around.
Ten Tips As unlikely as it sounds, I believe I have learned a few tricks that have helped me fool a few of these wary devils of the flats that I would like to pass on to anyone crazy enough to want to test their fly fishing skills on what I consider to be the worlds number 1 saltwater flats fishing challenge. Here they are in no particular order: 1) It is impossible to be too stealthy. Stealth has many facets, starting with the outfit you put on when you start the day. Bright colors that stand out will spook fish. Dress to be invisible and yes, cloud camo is a real thing. 2) The correct leader length is the longest one that you can cast accurately in the wind conditions of the day. 3) Don’t false cast over the fish. In bright sun and calm conditions, I sometimes go so far as to use a floating fly line with a clear tip or even a fully clear line. 4) If you hear waves slapping the hull of the boat you are in, get out and wade to the fish. You can sneak up on a wary flats fish a lot better on foot than you can in a boat. 5) Use a fly that has movement. Rubber legs, marabou, rabbit strips and arctic fox hair are features on most of my favorite per-mit and bonefish flies.
6) Getting the right weight on your fly might be more important than the pattern itself. Heavier in the wind and deeper water, lighter in shallower and on calmer days. When you stop the strip, the weight forward design of most permit flies will cause the fly to dive for the bottom. The speed of the drop is a critical component of your potential success, especially in a crab fly. 7) I have found that it is easier to create a lifelike shrimp fly than it is to create a lifelike crab imitation. I have seen many permit reject an actual blue crab if it doesn’t wildly kick its legs as the permit approaches and that is a perfect imitation in it’s look and smell. 8) Prey never attacks the predator. Always place your cast in a place that allows the fly to look like it is trying to escape. Never strip the fly towards the fish. If your only shot at the fish is quartering away, let the fly fall to the bottom as if it is trying to hide and wait for the fish to try and dig it out of the bottom. Put yourself in the mind of the crab or shrimp that you are trying to imitate and ask yourself what you would do to escape being eaten when a large predator was bearing down on you. 9) Cast as close to the fish as you can without spooking them. You will never catch a fish that doesn’t see the fly, but the less time he has to look it over, the better chance you have of fooling him. As soon as you see the fish react to the fly, get it mov-ing or hide it in the grass. 10) As in all fly fishing, it’s better to be lucky than good.
James Johnson and his family own Johnson’s Outdoors and operate the Blue Bonefish Lodge in Belize, as well as Katmai Trophy
FROM FRESH TO SALT
Staying fresh with Tim Tan
Salt water fly fishing is a whole new world from what I am used to. In the salt, I got beat up real bad hooking to fish with way more power, speed and wit. But what doesn’t kill you, makes you stronger and forces one to improve in so many ways. Everyone should get out and give it a go! Remember, do not trout set! (something I learnt the hard way).
Catching one’s first Bonefish is always a memorable experience and a milestone for most fly anglers. Now, with the help of Brett Wolf of Ningaloo Fly Fishing, I can proudly add an Australian Bonefish to my list of species caught. Plus, it was a fine specimen of about 7lbs! A Trophy Bone
Fly Fishing in Exmouth, Western Australia is purely sight fishing. Those who are familiar with sight fishing will understand that seeing the fish is one of the most important and perhaps the most difficult part of sight fishing. Trying to differentiate a flash of a fish from a wave as well as trying to spot a moving silhouette under the surface chop are two things which take extreme skill and can only be acquired through experience. On top of that, choosing the right flies is also extremely important, it is an invaluable intuition. Many times I had my fly refused by the GTs lurking only to smash another fly thrown by my mate (Rainer - the GT ma-ster Cheong). These flies are big and heavy, one would want a #10 as their main rod and a #12 when the big boys appear.
THE CHALLENGE
With Christina Stoneburner We are blessed to live on the Gulf Coast of Florida, and fish the Everglades National Park. We also frequent in the Florida Keys because it is a convenient drive and get to target a couple species that the Everglades doesn’t habitat. For most, I believe the desire to pick up the fly rod is because we are seeking a challenge. There are so many circumstances for things to go wrong, but the reward is that much sweeter.
There are so many circumstances for things to go wrong, but the reward is that much sweeter!
GETTING INTIMATE It’s the intimate details involved that make the sport so desirable. First, you must create a fly pattern to imitate nature’s candy. Then you have about a 6-inch window to make the perfect cast in front of your target, make it move with your fingertips, strip, strip, and keep calm when you’re watching that fish open its mouth and inhale your concoction of fur and feathers. Once you strip strike and hook the fish, you feel the strength and aggression move through line. You’re connected to that fish at that moment.
Salt water fly fishing appears to be a growing trend. I, myself, am guilty of jumping on the bandwagon. I grew up spin fishing, and it wasn’t until I met my better half, a fly-fishing guide, when I was introduced to a fly rod. We fish for sport, and always practice catch and release. I have reverence for these fish, and respect that I am just in a visitor in their house.
INSPIRING It’s inspiring to see more people signing up for the challenge, step out of their comfort zone, and give salt water fly fishing an effort. It takes time, practice, patience and countless errors, but they say, nothing good ever comes easy!
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