Southern Saltwater Fly Fishing Fall Issue 3

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Southern Saltwater

Fly Fishing Magazine Edition 3 September 2017

www.southernsaltwaterflyfishing.com


764 Miami Circle, Atlanta, Georgia 30324| Phone: (404) 237-3473

www.thefishhawk.com

JOURNEYS OF SGI St. George Island, Florida 40 E 3rd Street, St. George Island (850)927-3259 www.sgislandjourneys.com info@sgislandjourneys.com


From the Editor There are few things more gratifying to an editor than getting feedback regarding their publication. That’s especially true when the comments are positive. After our Summer 2017 issue went live, I received the following e-mail. Just finished your magazine’s 2nd edition and loved it. Great stories and I am now stoked about a trip to the Lowcountry. Think the Rhett house would be most fun. Of course, stalking pompano off the Florida east coast would also be a hoot. Anyway kudos on some terrific articles, photos and for planting some travel ideas. Best Regards, Doug Brady The message was particularly special because I know Doug to be a member of the Atlanta Fly Fishing Club, who has fished extensively throughout our coverage area on the southern coasts and the Caribbean. When our stories strike a chord with such a knowledgeable angler, it suggests we are headed in the right direction and hope that all our readers agree. With that in mind, join us in this edition as we take a Close Look at the Alabama Coast, featuring redfish action on Mobile Bay and a profile of the iconic Flora-Bama Lounge and Oyster Bar. We also delve into targeting redfish on Florida’s East Coast at historic St. Augustine and take a look at chasing false albacore at Cape Lookout, North Carolina. Rounding out the September 2017

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Editor

destination coverage we travel to

Jimmy Jacobs the Cayman Islands for some jimmyjacobs@mindspring.com

Publisher

overlooked bonefish and tarpon Don Kirk options.

Don@Southerntrout.com

Assoc. Publisher Jerry Davis JD@Southerntrout.com Digital Media Specialist Claude Preston, III Claude@southerntrout.com Managing Editor Leah Kirk Leah@Southerntrout.com

You’ll also find our usual mix of reviews of gear, looks at resorts, guides and fly tiers. If you like what you see, let us know. If there’s some other things you’d like to have covered, send us those ideas to jimmyjacobs@ mindspring.com as well. Jimmy Jacobs

Assoc. Managing Editor Loryn Latham Editor Loryn@Southerntrout.com Editorial Consultant

Olive K. Nynne

Contributors Polly Dean Ed Mashburn Robert Sloan

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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This Issue Editor’s Letter

3

False Albies in the Fall

10

Unknown Angling in the Caymans

24

Ray Guard Wading Boots

32

Abel SDS Reel

36

CLOSE LOOK South Alabama

41

10

Featured Resort 42 The Wharf - Gulf Shores, AL Featured Fly Tyer Tom Dempsey

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Featured Fly Shop McCoy Outdoor Co.

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24

Featured Guide 70 Capt. Dan Kolenich Fly Fishing Mobile Bay

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Stalking Crawlers at Historic 90 St. Augustine Sage Salt HD Rod

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End of the Line Singing and Flinging Mullet

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SweetWater Brewing Company • Georgia • SweetWaterBrew.com


False Albies in the Fall

By Jimmy Jacobs

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he sun is angling straight in to the front of our boat as we leave the docks at Calico Jack’s Marina on Harkers Island, heading east to the Atlantic Ocean. This morning’s adventure is the culmination of twin migrations here on the North Carolina coast at Cape Lookout. In the months of October through December the waters just off the southern end of the Old North State’s Outer Banks come alive with false albacore, which are actually little tunny, but more often referred to by anglers as false albies. Call them what you will, when their migration reaches Cape Lookout, it sparks another rush to the area by Mid-Atlantic and southern fly casters, bent on hooking these battlers on the long rod.

The fishing sometimes involves waiting and watchng for bait balls in front of the Cape Lookout Lighthouse. Photo by Jimmy Jacobs. September 2017

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Anglers strung out along The Hook waiting for passing false albies. Photo by Jimmy Jacobs.

The air is crisp on this November morning as we round the point known as The Hook, exiting Lookout Bight and motoring into the Atlantic. Along the way, as we passed the eastern end of the Shackleford Banks, a small band of banker ponies were visible on the beach. These feral equine are thought to have descended from horses brought to the New World by the Spanish in the 16th century. Small bands of them continue to inhabit several Outer Banks islands. At The Hook another small herd is strung out along the north tip of Power Squadron Spit to our south. This group, however is not equine, but rather made up of surf casters looking for the same false albies we are pursuing.

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When the first cold fronts of September roll into New England, the false albies around Cape Cod start moving south with the warmer waters they prefer. By mid-October they reach the Cape Lookout area, where they gorge on bait fish spilling out the state’s sounds. It is little wonder that the arrival of the false albies sparks the second migration. Tossing fly line toward feeding albies often results in a vicious strike and the line going taunt. The comparison usually heard from bonefish anglers about being connected to a freight train also applies to the first run of these little tunny. Even moderately-sized albies put a serious bend in 9- or 10-weight rods. Indeed, boating one of these battlers can seem almost like work. The final landmark we spot while moving to the fishing area is the 163-foot tall spire of the Cape Lookout Lighthouse. The structure is unique in two ways. Since it was automated back in 1950, it is the only U.S. lighthouse that shines both day and night. Also, its black and white diamond pattern paint job is for more that decoration. The center line of the black diamonds run from north to south, while the white diamonds point east and west. No other lighthouse bares this directional pattern.

The Cape Lookout Lighthouse overlooks the best angling area. Photo by Jimmy Jacobs. September 2017

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Once the area just offshore of a site known as the Gun Mounts is reached and rods are rigged, the angling becomes a waiting game. The site draws its name from the remains of positions that held heavy naval guns guarding the entrance to Beaufort and Moorhead City during both World Wars I and II. On slow days the wait can be long, but on others it may only be a blink of the eye. As we gaze across the relatively shallow water in all directions, the goal is to spot bait balls pushed to the surface by feeding albies. The baitfish are mostly bay anchovies, silversides or pilchers that form a tight, swirling ball when attacked. The predatory fish splashing the water from below are joined by circling, diving gulls from above, making spotting the action rather easy. The trick then is to slowly motor to within casting range. Running wide open and getting too close are guaranteed to disperse both attackers and prey.

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North Carolina angler John Loyd with a good Cape Lookout albie. Photo by Curtis Boatman.

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Once within range, cast just beyond the blitzing fish and strip the fly back through the action. But, be aware that both the bait and albies move quickly. A lot of false casting will likely lead to you landing the fly where they were, not where they are. Quick, accurate delivery is a necessity. Also, don’t strip too fast on the retrieve. Albies like to pick off wounded stragglers from their slashing attacks on the bait ball. Making your offering appear to be a hurt minnow is a good tactic. If you don’t get a strike and the surface action disappears, it is still worthwhile to throw several blind casts in the vicinity. The bait may have just moved deeper beneath the surface and is still being attacked. If that doesn’t work, then start looking for the next bait ball to surface.

