Southern Saltwater
Fly Fishing Magazine Premier Edition
March 2017
CLOSE LOOK Georgia’s Golden Isles
www.southernsaltwaterflyfishing.com
764 Miami Circle, Atlanta, Georgia 30324| Phone: (404) 237-3473
www.thefishhawk.com
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From the Editor
W
elcome to the first edition of Southern Saltwater Fly Fishing magazine. Since you bothered to open the publication, we’ll assume that you are either a veteran fly-caster in the brine or you are interested in learning about the sport. Either way, we are excited about bringing you the best of this fishing throughout the South Atlantic and Gulf Coasts of our country, as well as in the waters of the Caribbean and Central America. But rather than just GPS coordinates for finding the fishing spots and information on gear and tactics, we also want to provide a feel for the lifestyle of saltwater fly fishing. March 2017
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Editor Publisher
Jimmy Jacobs There is a lot of truth to the jimmyjacobs@mindspring.com idea that the journey is just as rewarding as arriving at the
Don Kirk destination. Quite often what Don@Southerntrout.com sticks in our memory is that flock
Assoc. Publisher Jerry Davis JD@Southerntrout.com Digital Media Specialist Claude Preston, III
Claude@southerntrout.com
of roseate spoonbills wading beside the flat, just as much as the redfish that took our fly there. Or it might be the crusty old, back country fly-fishing guide we bumped into at the local watering hole after a day of casting.
Managing Editor Leah Kirk Leah@Southerntrout.com Regardless of the species or
the destination, any day on the Assoc. Managing Editor Loryn Latham water can become one of those Loryn@Southerntrout.com moments that sticks with you forever. Our goal is to help you Editorial Consultant Olive K. Nynne find and experience the locations best suited to offer such opportunities.
Contributors David Cannon Polly Dean Capt. J.P. Morel
Southern Saltwater Fly Fishing is a publication of Southern Unlimited, LLC. It is produced in conjunction with Southern Trout Magazine and Southerntrout.com. Copyright 2017 Southern Unlimited, LLC All rights reserved.
www.sosaltflyfishing.com
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So, join us as we strive to become the journal of the saltwater fly-casting lifestyle in our southern climes. Jimmy Jacobs Editor
Alaska Baja Belize Brazil Louisiana
Travel
SPOTS STILL AVAILABLE 39 South Public Square BAJA Cartersville, GA 30120 (May 20-27, 2017) 770.606.1100 ALASKA (July 28 - August 5, 2017) CohuttaTravel.com
www.SouthernTrout.com
www.SoKayakFishing.com March 2017
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This Issue Editor’s Letter
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10
Bahama Bones on Your Own 10 Product Review 24 LOWA Chasing the Cajun Permit
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Featured Resort The Village Inn and Pub St. Simons Island
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Marco Tarpon Fishing on the Fringe Kennedy Outfitters
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Redington BEHEMOTH Fly Reel
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Featured Guide 84 Captain Greg Hildreth
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St. Simons Island 90 Clast and Blast Featured Fly Tyer Greg Hildreth One Fly Guy
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ECHO Boost Fly Rod Review
106
The End of the Line Murphy’s Tavern
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UNI PRODUCTS J.G. Cote Inc. 1004 Principale Ste-Melanie, QC. Canada JOK 3AO Tel: 450-889-8054 Toll-Free: 1-877-889-8054 Fax: 450-889-5887 Email: info@uniproducts.com
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Look to UNI for the best in spooled fly-tying materials!
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JOURNEYS OF SGI St. George Island, Florida
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40 E 3rd Street, St. George Island (850)927-3259 www.sgislandjourneys.com info@sgislandjourneys.com
Grand Baham
featured destination
Tan colored flies are the ticket for hooking Grand Bahama bonefish.
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ma Bones On
featured destination
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t was the first day of my first time in the Bahamas looking for bonefish. After a slow start, my guide put me on my first Bahamian bone around lunch time. Now we were poling onto what he described as the Graveyard Flat on the south side of Grand Bahama Island.
Your Own Story & Photos by Jimmy Jacobs
March 2017
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featured destination
The name was quite appropriate, since a cemetery was visible just behind the sand of the beach. If the wind was down, you could even hear the rare vehicle passing by on Grand Bahama Highway, the only road running east to west across the island. The glare off the water was so bad that even with polarized glasses, I was practically blind looking to the west. “Cast 40 feet to one o’clock,” was the command I heard and obeyed. “Wait,” came next.” Now strip!” I did and a freight train took off pulling my line with it. A few minutes later we were releasing a 22-inch bonefish. But, that was not the only thing I had gotten at this spot. The other was the realization that several places we’d fish were within easy reach of the beaches along this south shore. From that a plan was hatched.
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featured destination
The Bahamian Cemetery at Graveyard Flat on the south shore of Grand Bahama Island.
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featured destination
This venture consisted of several days of fishing with a group from the Altanta Fly Fishing Club, headquartered at the Viva Wyndam Fortuna Beach Resort in Lucaya on the outskirts of the island’s major town of Freeport. The scheme concocted involved recruiting fellow angler from the club, Polly Dean, and a visit to the concierge desk of the hotel. We soon had rented a car for around $50 for the day, packed our gear and were headed east along Grand Bahama Highway with directions for finding the land side approach to the Graveyard. Once there, we were quickly on the beach and rigging up. As I finished tying on a tan Gotcha pattern, down the beach to my left I spotted the shadows of three bonefish cruising toward me, no more than 10 feet from shore. When the fish got closer, a backhanded flip of the rod put the fly in their path. One twitch as they neared the offering and the lead fish sucked it in. A 20-inch bone was on the hook, yet I had not even gotten my feet wet!
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featured destination
Polly Dean hooked up with a bonefish on the Graveyard Flat.