Chuck Bishirjian showing off an average-sized false albie taken on the fly. Photo courtesy of Chuck Bishirjian.

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Flies to tie on for this action should imitate the minnows on which the albies feed. Although adult albies reach lengths of 25 to 32 inches, they still feed on some very small baitfish. For that reason most anglers prefer flies in sizes 2 to 8 to entice them. A couple that are particular good are tied by Henry Cowen. His Cowen’s Albie Anchovie or Cowen’s Silverside usually draws strikes. Those are available at umpqua. com/products/flies/by-tyer/3453.

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S

ince 2014, the Cape Lookout Albacore and Redfish Festival has been promoting the sustainable, recreational, fall fishery for false albacore on the Crystal Coast of North Carolina. More than 120 anglers and many more friends or family members have visited the Cape Lookout area in search of our target species. Despite the success of the tournament, and presentation of the coveted copper albacore trophies, the highlight of the event has unquestionably been the support of our veterans. The festival has Project Healing Waters Fly Fishing, Inc., which provides fly fishing, fly tying and rod building to disabled veterans and wounded active duty service members, as its chosen charity.

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During the past three years in excess of $50,000 has been donated to support their mission. More impressive, more than 50 local guides and fishermen have donated their boats, fuel, equipment and time to take almost 100 Project Healing Water participants on the water to chase false albies and redfish. Project Healing Waters Fly Fishing began in 2005 serving wounded military service members at Walter Reed Army Medical Center returning from combat in Iraq and Afghanistan. Since then, PHWFF has expanded nationwide, establishing its highly successful program in Department of Defense hospitals, Warrior Transition Units, and Veterans Affairs Medical Centers and clinics.

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Curtis Boatman caught this albie during the 2016 Cape Lookout Albacore Festival. Photo courtesy of Curtis Boatman.

The Project Healing Waters Fly Fishing program provides basic fly fishing, fly casting, fly tying and rod building classes, along with clinics for participants ranging from beginners who have never fished before, to those with prior fly fishing and tying experience who are adapting their skills to their new abilities. All fly fishing and tying equipment is provided to the participants at no cost. Fishing trips, both one day and multi-day, are also provided free of charge to participants. The project is unique because the volunteers are teaching classes on an on-going, long term basis. It is much more than a one-day fishing trip. For many participants, particularly disabled veterans, the socialization and camaraderie of the classes are just as important as the fishing outings, and provide them a new activity.


Crystal Coast

Adventures NORTH CAROLINA

CRYSTALCOASTADVENTURES.COM

Specializing in False Albacore, Trout and Redfish. Captain Dean Lamont is a former Orvis endorsed fly fishing guide with over 20 years of fishing experience on The Crystal Coast of NC. Fall fishing trips have Orvis rods and reels with hand tied flies provided. Maverick flats boat used for red fish and trout in the sound/flats.

Project Healing Waters Fly Fishing relies on Fly Fishers International, Trout Unlimited and independent fly fishing clubs to conduct the program at the Department of Defense and Veterans Administration facilities across the nation. The volunteer staff and outings leaders include experienced fly fishers and guides, all of whom donate their time and knowledge to support PHWFF participants. For more information on Project Healing Waters visit projecthealingwaters.org. For details on this year’s Cape Lookout Albacore and Redfish Festival go to capelookoutalbacorefestival.com.

Book your trip early to secure prime days! (919) 414-2452 thelamonts@clis.com

Where Affordability – Meets Superior Quality

skimmerskiff.com Info@SkimmerSkiff.com Skimmer Skiffs L.L.C., 2764 Navigator Ave., Bld 138-S, Sanford, FL 32773, P: (407) 402-8295


Where the only thing

more beautiful

than your surroundings,

are the fish.

PHOTO: @THECONNELLYS

Whether you’re racing down the dock to catch a glimpse of passing dolphins or the last moments of a technicolor sunset, you’ll find that Mount Pleasant has a certain kind of beauty and magic that makes you want to stay awhile. Come on over, y’all.

For more information visit ExperienceMountPleasant.com


Unknown Angling Tarpon Lake is alive smaller versions of its namesake fish.

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in

s n a m y a C e h t by Robert Sloan

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f you’re looking for big time adventure get a ticket, board a jet and head south to the Southern Cross Club, a world class fly-fishing destination on Little Cayman Island. There aren’t too many people on Earth that haven’t heard of the Cayman Islands, but I’m willing to bet there are quite a few fishermen out there that aren’t aware of the world-class angling opportunities that can be found on Little Cayman Island, a tropical paradise in the western hemisphere surrounded by the turquoise waters of the western Caribbean. Little Cayman is about 400 miles south of Miami and 150 miles south of Cuba. What you want to do is fly to Grand Cayman. From there you can hook up with Cayman Airways that offers daily half-hour flights to Little Cayman. My best day on the water out of Southern Cross was four bonefish and eight tarpon on the fly. And just about every day we had shots at permit up to about 25 pounds. That’s incredible fishing, and it starts each morning by walking out of the bungalow door and casting for tailing bonefish before breakfast. A No. 4 Gotcha fly is deadly.

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The daily drill is simple - you fish till you drop. Each day after fly fishing for the tailing bones and eating breakfast, you can kayak to a nearby island and fly fish for bones and permit. Then the afternoons are best for stalking permit on the flats or fishing for tarpon. The most difficult fish to catch on a fly, or anything else, is a permit. The permit are mostly feeding on crabs. My first day out I had a point blank shot at a 10- to 15-pounder while wading in about 18 inches of water on a grassy flat. Over the course of four days we had many shots at permit weighing up to 25 pounds. Taking a permit involves scouting and wading the wide open flats and surf. Bones can be difficult, but not nearly as picky as permit. As for tarpon, well, how many people do you know that have actually caught one? The major angling draw on Little Cayman is a 100-acre lake that is full of baby tarpon. Thus it is called Tarpon Lake. My first day on that lake I spent three hours with guide Carlos Moore. During that time I jumped 15 tarpon and caught eight - all on an 8-weight fly rod. He paddles you around the lake in a 14-foot aluminum boat. There were tailing tarpon everywhere. I’ve never seen anything like it. 26 l www.sosaltwaterflyfishing.com

The water in the lake is a rusty red. There are dead trees everywhere. On the walk in you cross sprawling cracked mud flats. There are hundreds of whistler ducks and mud hens moving around. The tarpon in the lake are land locked and weigh from 2 to 10 pounds. They can’t go anywhere. It’s been producing ‘poons for years. If you can’t catch a tarpon on this lake, give it up.

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The first thing you see on the lake are wakes of schooling tarpon. They will definitely eat a 1/0 white and green Deceiver all day long. It’s super simple fishing. You see the wake, cast to it and work the fly back with a medium retrieve and hang on.

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At Southern Cross you can just about bet the farm that you’ll be catching bones and tarpon on a daily basis. A permit? Well, that can be a definite challenge. However, you’ll have plenty of shots on a daily basis. Be sure and bring along a good pair of wading boots and socks. Also bring 28 l www.sosaltwaterflyfishing.com

wading pants, long sleeve shirts, a big brimmed hat, polarized glasses, loads of sunscreen and, of course, your camera. If you get bored with fishing, the options include snoozing in a hammock, walking the beach, snorkeling, diving, kayaking to the nearby uninhabited

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you kick off the shoes and hit the sand. Southern Cross Club’s private rooms are situated along the white coral sand beach, facing the gorgeous South Hole Sound and uninhabited Owen Island. This layout affords a cooling southern breeze from the trade winds and stellar ocean views from each cabana. I don’t know of a better location for all-around fun in a tropical island paradise than what you can tap into at Little Cayman. It’s a combination of fishing, diving, great food, and beachfront barefoot luxury that’s tough to beat, and easy to reach. For details go to southerncrossclubcom.

island, exploring with a scooter, sun bathing and feeding the tarpon and iguanas. The Southern Cross Club was established in 1958 when the population of the island totaled 12 people. It’s up to about 100 now. Life on this island slows down to the speed of cold honey, once

Reservations: 1-800-899-2582 info@southerncrossclub.com www.SouthernCrossClub.com

Use Code: Salt Fly

Dive Fish Relax


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ForEverlast Ray-Guard

S

altwater fly fishing has come a long way since we began wading the flats and shoals to cast flies. Ray-Guard’s Reef Wading Boots and Shields are perfect examples of how the gear has kept pace with increased popularity of the sport. They have filled a perceived safety nich for anglers in the surf and flats alike. These well-built wading boots also are affordable and they are available at Walmart, as well as at the big box sporting goods outlets like Academy and Bass Pro Shops. That speaks volumes regarding how the word about these wading boots and shields has spread like wild fire

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But, it is not price and availability that makes this gear a necessity. It is the protection they provide that drives their popularity. Sea urchin puncture wounds are a common source of injury to anglers and swimmers, especially along coastal surfaces where coral is present. Their stings vary in severity depending on the species. Their spines can be venomous or cause infection. Granuloma and staining of the skin from the natural dye inside the sea urchin can also occur. Breathing problems may indicate a serious reaction to toxins in the sea urchin. If no infection occurs on a non-venomous sea urchin injury, the sting still can stay for a while inside the flesh. Pain and discomfort will be present. On a long period of time, the sting will dissolve in the body or will be expelled from the flesh.

Reef Boots & Shields

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Another danger is stingrays. Stingrays are not aggressive and only attack humans when provoked, such as if a ray is accidentally stepped on. To avoid stepping on a stingray in shallow water, the water should be waded through with a shuffle. Contact with the stinger causes local trauma (from the cut itself), pain, swelling, muscle cramps from the venom, and later may result in infection from bacteria or fungi. The injury is very painful, but seldom life-threatening unless the stinger pierces a vital area. The barb usually breaks off in the wound, and surgery may be required to remove the fragments. Fatal stings are very rare, but can happen, most famously in the death of Steve Irwin in 2006, in which the stinger penetrated his thoracic wall, causing massive trauma. Obviously, such an occurrence is unlikely for wading anglers in the shallows. Sea urchin and stingrays are certainly both critters that can turn that pleasant excursion into a down right emergency. One reason Ray-Guard’s wading gear has caught the attention of the fly-fishing world is the wading boots feature lightweight construction that works great with or without waders. This makes the gear flexible for use in cold water from the Chesapeake Bay to Gal34 l www.sosaltwaterflyfishing.com

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veston, but equally useful in the warmer months throughout that region, as well as Central America and the Caribbean. The Ray-Guard wading boots feature interlocking layers of vulcanized rubber. This feature provides maximum protection over the entire foot, while a wrap-around, waterproof shield can be added to protect a calf area. Heavy-duty YKK zippers, nylon straps, and hook-and-loop attachments provide a custom fit, and the system gives years of maximum performance. With plenty of room in the instep for maximum comfort, the Reef Wading Boots are light, comfortable and stylish. The neoprene inner gusset only adds the comfortable fit and cuts down on the weight for less fatigue while wading. Adding the wrap-around shields provides the calves with added protection sea urchins, rays and underwater structures. That combination of footwear can put your mind at ease, so you can truly enjoy your outdoor experience. For more information, visit foreverlast.com.

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SDS Y

ou know when you first catch sight of an Abel SDS that it is something special. Void of any custom markings, it was the sort of reel you simply have to hold in your hand. A month after making our acquaintance with it, we were on the water in southern Florida, where this size 9/10 received a run through. It convinced the SSFF staff that this was truly a serious fly reel. The SDS (Sealed Drag Salt) reels have flown off of the shelves at fly shops from Dallas to Tampa and from Nashville to Atlanta. The commonality of these sales is simple: the Abel SDS takes all the power, reliability, and smoothness of the company’s smaller reels and combines them in a larger package capable of taking on saltwater game fish of all sizes. Winner of the best new saltwater reel at the 2016 ICAST/IFTD show, the Abel SDS has a unique multi-disc drag system that yields an industry leading 20-plus36 l www.sosaltwaterflyfishing.com

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pounds of braking power, and it is completely sealed from the elements. Available in three sizes, the SDS is the quintessential fly reel for fighting big bonefish on light tippets, as well as providing the power needed to halt a hard-fighting tarpon in its tracks. The reel frame, spool, drag knob and foot are made of a 6061-T651 cold finished aerospace grade aluminum that is both eye pleasing and rugged enough to be banged around in a boat with no further consideration. Like all Abel fly reels, the SDS is one-hundred percent made in the USA. Its alternating stacked carbon composite and stainless steel disc drag system is a never fail design that can subdue a lively tarpon with a hiccup. The Abel quick change spool makes it a champ. It also has a user convertible retrieval direction. Just as Abel Nippers raised the level of what a fishing tool could be by taking one of the most basic accessories and re-envisioning it with high quality parts, as well as 24 colors and patterns, the Colorado based company has applied that thinking to the SDS series reels. Every Abel custom SDS reel is a one-of-a-kind September 2017

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design, anodized individually by hand. Using their proprietary artistic metallurgical process, stunning graphics take anywhere from 2 to 14 hours for a single technician to complete. In addition to Abel’s world famous high-gloss black coral, anodized reels, they offer 15 different solid color anodized finishes to compliment your preferred fly rod. They also offer a textured, non-glare satin finish that is skillfully silicon bead blasted for greater durability. Painted by hand, Abel developed a proprietary anodizing process that allows their art department to painstakingly apply by hand the various colors on the products with a paint brush. While these finishes are “painted” on, it is important to know that the colors are and will not chip or fade over time. Each hand-painted finish in the Tier 1 category requires a minimum of 4 hours of artistic time to accomplish. The complex designs in their Tier 2 reuire up to 7 hours of painting. Either way, the result is a one-of-a-kind heirloom reel. Abels “Artist Signature Finishes” replicate the work of some of the most talented artists in the fly fishing industry. Artists such as Derek DeYoung, Andrea Larko, and Jon Osiris are also great ambassadors for the sport, and Abel is proud to have teamed up with them to provide select examples of their beautiful artwork on these reels. The Artist/ Signature Series with tiered graphics require a minimum of 10 hours of hand painting and in some cases they require over 14 hours to replicate. The top team 38 l www.sosaltwaterflyfishing.com