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featured destination
The fishing on this flat and others we found over the next couple of days was a far cry from my experiences in the Florida Keys, where bonefish are scattered and wary. On the south side of Grand Bahama we found schools of up to 50 fish traveling like wildebeest on the savanna. Just put a fly in front of the herd and one of them would take it. By the time we abandoned the Graveyard flat, both Polly and I had multiple hook ups with bonefish and several of the fish brought to hand. Utilizing another bit of information we picked up from the concierge, a group of us celebrated our discovery that evening at Taino Beach. We dropped in at the local Fish Fry, a weekly outdoor event. It proved to be more than just entertainment, since the evening’s talk expanded our fishing party for the next day with the addition of a couple of more anglers.
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featured destination
The road access point to the sand flat at the end of Tamerind Lane.
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featured destination
Over the following days we found three more easily accessible flats that held bonefish, as well as revisiting the Graveyard. This latter one proved to be the most dependable, since the fish were there on all phases of the tide. However, during the high tide, the wading and sighting of the fish became more difficult due to the deeper water. Additionally, we caught fish on the massive white sand expanse at the end of Tamerind Lane, as well as just off Pelican Point, and in a spot called the Bowl near McLean’s Town, close to the east end of the island.
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featured destination
Though we hooked bonefish on several patterns of flies, including Crazy Charlies, Bonefish Gotchas and Cowen’s Bonefish Sliders, the common denominator was they had to be tan in color. When trying other hues, the fish ignored the offerings. Also, there are no fly shops on Grand Bahama, so make sure you have plenty of flies and back up gear. Breaking or losing something can ruin a trip here.
Scouting for bonefish on the flat at the end of Tamerind Lane.
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featured destination
The Viva Wyndam at Fortuna Beach proved the perfect place to stay for our adventure. It is one of the closest hotels to the fishing and is a moderately priced all-inclusive beach resort. Additionally, they have a rental car operation at their front door, making transportation to the flats easy and convenient. Your U.S. driver’s license is valid in the Bahamas, but just remember you are in a British Commonwealth nation, so keep the car on the left hand side of the road!
You can check out the Viva Wyndham Resort at vivafortunaresort.com
Polly Dean with a bonefish from the flat just off Pelican Point.
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FISH FRY!
While you’re chasing bonefish on Grand Bahama Island, you might want to sample the islands local cuisine, culture and nightlife. As opposed to glitzy resort entertainment, a visit to what the locals simply call “Fish Fry” provides a closer look at island life. You can try some locally caught and prepared seafood, enjoy a cold libation and dance to island music, all the while mingling with the local folks, visiting anglers and occasional tourists. The event takes place every Wednesday and Friday on a stretch of Taino Beach in Lucaya. From Penny’s Fish Fry Lounge to the Outrigger Beach Club, the sands of Smith Point turn into a combination cook out and beach party. Finding the location is not hard. Just ask any of the hotel staff or local residents for directions to Fish Fry! March 2017
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VisitWakulla The Natural Place to Be in Florida
With 73 miles of coastline and 4 fresh water rivers Wakulla County is the destination to fish! For launch areas, marinas and guides/outfitters visit our website at
VisitWakulla.com or call (850) 984-3966 Wakulla County Tourist Development Council
product review
Comfortable Hiking in the Sand
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product revew
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t first glance talking about a hiking boot in the context of saltwater fly-fishing might seem a bit out of place. Saltwater anglers more often deal with wading sandals, boat shoes or flip flops rather than a boot. But there are instances when having a durable, lightweight hiking boot does come into play. Anyone who has fished the mosquito-control canals that fringe Mosquito Lagoon or the Indian River near Titusville, Florida knows that finding the baby tarpon and other species in those man-made waterways often entails long walks along levy roads in search of the fish. Similarly getting to the redfish and seatrout waters of the Pelican Banks on the southern end of Georgia’s Cumberland Island calls for miles of trekking on sand roads and paths. You don’t want to set out on some saltwater adventures without some thought to how your feet will feel when the angling begins. A good choice for such a trekking adventure is the Renegade LL Mid hiking boot from LOWA. This lightweight boot weighs in at less than 40 ounce each, making for easy walking. The interior glove leather lining offers a close-tothe-foot fit and also wicks away perspiration, which can be important since most of this type of hiking near the brine will be in warm weather. The Nubuck uppers are designed to help with the close fit and are supported by a PU MONOWRAP midsole and frame. The footwear also features full length stabilizers with VIBRAM Evo soles. Bottom line is LOWA’s Renegade LL Mid is hard to beat for light weight comfort during warm climate hiking. lowaboots.com MSRP $230.00 March 2017
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Micro 5C
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Sized to fit the palm of your hand, an Aqua-Vu MICRO Underwater Viewing Systems is the perfect fish-finding device for your kayak. Complete with a 3.5- or 5-inch high resolution LCD, thumb-sized camera and 50 to 100 feet of cable, AquaVu cams are the easiest, best way to see what’s biting below. Used with an Aqua-Vu Pro-Snake Mount, the MICRO clamps quickly to your ‘yak for hours of underwater viewing.
I
f you are up for a challenge, then grab a fly rod, a few flies, a huge dose of determination and attempt to fool a sheepshead on a fly. Prepare to be humbled, as the moniker “Cajun permit� has been well earned by these fish in the waters of southeast Louisiana.
Sheepshead on the flats in clear water can be extremely spooky.
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Chasing the Cajun Permit Story by Capt. J.P Morel Photos by Jimmy Jacobs
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Gliding over oyster beds in gin clear water, scanning ahead for a tailing fish, is one of the major factors that draw anglers to the pursuit of saltwater species. Sheepshead are not that difficult to spot in clear water, but in stained water all you may see is a dark shape. When looking for sheepshead never pass up an oyster bed, as this is their favorite type of habitat and offers your best chance of seeing a tailing fish. When a sheepshead is feeding its silver looking tail will pop up, giving
Spotting the tail of a sheepshead and getting the fly to it quietly is the first step.
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away his location, but be ready to cast as that tail will soon disappear. Your arrival to the flat usually is greeted by jumping mullet and ibis prowling the edge of the marsh looking for a meal. The breeze is light, the water clear, and the tide is falling slowly. The marsh is alive with small finfish, crabs, and in the warmer month’s shrimp of all sizes, providing the food chain for the predators of the flats. Look for stingrays silently gliding by, which is a good sign for sheepshead to be in the same area.