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members in the Abel art department utilize a single bristle paintbrush to accomplish sections of these difficult graphics. In the end, an incredible piece of artwork is completed and worthy of the original artist’s name engraved on the reel. The only problem---there is just too many to choose from!! For more info visit Abel.com

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C O A S TA L LOWCOUNTRY CUISINE

You Catch, Chef Cooks. For Less Lucky Fishermen, Small Plates, Cocktails And Fine Dining

I BA AU RR IB UTT SOCIAL CLUB SOCIAL CLUB 18 91 E S T.

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Steps From The Marina 1103 Bay Street, Beaufort, SC 877-951-1770


Southern Saltwater Fly Fishing

CLOSE LOOK South Alabama The Interstate Mullet toss has contestants throwing fish across the state line. Photo courtesy of the Flora-Bama

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CLOSE LOOK

South Alabama - Featured Resort

ORANGE BEACH, ALABAMA

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Featured Resort - South Alabama CLOSE LOOK

Q

uick quiz: what do the Orange Beach Billfish Classic, the Kyser Miree Memorial Fishing Tournament, The Blue Marlin Grand Championship, and the renown Gulf Coast Triple Crown Championship Series have in common? Answer: each of these world class angling events base out of The Wharf, Orange Beach, Alabama’s famous saltwater angling crossroads.

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CLOSE LOOK

South Alabama - Featured Resort

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Featured Resort - South Alabama CLOSE LOOK

Located at the intersection of the Foley Beach Express and Canal Road, on the south side of the Intracoastal Waterway, this Orange Beach complex is the fishiest hub on the white sands of the Gulf Coast. It’s most prominent calling card, the 112foot tall Ferris wheel. One of the largest in the Southeast, it was constructed by Italy’s Technical Park and can hold 140 people. Any one of its 24 gondolas provides an overview of The Wharf’s more than 222 acres that feature a full-service marina with 208 slips that accommodate boats up to 140 feet. The Wharf is a mixed-use destination, entertainment district, one of the very first established in the state of Alabama. It has more than 30 retailers and specialty boutiques, and more than a dozen restaurants. Its 9,600-seat amphitheater has hosted past heavy-hitting acts such as Luke Bryan, Bob Dylan, Jimmy Buffett, and Florida/Georgia Line. Art Favre, president of Baton Rougebased Performance Contractors, purchased The Wharf in 2011 and has rejuvenated the entire property extensively. Favre has owned a home in the area since the early 1990s and has always loved Orange Beach. His devotion to this community is evident in the hard work and financial investment he has poured into The Wharf.

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CLOSE LOOK

South Alabama - Featured Resort

“We have several rental agencies on the premises that will help coordinate a stay within one of our spectacular Wharf condos,” Marketing Manager Sheena Mizell said. “As a resort guest of Wharf Rental Management visitors can enjoy superior amenities including access to The Oasis Pool with features that include a lazy river, zero-entry wave pool, hammock island, and Tiki bar. “The Wharf has a new hotel that opened this year,” Mizell noted. “The SpringHill Suites (by Marriot) Orange Beach at The Wharf, is an all-suite hotel that blends design and functionality with the modern amenities at an affordable price. Located near the Gulf Coast, guests can walk to The Wharf’s entertainment and dining options, including Bayes Southern Bar & Grill.” The latter has an inviting atmosphere perfect to unwinding after casting a Clouser in the nearby grass beds of Mobile Bay. We always begin the evening with an Orange Beach Sunset (Tito’s Vodka, Cruzan Coconut Rum, Amaretto, Pineapple Juice, OJ, and Cranberry Juice), and then peruse the wine list. House specials abound at the Bay Southern Bar & Grill, our personal recommendation is the two crab cakes with jumbo lump crab meat and peppers, topped with hollandaise servedover a spring mix tossed with their house made the strawberry vinaigrette. 46 l www.sosaltwaterflyfishing.com

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Featured Resort - South Alabama CLOSE LOOK

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South Alabama - Featured Resort

A ‘”foodie” paradise, The Wharf boasts more than 15 national and local restaurants on-site. It has garnered a formidable culinary following thanks to its cadre of celebrated and renowned chefs. The Wharf offers everything from fast casual to fine dining. The culinary genres range from Italian to Mexican, Gulfsourced seafood and Japanese sushi with a Southern flair, to authentic barbecue. Bluewater BBQ is a new fast-casual concept that has just opened. It is a family-run business with a “cafeteria” style setup. The selections of sauces are homemade. The 2017 World Food Championship, a highly touted special food-centric event will be hosted at The Wharf November 7-14. It will highlight some of the most iconic cuisines around the globe.

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Featured Resort - South Alabama CLOSE LOOK

As in years past, the competition’s recipe category is based on a theme of food. The theme for the 2017 World Recipe Championship is Chicken and the winning purse is $300,000. Categories are barbecue, chili, sandwich, burger, dessert, bacon, seafood, steak, and recipe. The Wharf website at alwharf.com provides more information, including an event and concert schedule that is updated frequently, property maps, monthly deals, a weekly blog, photos and much more. There are links to social media pages as well. The Wharf also has an official app that can be downloaded through either the Apple or Android application stores. It is updated weekly, if not daily, and alerts users of any important concert notifications or contest giveaway opportunities.

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South Alabama - Featured Fly Tyer

Tom De “I

have always liked to make things,” Dempsey notes. “When you start losing saltwater flies that cost $4.00 apiece, you learn quickly how to tie your own flies.”

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South Alabama - Featured Fly Tyer

That is how Dempsey launches into tying saltwater flies. Dino Frangos, Dwight Yoder and he make up the Gulf Coast Fly Fishing School of Mobile, Alabama. In the real world, Dempsey is an orthopedic surgeon. His obsession has been chasing his fly fishing passion for over 15 years. Since being introduced to the sport on a frigid stream in Alaska, Dempsey has chased fish from the Gaspe Region of Quebec to the Amazon, from British Columbia to Patagonia, always returning to his Gulf Coast home waters. An instructor certified by Fly Fishers International and expert fly tier, this North Carolina native joined with two fellow instructors to form the Gulf Coast Fly Fishing School, dedicated to teaching and promoting the sport of fly fishing.