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As the skiff eases along silently, watch for the flash of silver signaling a tailing sheepshead. Expect the adrenalin immediately to begin pumping up the excitement factor. While closing in on the quarry, watch for multiple fish milling around, and if so pick one fish to concentrate on. Try to drop a tan crab fly a couple of feet in front of the fish, letting it sink slowly. If the sheepshead turns toward the fly, use small short strips to make the fly dance across the scattered oysters.
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A sheepshead sometimes follows a fly as much 15 feet, but often refuses to commit, peeling off and exhibiting its Cajun permit pickiness. The scenario can play out repeatedly with these fish.
Capt. Keith Byrd with a Louisiana Cajun permit taken on a fly.
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Most sheepshead here run 4 to 6 pounds, but double digit weight ones do show up.
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After having more than a dozen fish follow, but not strike, it’s time for a change in the fly. A white shrimp imitation is another good option to outwit the Cajun permit. But, it may offer no better results.
After more fly changes and casting, a tailing fish with a bit less caution rushes the fly and the offering disappears in a puff of mud. When your first sheepshead slides into the net, you likely will have a
March 2017
new appreciation of what it takes to catch a Cajun permit on the fly. Trying to fool sheepshead ranks up there as some of the most difficult fly fishing, but the satisfaction of catching a Cajun permit is worth the effort.
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While not having a tacklebuster reputation, the sheepshead will put up a decent fight on a light fly rod and the larger fish can give you a good run for the money. The average fish on the flats will run around 4 to 6 pounds, but fish over 10 have been caught. A bit of preparation is in order before you go after sheepshead with the long rod. Any 5- to 7-weight rod paired with a good reel loaded with floating line will suffice for chasing sheepshead, along with a fluorocarbon tippet. Fly selection should include crab and shrimp imitations.
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The crushing teeth of the Cajun permit can destroy a fly.
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Marsh grass edges are good places to find feeding sheepshead.
Just as in any shallow water hunt, stealth is paramount to success. Before you hop on the bow of the skiff make sure there is no gear that might make even the smallest amount of noise, let along slamming hatches
or ice chest lids. No shuffling of the feet on the deck either. In fact, I abandon shoes to fish in socks. The marsh grass edges and oyster beds on the rim of the Gulf of Mexico from Lake Bourgne stretching
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west to Cocodrie offer thousands of square miles of habitat suitable for sheepshead. They provide plenty of opportunities to the south of New Orleans for hooking up with one of these Cajun permits.
About the Author Capt. J.P. Morel of Slidell, Louisiana owns Southern Coastal Outfitters. He has been guiding the waters near New Orleans from Lake Pontchartrain to Delaxcroix for 22 years, with the last 14 dedicated to fly fishing. Visit his website at scoutfittersllc.com. March 2017
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The Village Inn & Pub St. Simons Island, Georgi
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ia
E by Adam Kirk
very great saltwater fly fishing destination has an equally great place to stay and wet your whistle. For Hemingway it was Sloppy Joe's in the Florida Keys. When in Costa Rica fishing for tarpon, for Zane Grey it was the mahogany encrusted walls at the bar of the Hotel Del Rey, San Jose. If you are hurling flies around the Golden Isles of Georgia the mandatory watering hole is the Village Inn and Pub. Located on Mallery Street in Saint Simons Island, Georgia, this classic bar has been a favorite among the locales since Moby Dick was a minnow. It exudes a delightful ambiance that brings back locals and visitors alike time and time again. The establishment is an upscale bed and breakfast that does fantastic double duty in delivering a great pub experience. During fly fishing outings to Georgia's Golden Isles, the Village Inn and Pub is the place to celebrate a great day on the water, or to lament those days on the water when everything goes against you. Here you can sit at the solid mahogany bar that was brought over from England, or relax in a comfortable leather chair in front of the original 1930 stone fireplace.
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B
efore you silently slip your boat into the water at sunset and proudly flip the switch to show off ever ounce of creative talent expressed by an array of lights rivalling the Las Vegas strip … don’t. Most things that float are vessels and all vessels are subject to complex and technically detailed set of regulations – even paddled kayaks. Hence, not a single DIY navigation light configuration you see on YouTube is compliant – nada, nix zero. All violations. No hacks. Why? None use certified lights, many of the colors and flash patterns are non-
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ry
a n
x,
If you seek something special, the Village Inn and Pub is your ticket. Entertaining bartenders serve the Village Pub's famous Wild Orchid Martinis, which coined the motto "betcha can't have just one." The martinis are but one of the fine wines, beers, or cocktails available to the patrons of the pub. The Village Pub opens daily at 5:00 p.m. catering to the local patrons and travelers. Happy Hour runs until 7 p.m. daily. The Pub also has trivia on Wednesdays and live music Thursday, Friday, and Saturday. Nestled under the ancient live oak trees and between the parks and the historic oceanfront St. Simon’s downtown, you will step back in time when entering the Beach Cottage reception area that immediately sends you back to St. Simon Island's historic past. Restored to its 1930s look, the architecture of the Village Inn and Pub presents a façade integrated into the coastal panorama of the neighborhood. Each of the 28 guest rooms has its own floor plan and unique style that adds to the charm of your visit to the inn. The Beach Cottage is the gatehouse for the English Pub decorated with antiques and historic photographs. March 2017
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Uniquely, each room is named after an historical individual that has had some significant impact on St Simons Island, such as James Hamilton, Eugenia Price, James Oglethorpe, or Mildred Nix Huie. The rooms have soothing color schemes, majestic crown moldings are eloquently appointed, each having a custom-built armoire that houses a 27-inch television. Most of the rooms have a balcony with a view of the pool and courtyard that is filled with colorful flowers and bright native foliage. All of the rooms are smoke free. However, smoking (cigars too) is permitted on the balconies. Each room has a desk with work space for last minute business or correspondence. The inn offers high-speed wireless internet service. They also provide an iron, ironing board, hair dryer and soft, cozy robes guests. Luxurious king, spacious queen or two double beds are available. Some of the rooms have relaxing leather chairs to stretch out in after a full day on the waters. A continental breakfast is served daily on the sun porch located in the pub. 46 l www.sosaltwaterflyfishing.com | March 2017
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When developer and owner, George Stewart and wife Michelle, began renovating the beach cottage near the historic parks, lighthouse and oceanfront village districts, their key concern was to avoid disturbing the indigenous vegetation and trees. The towering live oaks on St. Simons were so prized for their strong wood as far back as 1812 that they were harvested and shipped to Boston to help build the U.S.S. Constitution, giving her the nickname "Old Ironsides." Parking here is in an offstreet grass and shell lot. This was done so as not to disturb the root systems of the trees and to promote environmentally safe water runoff. If you are headed to the Golden Isles to fly fish and want to enjoy the best the destination has to offer or to just relax with a few cool libations after being on the water, then by all means check out the Village Inn and Pub. For more information visit villageinnandpub.com
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SweetWater Brewing Company • Georgia • SweetWaterBrew.com
Marco Tarpon: Fishing on the Fringe By
By Polly Dean
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Hooking a tarpon on the fly is a sport for adrenaline junkies! Photo by Capt. Ken Chambers.