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South Alabama - Featured Fly Tyer

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Featured Fly Tyer - South Alabama CLOSE LOOK Dempsey lives in Mobile, but he grew up in southeastern North Carolina casting in surf and off the piers along the Atlantic coast. He was blessed with a father and grandfather who loved to fish. He was introduced to fly fishing on a medical implant sponsored trip to Alaska, and has not used conventional tackle since. “I am a mostly self-taught tier,” Dempsey explained. “The first fly I ever tried was a Wooly Bugger a kid in the local fly shop showed me how to tie. This instilled a certain inquisitive challenge that has resulted in producing many boxes of flies for as many species. What’s better than tying a fly and catching a fish with your creation? Experimenting with different patterns gives you a certain personal satisfaction. “Living on the Gulf Coast led me to tying the majority of my flies for my favorite fish,” Dempsey expounded. “My passion is sight casting, and my favorite fish on a fly is a redfish, followed closely by speckled trout. The ‘Terminator’ is my ‘go-to’ creation for reds. They say redfish like any color as long as it’s gold. I some what believe that statement, so the Terminator is loaded with ‘bling.’ “For the speckled trout, I tie a knock-off whistler, a pimped-up Clouser with a collar. Another tip, use the best hooks for your species. To me, this means a 4/0, slightly off set, with a needle point for reds. Why? A 4/0 big hook, gets big fish around their jaw bone. Off set hooks are necessary so you do not gut hook these fish. I’m 99 percent catch-and-release. Needle points penetrate cleanly and do not have sharp side that can wallow a hole and result in the fish coming unbuttoned. Wide-gapped steelhead wire hooks work great for the seatrout mouth that has a fragile membrane between the jaw and cheek.” September 2017

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South Alabama - Featured Fly Tyer

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Featured Fly Tyer - South Alabama CLOSE LOOK “If I am fishing saltwater, which is about 90 percent of the time, I fish my Terminator, the Whistler (white bait fish pattern), standard Clouser, and a Double Barrel popper. These patterns have served me well for years, so why switch?” asks Demspey, whose fly box often is a zip lock bag. Dempsey believes it is impossible to beat a Clouser in chartreuse when you need a good exploratory fly. He rates a traditional black Wooly Bugger as an allround great choice in fresh and saltwater and says that poppers are too often forgotten, but not by him. “Articulated flies are perfect for saltwater fish,” Dempsey said. “Articulated patterns accurately mimic baitfish and can be tied any size and cast easily when using the new synthetic fibers. Always remember through, fly-fishing success is more about ‘presentation’ than it is ‘imitation.’”

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Dempsey’s tying desk holds a smorgasbord of tried and true materials, but he noted too that he likes to dabble in what’s new in tying materials. He also “gathers” tying materials. He has dedicated a freezer for road kills. Dempsey has been known to stop traffic upon spotting a prime specimen. “There’s a pair of snippers in my truck’s tool box at the ready,” Dempsey said, adding “don’t forget the local craft shop for glitter, feathers, stick on eyes, and foam sheets. I have a great mink cape from the Goodwill.” Dempsey’s advice to would-be fly tiers is to take a class for the fundamentals. Then get with it. Practice and don’t be afraid to try new patterns and techniques. Go to conclaves and by all means use the Internet. The Gulf Coast Fly Fishing School offers classes in fly tying. The largest school between Texas and Florida, it is dedicated to promoting the sport of fly fishing to all ages. Visit their website at gulfcoastflyfishingschool. com for more information.


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South Alabama - Featured Fly Shop

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Featured Fly Shop - South Alabama CLOSE LOOK

N

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o fly fishing trip to the old French city of Mobile is complete without a trip to McCoy Outdoor Company. Established in 1975, McCoy Outdoor Company has been providing premium products and service to sportsman for over 40 years. Locally owned and operated, McCoy evolved from a hunting and fishing store on Government Street to an anchor store in Springhill Plaza Shopping Center. While never a fly shop in the classic sense, you would never know it. McCoy’s fly fishing section is well stocked and manned by fly fishermen with a dazzling knowledge of all aspects of sport, and especially coastal fly fishing in Mobile Bay and the nearby Gulf of Mexico. “It started as just a gun store,” says Chip Deupree. “Steven McCoy bought the business in 1975 and evolved it into a hunting and fishing shop. McCoy has a significant fishing section, with a third of it dedicated to fly fishing.”

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When asked what makes Lower Alabama a special destination for saltwater fly fishermen, Deupree said, “It has a lot to do with the vast saltwater marshes of the Mobile Delta. These shallow marshes afford fly fishers tremendous opportunity to sight fish for redfish. It is virtually picture perfect for this popular type of fly fishing. “We’ve got a big red snapper fishery just offshore,” Deupree continued. “Many people are unaware that fly fishermen go off shore where it is pretty easy to chum the snapper up to the surface, and you can cast flies at them. When they are migrating through, Ling (cobia) fly fishing is very popular down here. “McCoy is a full service shop,” Deupree said. “It’s very important to be full service. A store of this caliber can’t just sell terminal tackle. You have to have everything – the rods and the reels, the accessories and the flies. You have to carry it all.” McCoy has one of the South’s largest selections of Sage saltwater fly rods that are extremely popular among coastal fly fishermen. In addition to Sage, they also carry fly rods made by G. Loomis and 64 l www.sosaltwaterflyfishing.com

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Featured Fly Shop - South Alabama CLOSE LOOK Temple Fork Outfitters. McCoy’additionally carries an inventory of Nautilus fly reels, as well as fly reels made by Sage and Orvis. McCoy offers fly fishing supplies and tying vises, but does not have an in-house guide staff. On the other hand though, you can pick up a box of 9mm ammunition here, or peruse the region’s best selection of running shoes when you stop by McCoy. McCoy’s stated aim is to satisfy shoppers ranging from the outdoor enthusiast to the avid runner or fly fishing aficionado. “As far as casting instruction, there are three or four guys here that can walk outside and provide simple casting lessons,” Deupree said. “We also refer them to local fly fishing clubs for specific instruction. We do carry starter kits from Sage and Redington with rod, reel and line that we sell to beginners.”

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South Alabama - Featured Guide

Capt. Dan Fairhope, Alabama N

ame your poison: Bull red, gator trout, bonita, king mackerel, bluefish, ladyfish or jack crevalle. Who you gonna call to put you on fly fishing for these quarries in the Mobile/ Tensaw Delta, Mobile Bay, and Alabama coastal waters? Your go-to fly fishing guide is Captain Dan Kolenich. Based out of Fairhope, Alabama, he is these waters top rated fly fishing guide.