A
s one drives south on the west coast of Florida, solid ground begins to give way to a labyrinth of mangroves and water known as the Ten Thousand Islands. The traffic congestion and high-rises of Florida fade into tiny pools of civilization – refugees from the shine and glitz of the mainland. The “silver kings” that inhabit the shallow waters meandering through this maze of islands are a major reason anglers from all over the world converge on these remote waters. Tarpon of from 60 to well over 150 pounds can be found within yards of the white sand beaches and throughout the winding mangrove channels.
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Easing along the shoreline we scanned the surface for the appearance of the distinct dorsal fins breaking the surface, or dark shadows beneath the shallow water that give the presence of the species away. Standing on the deck of the boat with fly rod in one hand and fly in the other, we “hunt� the fish. A tarpon we estimate to be about 80 pounds rolls, giving away his location. It is out of reach for a cast, so we ease the boat closer. My blood is pumping while preparing to make the cast. Then, the fish is gone. This scenario plays out several more times. These silver giants are so close, yet so elusive. Captain Ken Chambers grew up fishing on nearby Marco Island and has been guiding since 2000. As a teenager he picked up a fly rod for the extra challenge. 54 l www.sosaltwaterflyfishing.com | March 2017
The silver kings are known for their explosive jumps when hooked. Photo by Capt. Ken Chambers.
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“The beauty of tarpon fishing is that it is mostly sight-fishing,” Capt. Chambers said. “Fly fishing in saltwater is awesome, but there’s nothing that compares to sight-fishing with a fly. The whole process is more exciting. Rather than trolling or blind-casting, you are actually stalking the fish.” “The draw to the sport is the adrenaline rush when you go from boredom to chaos in about a second,” he added. “You make a cast to something that weighs as much as the angler – it erupts on a fly that is 2 inches long and made out of feathers. There’s a heck of a lot of power right there!”
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Dropping the fly in front of an approaching tarpon near Marco Island. Photo by Capt. Ken Chambers.
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But, finding the fish is the first order of business. “Calm, clean water is the No. 1 thing to look for. That is where the fish seem more active near the surface,” Capt. Chambers explained. “And if you’re fly fishing you’re generally not doing it in deep water. In this area if conditions are murky, one can generally move to another island or channel and find clear water.” High tides aren’t necessarily a bad thing, but in the mangroves it can make a difference. It is more difficult to see the tarpon, as they have more places to hide. The fish are easier to see when the tide is low. Move only 100 yards out towards the Gulf, and the tides are irrelevant, according to the captain.
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The author scanning the water and ready to cast when the tarpon shows itself. Photo by Jimmy Jacobs.
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The migration of tarpon peaks in the months of March through June with a number of resident fish remaining in the area year-round. If fishing outside the peak months, it is a hit-or-miss fishery, but can be as good as any spring day if conditions are right. Captain Chambers recalled a week in mid-December where the tarpon fishing was outstanding because of unseasonably warm temperatures and calm winds.
The captain recommends throwing a 10- or 11-weight rod. The heavier rod is better for fighting the fish, but if it is too heavy to cast, go with the 10-weight. In these waters, Chambers also leans towards the smaller flies. A favorite fly is a 2 ½-inch black and purple Toad, tied on a 2/0 or 3/0 short shank hook. If the water is especially clear he goes with a lighter tan pattern. He keeps the flies light-weight for easier casting. These tarpon aren’t feeding on shrimp or crabs as much as those in other locations. They are feeding on mullet, sardines and herring.
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The distinctive dorsal fin of a rolling tarpon often gives away the fish’s location. Photo by Jimmy Jacobs.
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If there is anything one can do to better prepare themselves for a successful tarpon outing, it would be to practice before hitting the water. “It’s all about presentation and putting the fly in exactly the right spot and doing it quickly,” Capt. Chambers pointed out. “When the fish rolls at the 10 o’clock position at 30 yards out, every second that you lose because your fly is in the air – whether it’s false casting or whatever – your odds are going down, down, down.” “So practice double hauling and practice in the wind. The best tarpon fishing takes place in the spring and in Florida there’s going to be wind,” he concluded.
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Tarpon may appear as just a dark shadow near the mangroves in the Ten Thousand Islands. Photo by Jimmy Jacobs.
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Tarpon are the premier saltwater game fish. In terms of size and power and their aerial displays, there’s just nothing like them. Even if you jump one and lose it – that’s a win. We don’t talk just about the fish we land. We talk about the ones we hook. Visit backcountryguideservice.com or call (239) 289-0984 to book a day of stalking tarpon with Captain Ken Chambers.
Getting a big tarpon to the gunnels entails a battle royal with the silver king. Photo by Polly Dean.