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Kolenich

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“I grew up on the west side of Cleveland, Ohio, which is where I learned to fly fish and tie flies when I was 12 years old,” Capt. Kolenich said. “I have been fly fishing in salt water for 27 years.  I have been a full-time guide for the past 18 years in the. Mobile/ Tensaw Delta, Mobile Bay, and Alabama coastal waters. “One of my favorite places is Mobile Bay, where the average depth is 12 feet and there are several artificial reefs in 6 to 10 feet of water,” Capt. Kolenich said.  “From January to May, Mobile Bay is mostly fresh water.  The saltwater starts to move in during April and it can be early June before the saltwater gets to the north end of the bay. I like targeting docks along the shore.  In the very north end of the bay and the Mobile/Tensaw Delta, there are large grass flats.  This same area also has flats along the rivers and cuts that are 3 to 5 feet deep with clam shells on the bottom. More than anything Capt. Kolenich enjoys polling his Hells Bay Professional flats boat in the shallow grass flats in the north end of the bay where the water only has a couple of feet of visibility.  It's only a small area that lends itself to sight fishing.  Here he does a lot of blind casting. In the coastal area along the beaches of the Gulf of Mexico, Capt Kolenich watches for sea birds working over 15 to 25 feet of water.  Additionally, he frequently targets the structure of the natural gas rigs located 6 or 7 miles off the beaches where the water is up to 75 feet deep.   72 l www.sosaltwaterflyfishing.com

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Featured Guide - South Alabama CLOSE LOOK “South Alabama offers outstanding year round saltwater fly fishing,” Capt. Kolenich said. “From April through December we usually target redfish and speckled trout, although occasionally we encounter flounder that will hit flies.  During the hot summer months, we have great success targeting 15- to 25-pound jack crevalle. Beginning in January through March we fish the Gulf beaches and passes for bull reds and bluefish.” Early in his career Capt. Kolenich, spent some time in St. Peterburg, Florida, where he met the fly fishing legend, Carl Hansen.  Hansen shared a lot of sage information with him about fishing near Fort Desoto.  Kolenich fondly recalls that he was a really great guy.  An innovative southern fly fishing pioneer, Hansen developed the Glass Minnow fly pattern back in the 1950s.  “I carried my fly rod every time I went to St. Pete and will always remember the guidance Carl Hansen gave me,” Capt. Kolenich said. “I started guiding in the summer of 1999, and have always been a fly fisherman, but in those days fly fishermen were few and far between. “I became an Orvis Endorsed Fly Fishing Guide in 2001 and still have that endorsement. For personal fly fishing fun, I enjoy traveling to the Bahamas to fly fish for bonefish.  In my book, the clarity of these waters and the challenge of stalking bonefish make for the pinnacle of fly fishing.” September 2017

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South Alabama - Featured Guide

When fly fishing in the rivers, creeks, and bays of the Mobile-Tensaw Delta or the Channels Flats of Mobile Bay clients are taken on board Captain Kolenich’s Hells Bay 17.8 Professional. It is the perfect craft for fly fishing these waters. Fly fishing adventures to coastal Alabama and offshore waters are done on board his larger, 20’ Light Tackle Edition SeaCraft. When asked if he was available to teach fly fishing classes or speak to groups, Captain Kolenich said that he does both. He believes that most fly fishermen are always wanting to improve their casting skills. He noted too that he does several fishing seminars every year.  “I enjoy sharing my knowledge of the local area,” says Captain Kolenich. “For example, I am big on Clouser Minnows, gray and white, yellow and white, and chartreuse and white.  Another of my favorites is a Kirks Rattle Rouser, I have a couple of fly patterns that I made up. To see more about my fishing adventures, visit my website.  www.captdankolenich.com; (251) 422-3474; info@captdankolenich.com; 930 Sea Cliff Drive, Fairhope, AL 36532 76 l www.sosaltwaterflyfishing.com

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Capt. Dan Kolenich captdankolenich.com RATES

Half Day (4 hours) – $400.00 Full Day (6 hours) – $500.00 Rates are for up to three (3) Fisherman. WHATS PROVIDED? Flies, Leaders, Tackle, and Ice. Saltwater Fishing Licenses. Freshwater fishing license (if needed) not provided. Catch and Release Fishing Encouraged. Orvis Fly Fishing Gear and Patient Casting Instruction Available. WHAT SHOULD I BRING? Drinks, Snacks, & Lunch (ice provided). Your Favorite Rods, Reels, & Tackle. Hat, Sunglasses, Sunscreen, Camera, Long Sleeve Shirt, Rain Gear, etc. Please wear Soft-Soled Shoes

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South Alabama

Sunrise over Mobile Bay.

Fly Fishing

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South Alabama CLOSE LOOK

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ar off to the east, the world is waking up with the rising of the sun. The lights of one of the huge natural gas drilling platforms that stand in the middle of Mobile Bay flicker and a cargo ship heads toward the open Gulf of Mexico. Here closer, a very large alligator floats motionless up the bayou where I’m watching the day begin.

Ed Mashburn

Bay September 2017

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South Alabama

However, as interesting as all of these things are, my attention is drawn to the torpedo-like wakes of a couple of good-sized redfish, as they slowly patrol the shoreline in search of something good to eat. I clear my line as the reds come closer, make a couple of false casts, and drop the streamer 6 feet ahead of the powerful wakes. For once, I don’t “line” the fish and spook them off. The lead redfish sees the fly as it sinks, and it charges the offering. The water and mud boil as the red devours the fly and starts that massive, impossible to stop first run. I’m not standing on the loose fly line, I have the line under control and on the reel where I can handle the hooked red. For once, I get the job done right. After a spirited fight, I get the 6-pound redfish to the boat. The red’s sides flash a golden bronze, and its fins are a lovely red. The spots on the red’s tail are brilliant - if black can be brilliant. Taken together, this redfish is a gorgeous thing to behold in the early morning sun. Since I’ve already got supper lined up, this redfish gets its life back, and I remove the streamer from the fish’s jaw. Then I ease it back into the cloudy bayou water, where it flashes away. Now, where did that other feeding red get to? 82 l www.sosaltwaterflyfishing.com

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South Alabama CLOSE LOOK

A Seaducer is a good choice of fly for Mobile Bay redfish.

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The shallow waters around shell beds are home to lots of redfish on Mobile Bay.

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South Alabama CLOSE LOOK

Mobile Bay System Located in southernmost Alabama, Mobile Bay receives the flow of five big rivers and countless smaller feeder streams as it feeds the waters from far upstream into the Gulf of Mexico. The water of Mobile Bay is never extremely clear, and anglers used to fishing crystal-clear water will need to get accustomed to coastal cloudy conditions. But this water is full of great fish. Anglers who are equipped with boats will find a wide range of boat ramps and marinas on both sides of Mobile Bay. Wade fishing in Mobile Bay is not advised, except for the sandy bottom areas of Dauphin Island, where waders can find good solid footing and good fishing. Most of the Mobile Bay system is just too muddy for good wading. Fly anglers can fish the open waters of the bay for a wide range of species - Spanish mackerel, big jack crevalle, speckled trout, tripletail, and even tarpon in the summer. However, for most fly folks, redfish are the primary targets. Fly anglers can fish the bayous and feeder streams from flats boats or kayaks, and it doesn’t take a long boat ride to put fly anglers in contact with actively feeding reds. The coastal water of Bayou Le Batre, just south of the city of Mobile, is a prime fly fishing location, and there are several good boat ramps to give quick access to the Louisiana-style bayous and streams. By the way, if the reds go off their feed, fly anglers can usually go to deeper reefs and fish sinking streamers for the big speckled trout, which eat flies eagerly and fight hard. September 2017