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About the Author Polly Dean is the Assistant Editor of Fishing Tackle Retailer magazine, as well as an accomplished photographer and fly-caster. In her spare time she freelances for a number of outdoor and general interest publications. March 2017
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Olde Marco Inn & Suites: A Piece of Tarpon History
Marco is the largest isle within these Ten Thousand Islands. Its attractions are its sun-washed white sand beaches and the casual slow-paced lifestyle. Waterfront resorts, vacation rentals and restaurants offering freshcaught seafood make it the ideal jumping-off point for anglers to explore the miles of mangrove islands bordering the Gulf of Mexico. Amid those other accommodations, the Olde Marco Inn & Suites stands out for its connection to the tarpon fishing. After the Civil War, a handful of pioneers chose to settle on the old Calusa Indian shell mounds of Southwest Florida. But, the discovery of the silver kings soon changed the peaceful landscape. An 1874 report from New Smyrna Beach noted “the tarpum (tarpon)....is rarely taken with the hook and line, as it generally carried away the tackle.....the only successful way, I am told, is to strike it with a harpoon...” A year later, an international craze began when a New Yorker successfully landed five tarpon averaging over 100 pounds on rod and reel in the Marco area. Hotels were immediately constructed as sportsmen flocked into southwest Florida. Built in 1883, the Marco Inn was remodeled into a hotel, renting rooms for $2 a day. The “Marco Inn Tarpon Club” was initiated for any guest who caught a tarpon weighing 60 pounds or more. Scales from the fish were mounted in frames and still adorn the hallways as permanent records of the anglers, the years, the weights and lengths of those fish. Today the Olde Marco Island Inn & Suites is a refreshing mix of history and modern-day style. Angler or not, it is an oasis worth visiting.
oldemarcoinnandsuites.com
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The Olde Marco Inn & Suites. Photo by Polly Dean.
Frames holding 100-plusyear-old tarpon scales line the walls of the Olde Marco Inn & Suites, with anglers’ names inscribed on them. Photo by Polly Dean. March 2017
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T
he vast marshes around Georgia’s Golden Isles form an extremely fertile estuary system that serves as a nursery and dining hall for a number of
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FITTERS
ns Islands, Georgia
saltwater game fish. For decades the waters near these barrier islands also have been famous for supporting great saltwater fishing. The Golden Isles waters teem with redfish and seatrout, while spring through summer sees the area come alive with tripletail, Spanish mackerel and giant tarpon. March 2017
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On the other hand, the Peach State coast also has some of the biggest tidal swings on the East Coast. Those tides at times change as much as 9 feet. The big change in depth creates a lot of current coming out of the marshes, which drags silt into near shore waters. That dirty water can make fishing, particularly with fly equipment, quite difficult at times. Indeed, up until about a decade ago, seeing fly casters in Georgia coastal waters was rare. However, a handful of guides eventually figured out the fly angling and it has been slowly gaining a following. With that growth in interest, the need for a shop selling fly casting gear developed as well. Kennedy Outfitters, with shops on both Jekyll and St. Simons Islands, has filled that need. Larry Kennedy, Sr. and his sons were among the pioneering fly-casting guides on the Georgia Coast and in 2013 the elder Kennedy opened the first shop on St. Simons. 72 l www.sosaltwaterflyfishing.com | March 2017
Even at that the shop was a bit of an after thought. Kennedy’s partner was putting in a shopping complex and had 1500 square feet vacant. The partner suggested that they put in a fishing equipment store. As the interest in fly fishing has slowly grown on this coast, it was natural to expand into carrying fly casting supplies as well. Kennedy continues to guide and now even has a couple of fly-only guides that work with more experienced clients. As far as fishing ventures on the local waters are concerned, the pursuit of redfish gets the most interest. That centers on stalking tailing reds in the marsh grass during the warmer months. There also is growing interest in targeting the reds during the low tide periods of winter when the area has its clearest water. March 2017
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Kennedy Outfitters also does destination trips to Cuba, Mexico and other exotic locales. Those trips represent the fastest growing portion of the fly fishing revenue stream. Additionally, the shop offers beginning fly casting instruction for novice anglers. Among the clientele, perhaps three to four new anglers drop by for advice or instruction in any given time period. Still, only about 10 percent of the shops’ traffic is produced by the fly-fishing segment of the business, but that is growing little by little. As to the lines of gear that do well in the fly-fishing section, Larry pointed to Sage rods, Tibor reels and Rio lines, along with Smith sunglasses. Another popular item for the new fly anglers are beginning fly-casting outfits from Redington. Readily admitting to prospective clients that the big tides in the area make fly fishing a sometimes-tough proposition goes right along with what Larry Kennedy believes is a core mission of the shop. That is to provide honesty in every transaction, whether it’s selling a reel or dispensing advice. Visit kennedyoutfitters.com
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BEHEMOTH Fly Reel T
he Oxford Dictionary defines “behemoth” as either a huge creature or something that is enormous. Redington aptly named their powerful new saltwater fly reel the Behemoth. It has the “guts” to slow and subdue heavy fish and is an affordable big-game fly reel. Big game fly reels are intricate pieces of engineering designed to perform reliably. When fast into saltwater gamefish it is essential to have a well-constructed, strong reel with a powerful drag. Stratospherically priced highperformance fly reels need not be part of the toll when pursuing big gamefish. Redington's BEHEMOTH carries a $100 to $140 price tag. Redington rates the BEHEMOTH drag package, 30-pouds weight/capacity. Typically this degree of drag power is only found in fly reels with $600900 price tags. A well rounded family of fly reels, the Redington BEHEMOTH Fly Reels are available in four sizes; 5/6 (5.7 ounces), 7/8 (7.5 ounces), 9/10 (10.8 ounces) and 11/12 (11.4 ounces), and two finishes; black and gunmetal. Our review was on the Redington BEHEMOTH 7/8. The Redington BEHEMOTH’s Fly Reel's affordability is its diecast construction. In recent years diecast fly reels have lost ground to machined fly reel frames. Fly reels are either diecast or CNC machined aluminum. The latter are machined from a solid, bar stock aluminum by computer controlled machinery. Machining is a time consuming, costly process which makes CNC fly reels well suited to small production runs, and resulting high prices. CNC machined aluminum fly reels delivery great performance, but at a price. March 2017
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Diecast fly reels are created pouring molten metal into moulds. Per unit cost of diecast is less expensive to create than is when machining bar stock aluminum--that is if you project selling a high volume of fly reels. Redington BEHEMOTH diecast fly reels are constructed to deliver durability and performance but without costing upwards of $500. Redington focused it on its 30-pound drag “guts.� We scratched our heads upon discovering the drag system of the Redington BEHEMOTH was not sealed as are most saltwater fly reels. Maintenance free sealed drags prevent dust, grit, dirt, sand, and saltwater from causing serious problems on the internal components of the drag. The Redington BEHEMOTH 's drag is capped, not sealed. Time will tell if this design approach is good or bad. Having noted our concern about capping, the drag system is still the Redington BEHEMOTH 's best selling point. It delivers great stopping power, and is acceptably smooth when its drag system engages when a gamesters such bonefish make their run. Its criss-cross / interlock, diecast spool sports a solid spoke design that merges and combine to form one solid-spoke. The design is touted to prevent torsion. We like the deep V-cavity design that affords extra backing capacity. The V-cut design holds a lot of backing; the 7/8 model holds up to 150 yards of backing, a running line, and fly line. 80 l www.sosaltwaterflyfishing.com | March 2017
On a scale of 1 to 10, we rate the Redington BEHEMOTH a solid 7. Despite long term maintenance concerns we love the drag. Who among us has not wondered what
would happen if you put a V8 Hemi in a Toyota Prius? The reel’s diecast design certainly reduces the cost of the Redington BEHEMOTH, no matter what you
say about this approach to building fly reels for serious saltwater gamefish angling, it is not machined aluminum. The Redington BEHEMOTH will probably establish a good service record. We’ll be watching.