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How It’s Done Fly anglers fishing the Mobile Bay waters need to come equipped with floating fly lines - most fishing is done in fairly shallow water. Leaders need to be at least 8 pounds. I usually make a 9-foot leader of a 20-pound butt section, attached to a 12-pound tippet. Although this may sound awfully heavy, it’s not uncommon to encounter 15-pound or larger reds here. An adequate leader helps get the big ones to the boat. Although Mobile Bay system reds respond to poppers and other top water flies, most of these fish are taken on shrimp-colored streamers. Clouser Minnow patterns are very good, Seaducers in red and white are classic redfish flies, and anything which looks remotely like a shrimp or crab also works. I like to use my 9-weight rig for reds here. Some anglers will go as light as 5-weight setups, but most of the flies used here are fairly bulky, and the heavier rods make casting the big flies easier. Here’s a little advice: When fishing the Mobile Bay backwaters, fly anglers need to look for shorelines that have piles of oyster shells running into the water. Fish the oyster shell bottoms for some great action - reds love oyster shells for a non-stop buffet of food. 86 l www.sosaltwaterflyfishing.com

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South Alabama CLOSE LOOK Capt. Yano Serra hooked up to a Mobile Bay red.

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For Guided Trips The Mobile Bay System is big, easy to get lost in, and anglers new to the fly fishing here would be well advised to use the services of a good guide. One of the best, and a good fly-fishing authority, is Captain Yano Serra of Coden, Alabama. In addition to his life-long knowledge of the waters and redfish of Mobile Bay, he ties some remarkably effective Clouser flies, which the reds of the bayous and creeks find very hard to resist. For more details visit specktacklelure.com, or give him a call at (251) 610-0462.

Capt. Yano Serra displaying an average-sized Alabama Coast redfish.

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Stalking Crawlers “The aspect of St. Augustine is quaint and strange, in harmony with its romantic history... it is as if some little old... Spanish town, with its fort and gateway and Moorish bell towers, had broken loose, floated over here, and got stranded on a sandbank. - Harriet Beecher Stowe, 1873

“I

look for the crawlers,” Captain Leon Dana said, as he scanned the edges of the dark mud-covered shell beds. The captain is referring to the redfish that slowly ease along shallow grass or oyster shorelines in search of something to eat.

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at Historic St. Augustine by Polly Dean

Capt. Leon Dana poling along a shell bar in search of “crawlers.” Photo by Jimmy Jacobs.

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We’ve motored to the area where the upper Tolomato River changes over to the canal-straight shores of the Intracoastal Waterway. This region is to the north of where, tempted by gold and a legend of a spring that brings eternal youth, Juan Ponce de Leon first stepped ashore and dubbed this new land “La Florida.” That site then became the nation’s oldest city of St. Augustine.

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We are fishing the low tide and happen to be on a full moon. With a nearly 5-foot range in the tidal flow in this north Florida area, the water never seems really at a standstill – this is good for the fishing and the fisherman. Shallow water is best for eyeing a cruising redfish, mainly because the fish – or evidence of fish - is easier to see. Our captain prefers the two hours prior to and following the low tide. With low water, fish retreat to deeper channels giving anglers a more confined area for locating them. In high water, they can be virtually anywhere, including back in the grass making them a more difficult target.

The author scanning the shoreline of the Intracoastal Waterway for “crawlers.” Photo by Jimmy Jacobs.

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Captain Dana cruises the ICW in his 18-foot Maverick boat looking for the telltale signs of redfish. We have clouds and a chop on the water's surface from the wind. Seeing the redfish – before it sees us - is nearly impossible in these conditions. But there are plenty of other ways that redfish make their location known. Actually seeing them “tail” - fins or tail breaking the surface as they feed - is one way, and more likely when shrimp are inshore. Today, we look for the wakes of the redfish as their backs push the water when they move through the shallows. The wakes can be subtle and hard to detect without practice. Distinguishing them from the push of a school of mullet takes even more experience, but our captain's trained eye helps him to detect one from the other.

Sprays of bait fish as they erupt from the water are another sign that a redfish is on the prowl. Shore birds, especially egrets, can also give away the location of a redfish. The bright white birds are easy to spot from a distance. Captain Dana taught us to watch for them moving along the shore peering intently at the water. He called this “mirroring.” When the egret (sometimes two) seemed focused on something as they moved – they were eyeing a school of bait – that was very likely corralled by a redfish from the other side. The egret and the redfish mirrored each other. Sure enough, when this happened a redfish would show its location by pushing a wake as it moved along or by “crashing” the bait.

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Casting to a wake pushing along the edge of a shell bar. Photo by Polly Dean.

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Capt. Leon Dana with the kind redfish found “crawling” the shoreline north of St.Augustine. Photo by Polly Dean.

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Early in the morning when there is virtually no other boat traffic, Captain Dana would slowly ease close to the shoreline of the main ICW when he sighted a fish. A passing boat, though, would likely put the fish down and out of sight. Like much of the ICW near heavily populated areas of Florida, this section north of St. Augustine is host to a great variety of watercraft, from the smallest stand-up paddleboards and fishing boats, to luxury cabincruisers and barges loaded with cargo moving along the water corridor. Most angling for redfish during the rest of the day is done on the various tidal creeks and bays that meander off the main ICW, offering an endless supply of habitat and bait for the predatory species. The amount of rainfall in recent weeks or days, determines how brackish. or even fresh, the water becomes as one moves upstream. As Captain Dana points out, the appearance of cattails on the bank means we are in fresh water and hooking a largemouth bass becomes a possibility. Snook and baby tarpon will often bend a rod in these areas, as well.

The Castillo de San Marco has stood guard over St. Augustine since the 1600s. Photo courtesy of the St. Augustine, Ponte Vedra, & The Beaches Visitors and Convention Bureau.

T

Exploring St. Augustine

he historic city of St. Augustine offers plenty of sight-seeing opportunities to spice up your fishing trip to the area. One of the best ways to see the city is by hopping onboard the Old Town Trolley Tour. The tour guide entertains and informs, as you decide where you want to hop off and back on again, while visiting museums, grand hotels, shopping, or the historic 17th century Castillo de San Marco fortress. Free parking is available at the first trolley stop and here you can begin the tour by visiting the Old Jail and St. Augustine History Museum.

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The author with a redfish taken from a bay off the Intracoastal Waterway to the north of St. Augustine. Photo by Jimmy Jacobs.