www.redington.com/fly-fishing-reels March 2017
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Featured Guide
Captain Gre A
ccording to NOAA, the Peach State has 2,344 miles of coastline, much of which is classified as tidal flats. No matter how determined or savvy a fly fisherman you might be, it’s going to take you a couple hundred trips to sample it all, and cull out the so-so stretches of costal waters. No matter who you are or what you think you know about saltwater fly fishing, hiring the services of a great guide is one of the best investments you will. If you ask around the Golden Coast who the “go to guy” for those who fish with a fly, is Captain Greg Hildreth. “St. Simons Island fly fishing enthusiasts will be ecstatic to know some large, tough and aggressive fish are right at the end of their tippet in the inshore and nearshore waters surrounding Brunswick and the Golden Isles of Georgia”, says Captain Hildreth. “Fly fishing possibilities include redfish, trout, tripletail, tarpon, cobia, Spanish mackerel, jack crevalle, and many others.” Many visitors to these popular getaway islands are unaware of the smorgasbord of saltwater quarries they can catch on a fly here. In fact, in the fast growing world of southern saltwater fly fishing, the Golden Isle remain a pretty closely guarded secret. “Television broadcast of saltwater fly fishing adventures has really promoted this sport in the South,” says Captain Hildreth. “Today the the average fly fisherman does not have the time and resources to target the saltwater species on their own. It is much more cost efficient to hire a guide.” “Golden Isles fly fishing and St. Simons Island fly fishing; simply no words can describe it,’ says Captain Hildreth, who adds “It must be experienced.” 84 l www.sosaltwaterflyfishing.com | March 2017
eg Hildreth
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Georgia’s Gold Coast Golden Isles unique to all other southern coastal waters, with the secret being the variation of the tides. These water experience an average of 7.5 tide movement every six hours. Fly fishing action is rarely anything short of fantastic for tailing reds on flood tides. The downside on planning a fly fishing trip to these waters is that success is very, very dependent on tidal flows. As Captain Hildreth points out, trips are all tide dependent. “Saltwater fly fishermen are a different breed,” says Captain Hildreth. “Most are like me and just want to get out on the water, enjoy the area and get some shots at a red fish. When the fly fishing for reds is hot, they are tough to disappoint. “At Golden Isles many of the clients we take out are not experts,” says Captain Hildreth. “No matter who you are, all fly fishermen have to start somewhere. We have a long standing policy to encourage first timers as well as the most experienced fly fishermen and women to come fish with us. Patience and helpful guidance are very important and our reputation is based on both.” Captain Hildreth operates out of 17-foot Mitzi fly fishing skiff. Clients are provided with flies, tackle and license, plus basic instructions. Clients are responsible for bringing along beverages and food. “That first glimpse of a Red fish tail in the grass is indescribable,” explains Captain Hildreth. “It’s a must see experience. Our most popular repeat trips are my service’s number one target species; Red Drum AKA Red fish.”
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St. Simons Island Cast-and-Blast Story & Photos by David Cannon
Anglers have to be constantly alert to spot the tails of reds waving amid the spartina grass. 90 l www.sosaltwaterflyfishing.com | March 2017
T
here’s a unique anticipation that comes with stepping foot on a skiff to venture after redfish on the fly rod. When going after bass or trout in lakes or streams, one can reasonably expect to catch fish, if one does a few things well. Worst case, an angler can at least find those fish by probing certain habitat.
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When going after redfish, however, there are a few key variables thrown into the mix, not the least of which are the sheer vastness of water where the fish could be present, and the endless hunt the redfish itself is on for new and fertile feeding grounds, meaning the angler is shooting at an ever-moving target. However, boarding the skiff of Captain David Edens out of St. Simons Island, Georgia, and doing so with the best angler I know, Kyle Burrell, would certainly increase the odds of engagement with a red. Edens has the eyes of a Bahamian bonefish guide, the poling skills of a Venetian gondolier, and an attitude that’s a hybrid of a hunter and a businessman on vacation. He’s laid-back, but also determined to find fish. Those skills on the poling platform, working in tandem with the skills of Burrell - who always seems to have a beat on the very thoughts and desires of fish he encounters - meant the chances should have been good. This brand of fishing can be found in many spots all along the southeastern Atlantic and Gulf Coasts. But the Georgia coast is special. All the amenities one could ever desire are to be found along the Georgia shore, but the development has largely been made to become part of the landscape, not to dominate it. Houses and businesses are tucked beneath ancient live oaks with no high-rises in sight.
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On most days in the fall and winter, there are few boats and anglers to compete with for prime redfish real estate. It’s really not difficult to pretend that you have gone back in time, or that you’re a mogul who owns and controls his own string of private islands.
Dropping the fly in front of the prowling red without spooking the fish is the trick.
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The plan on this trip was to fish the extremely high, incoming flood tide, working the bits and pieces of the marsh that are submersed only a few times a year. These grounds are rich with fiddler crabs that can stay high and dry for most of the year, only having to worry about the “red army� invading during these rare and extreme pulls from the moon. After a short haul southward from St. Simons, Captain Edens assured us that we should find some redfish on these flats with their tails out of the water, while sucking crabs out of the mud. He was right, and after only a few minutes of squinting in an effort to discern the subtle difference between swaying spartina and the spotted tail of a feeding red, several very active fish were revealed.
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If you’ve never experienced locating and casting to a tailing redfish, stop putting it off. Plan the trip and take it. Just seeing this display is worth the time and treasure invested. Kyle had legitimate shots at three different tailing redfish in the 45-minute window on day one, before the water rose to the point it was too deep to see exposed tails. All three moved so erratically that only one was hooked and Kyle, who spends most of the year guiding for trout on either Atlanta’s Chattahoochee River or Wyoming’s Green River, raised the rod for a “trout-set” and pulled the hook right out of the fish’s mouth.
A marsh hen, flushed from the flooded grass near St. Simons Island.
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Edens, who has been close friends with Kyle for decades and is well-aware of Burrell’s usually-flawless angling reputation, may have mentioned the troutset a few times through grinning teeth over the following day and a half. But on day two, Burrell got another shot at a tailer and this time, the troutset was replaced with a strip-set. A few minutes later and a 23-inch redfish with a turquoise streak on the bottom of his tail was in the net. A few photographs, a release back into the brine, and some hearty congratulations capped off the conquest. The celebration and satisfaction of landing one redfish in two days underscores the challenge that fly fishing for reds in the grass can present. While the locating and engaging of tailing redfish was the main event, the action on this jaunt was non-stop and everchanging. Hundreds of butterflies fluttering over the marsh passed us by over the course of two days on their annual journey towards Mexico. With marsh hens being in season at the time, and the big flood tide the ideal time for hunting them, a 20-gauge shotgun made an appearance between tides to add a little blasting to the casting. For anyone who is even remotely interested in the outdoors, this adventure provided enough casting, shooting, catching, and observing to provide sporting fulfillment overflowing. 96 l www.sosaltwaterflyfishing.com | March 2017
The fish often are referred to locally as spottails for good reason.
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About the Author David Cannon is a commercial photographer working in the Atlanta to Athens region of Georgia. He also is the author of the book Fly Fishing Georgia: A No Nonsense Guide to Top Waters. Visit his website at www.
Capt. Dave Edens on the platform poling the grass flats of Georgia’s Golden Isles.
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Fly Cast Charters of St. Simons Island Captain David Edens operates Fly Cast Charters of St. Simons Island and is an Orvis-endorsed guide. He grew up in the mountains of west central North Carolina, catching trout on flies tied with hair from the family house cat. He has an MBA from the University of Georgia, and has been guiding fly casters on St. Simons Island since 2009. Capt. Edens’ specialty is targeting tailing redfish in shallow water, thus his business motto - with a tip of the hat to famed Macon, Georgia poet Sidney Lanier - is “Hunting Fish in the Marshes of Glynn.” He is also ready to put anglers on big jack crevalle, seatrout or tripletail around the Peach State’s Golden Isles of Jekyll, St. Simons and Sea Islands. For more information about Capt. David Edens and the trips that he offers, visit www.flycastcharters.com.
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Featured Fly Tier Captain Greg Hildret
F
lies in their rainbow of colors and never-ending individual nuances are undoubtedly one of the most fascinating aspects of saltwater fly fishing. For some fly fishermen, it is impossible to go on the water with too many different fly patterns in their boxes. Then there is Captain Greg Hildreth, who ties and fishes using but one basic pattern. Minor variations notwithstanding, he casts just that pattern to the burly redfish that prowl the flats along the Golden Isles of Georgia. “I have one pattern that I made up,” Capt. Hildreth said. “Fresh
water fly fishermen might call it a Wooly Bugger. I haven’t given it a name, so I guess you’d call it a no-name fly.” A “no-name” fly is not unusual, since a number of tiers use that designation either formally or informally for their concoctions. In this case the pattern is tied on a No. 1 Mustad stainless steel hook. For the body he prefers Estaz soft core made by GlissenGloss. To that he adds marabou and often a rabbit strip to the back as well. His favorite colors are gold, black or even chartreuse. Tying the flies in a variety of hues is fairly important, because the preference of the redfish can change on a daily
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basis. “A purple and chartreuse one should scare the fish away,” the captain noted. “But you throw it out there some days and ‘bam’ they take it.” As a finishing touch he adds a weed guard to the flies. He favors the “V” style made out of 50-pound-test Ande monofilament. “Especially on the flood tides when you’re way back up in the grass, that weed guard can run right through the grass,” he explained. Capt. Hildreth resides and operates a charter service out of the coastal town of Brunswick, Georgia, although he grew in Enterprise, Alabama, the home of the world’s only
th: The One Fly Guy
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[Don’t] be scared to try something new--use your imagination and think outside the box. monument to the boll weevil. Despite fishing a lot in the Yellowhammer State, it was not until relocating to the coast of the Peach State and making friends with Larry Kennedy on St. Simom Island that he was taken by the fly fishing bug. “Big Larry” (to differentiate him from his son of the same name) introduced Greg to fly fishing and instructed his progress. Fly tying was a natural extension of Capt. Hildreth’s fly fishing passion. He describes himself has being pretty much self-taught. When asked about fly-tying mentors, he did mention he was lucky enough to have locals Scott
Wagner, Wayne Veasey and Kenny Dodd help him get started at the vise. As an experienced fly fishing guide amid the Golden Isles, Capt. Hildreth utilizes his knowledge and experience of targeting the redfish of the area to give him and his clients an angling edge. Although never a competitive fly tier with lots of ribbons and plaques, he knows what works in his local waters for the reds. Referring to Capt. Hildreth as a “one fly guy” actually is a bit of an overstatement. Unlike many freshwater fly tiers, Capt. Hildreth is not likely to be caught skinning
out a roadkill possum for dubbing. He uses a lot of the newer tying materials, and he really likes the Estaz. Capt. Hildreth did note that he also obtains feathers from a friend who breeds exotic chickens. Capt. Hildreth doesn’t tie commercially, and has only passed along his tying secrets to a few friends. He does speak to groups on tying flies for the waters and fly fishing for redfish around the Golden Isles. His advice to up-and-coming saltwater fly tiers is to not be scared to try something new--use your imagination and think outside the box. For more information on Capt. Greg Hildreth, visit georgiacharterfishing.com.
:A purple and chartreuse one should scare the fish away...[b]ut you throw it out there some days and ‘bam’ they take it.” 104 l www.sosaltwaterflyfishing.com | March 2017
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ECHO Boost Saltwater Series
E
cho’s recently introduced BOOST saltwater series fly rods are designed to meet the needs of those seeking fast action performance at a cost that does no bust their budget. Echo’s BOOST’s mid-to-low price range rod is quite remarkable for a fly rod that delivers compact casting strokes and also enables tight loop, high speed long casts. The Echo Boost saltwater fly rod is the most recent brainchild of master rod guru, Tim Rajeff, the owner of Echo. Rajeff’s Echo story is as interesting as is his unique concept for designing fly rods. Echo is a small, personal company located in Vancouver, Washington where they currently produces fly rods and Airflo Fly Lines to North America. After spending his youth fly casting in California and Oregon, in 1973 Rafeff took a job working for the Fenwick Fly Fishing School in Montana. Twelve years later Rafeff began guiding in Alaska, latter developing the first fishing camps on Russia’s Kola Peninsula above the Arctic Circle. In 1994 he moved south to work for a premium domestic rod manufacturer as head of the engineering department and as Fly Brand Manager. Echo BOOST series fly rods of the most interest to southern saltwater fly fishermen are the company’s 9 foot rods in 8 weight (4.2 ounces); 9 weight (4.4; 10 weight (5.3); 11 weight (5.6) and 12 weight (6.1). Each carries a MSRP of $249. These BOOST series have more in common than their price tag. They're all lightning fast--very fast. We fell in love these rods’ slim profile, stealthy matte finish, and all-metal reel seat. Yeah, the BOOST is eye candy. Easy to manage when traveling, BOOST features a 4-piece travel design that comes in a fabric-covered square rod case with a rod sock. All of the BOOST five saltwater models come with corrosion-resistant full titanium guides. Black anodized reel seat finishes are found on all saltwater fly rod models. The blanks feature, the best, state-of-the-art lightweight, high-modulus graphite that delivers fast, action. Once assembled and pressed into action, our rod initially felt quite stiff but it was just matter of getting used to its amazing action it was pretty amazing. In short order we discovered it casts better than
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we do. BOOST fly rods achieve maximum line speed with minimal effort, the culmination of Rajeff’s unending quest to tweak the BOOST to deliver aggressive casting stroke ability that is a precision balance of power. And while ECHO won't go out of its way to say it, these are specialty rods, not daily drivers. That's not a slight, because there is certainly no one rod that can do it all, and the BOOST is designed for specific tasks which more "allaround" rods won't handle well. The Echo BOOST saltwater series is perfect for anglers who need to execute quick, accurate long casts with few to no false casts. The ultra-fast BOOST series does not require burdensome false casts to load enough line for a long cast. Conversely, these arm cannons cast very well even at close range situations. We found our Echo BOOST to be one of the best, state-of-the-art lightweight, high-modulus graphite rods that delivers fast action. Echo’s BOOST saltwater fly rods deliver remarkable bang for the buck, garnering it a 4.5 out of 5.0 stars rating. March 2017
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MURPHY’S T Murphy’s Tavern sits on Mallery Street in the village section of St. Simons Island.
Photo by Capt. David Edens.
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TAVERN BY POLLY DEAN
March 2017
K
nowing the best watering holes is an angler's specialty – and we're not talking about the ones you drop a line in. We're talking about watering holes where fishermen go to tell tales - whether bragging about the day's catch, lamenting the one that got away or just to plain forget. Murphy's Tavern, a stroll away from the Georgia coastal island's fishing pier in the downtown village area of St. Simons, is the quintessential dive bar where fishermen and just about anyone else can be found enjoying a cold one. The clientele includes local guides and fishermen just off the boat, folks capping off their work day and those who don't claim to have a work day. Sharing space at the bar are residents of the exclusive nearby Sea Island - fresh off the golf course, or later in the evening stopping for a nightcap following dinner, a charity event or a wedding.
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The seats at the bar are usually the first to fill up. There is a smattering of tables with straight back chairs. Dusty books line a bookcase on the front wall. The pool tables are popular, as patrons place their quarters ready to challenge whoever is running the table at the moment. A dart board on the wall alongside the fireplace also garners its fair share of attention from the customers. Murphy's bartenders are attentive and adept at serving up cold beer, cocktails and rounds of shots. On cold (may dip into the 40s) winter nights they keep the fire in the fireplace crackling. Perhaps the role they shine at most is that of DJ. The music is bartenders' choice and they don't disappoint covering everything from the Rolling Stones to Frank Sinatra, with rock 'n roll tunes covering the hits to the deep cuts, plus jam bands and oldies in between. Whether it's the redfish, speckled trout, or summertime tarpon that bring you to St. Simons Island, Murphy's Tavern is the watering hole that shouldn't be passed by.
The interior of Murphy’s is the quintessential dive bar atmosphere.
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Photo by Capt. David Edens.
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