As we intently watched the water along grass edges and shell mounds, we occasionally lifted our gaze outward across the fields of marsh grass to see in the distance the pitch-black outlines of wild hogs. They were escapees from some of area's earliest settlers. Poling the boat in quietly was the best way to approach a sighted fish. Staking out ambush points, such as deeper cuts or channels that the reds used to enter or exit a shallow flat, provided us several opportunities to make casts toward cruising reds. Hitting these spots at just the right moments during the changing tide can be quite exciting. The payoff for these efforts is when a redfish takes the fly to initiate a bulldoglike fight, framed against a back drop of one of the most historic areas in the country! To book a day of guided fly fishing for redfish in the region just north of St. Augustine, contact Captain Leon Dana at (904) 591-8906 or visit palmvalleycharters. com.

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Exploring St. Augustine

St. George Street in the heart of St. Augustine’s historic district. Photo by JimmyJacobs. Other highlights of the historic city include the Huguenot Cemetery – established for the burial of non-Catholics who died from a massive epidemic of yellow fever. The grand Hotel Ponce de Leon built to host the wealthy, is now where Flagler College calls home. A stroll down St. George Street offers several historic structures of note as well as pubs and restaurants. To further whet the appetite are the Whetstone Chocolate Factory, San Sebastian Winery and a new addition, the St. Augustine Distillery. The beautiful Spanish-influenced architecture is evident throughout the city, as well as Henry Flagler's influence after his visit in 1885. His lavish hotels and churches made St. Augustine a 19th-century tourist hot spot serving travelers on his Florida East Coast Railway. September 2017

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Exploring St. Augustine

St. Augustine's beaches can be accessed by crossing the Bridge of Lions onto Anastasia Island. Beachside condominiums at the Ocean Village Club are available for rent and convenient to waterfront restaurants and sights. The gated community has two swimming pools, tennis courts, shuffleboard, picnic areas with grills, as well as a private boardwalk to the beach. It provides an ideal headquarters for exploring the city and the nearby redfish action.

More details are available at oceanvillageclubfl.com.

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Professional Fishing Guide & Instructor Whether you fish with family, friends, colleagues - or if you are new to the sport come and be my honored guest on the water.

Tell me your goals for the outing, ask all the questions you want and learn all you can. I specialize in coaching conventional and fly fishing techniques on Texas lakes and rivers. Exchange stress for relaxation, fun and memories. Lakes: Canyon, Dunlap & LBJ Rivers: Guadalupe, Blanco & San Marcos Boat, Kayak or Wading

(210) 771-0123 www.TeachEmToFish.net September 2017 l www.sosaltwaterflyfishing.com l 101


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enerally speaking, when a fly rod manufacturer debuts a new series of fly rods, they start with the lightest rods, and simply multiply the series heavier and heavier. It is a time honored practice that has been around well over a hundred years. Few complained about such cookie cutter antics and all sold like hotcakes. September 2017

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Sage Salt HD fly rods sort of messed up the universe with their introduction into the world of saltwater fishing. There is a lot of water out there, and with that, a lot of fish species. To put your best foot forward in the high stakes game of fishing, it was necessary for Sage to produce something built for the exacting conditions of every unique fish from the Bahamas to giant size blue marlin off of the shores of Chile or the Azores. The Sage Salt HD lineup of rods are constructed differently to fit the exact needs of the most difficult to please saltwater angler. Each of these 10 fly rods offered in the Sage Salt HD series is constructed with a definite purpose. The fast-moving inhabitants of the saltwater world require that anglers make quick shots and even quicker second shots. With the introduction of Sage’s KonneticHD Technology, the Sage Salt HD puts situational tools in hand to increase your odds of success, allowing you to reach further, quicker, more delicately, and providing you with the power to make one’s angling dream into lasting memories. Handcrafted on Bainbridge Island, Washington, this U.S. company produces nothing overseas. It is a 100 percent U.S. made product. The image results for the Sage Salt HD series of fly rods were phenomenal. For starters, this rod was a huge improvement over the Salt 690. The Sage Salt 690 felt more like a stout trout rod than a light saltwater rod. The Sage Salt HD 690 is a true saltwater 6-weight, made to generate line speed and to drive a tight loop into the wind with a bonefish 104 l www.sosaltwaterflyfishing.com

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sized fly. The soul of this saltwater rod is its high tech KonneticHD Technology. It not only enables anglers to pick up and lift line from comparatively long distances with ease, it also allows anglers to cast to bigger quarries such as cobia and tarpon. Amazingly eye pleasing, the Sage Salt HD comes in an ink black color that glints in bright sunlight thanks in part to its black thread wraps with blue trim wraps. Nothing was spared in the production of the Sage Salt HD series of rods: oversized Fuji ceramic stripper guides; oversized hard chromed snake guides with tip-top integrated hidden hook keeper in the reel seat; and a laser etched line 106 l www.sosaltwaterflyfishing.com

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weight on the slide band are included. The package is complete with a black rod bag with a blue logo, a model tag, and a blue powder coated aluminum rod tube embossed with the Sage medallion. It’s enough to keep a grown man up at night. The rod has a heavy-duty stealth black anodized aluminum reel seat for comfortable casting. The handle is what Sage calls a Super Plus full-wells cork handle. This Super Plus full-wells cork handle has an extended fighting butt. The Sage Salt HD is a true saltwater series of fly rods made to generate line speed and drive a tight loop into the wind. September 2017

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End of the Line

Singing & Fli at th

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inging Mullet he Flora-Bama P

ick any city or town and you are almost guaranteed to find it holds at least one dive bar. When that watering hole is located in a coastal region near the brine, it’s likely to take on an even more interesting ambiance. Based on that point of view, on the Alabama Coast the quintessential such establishment is inarguably the Flora-Bama Lounge & Oyster Bar. The only problem with that description is that half the bar is located in Alabama and the other half in Florida. Straddling the state line on Perdido Key, the old roadhouse has become the poster child for the beach life on this portion of the Gulf of Mexico coast. Drop in virtually any time the place is open and you’ll find a mixture of local folks, bikers, tourists and, of course, anglers.

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End of the Line In 1962 Theodore Tampary and his family came up with the idea to open the Flora-Bama, but it took two years and the state of Alabama finishing a bridge to Perdido Key before the bar opened for business. In the ensuing years the Flora-Bama changed hands several times and was blown away by Hurricane Ivan in 2004. Ever resilient, the Flora-Bama came back stronger than ever, serving up food, cold libations and regular live music right on the beach front. But, there are some extra events that really set the lounge apart. For instance, on Sunday mornings the Central Church holds services in the Flora-Bama. Where else does one get an inspirational sermon complete with a Bloody Mary? These services draw a packed house, feature casual attire, but serious messages. And hearing the congregation singing a traditional hymn that floats out across the beach to the Gulf of Mexico can be stirring. Undoubtedly the trademark event that takes place at the FloraBama annually is the Interstate Mullet Toss & Gulf Coast’s Greatest Beach Party. The Mullet Toss actually does involve throwing dead fish across the border of Alabama and Florida on the beach. The competition features 17 age and sex brackets, as the contestants attempt to throw the mullet the longest distance. 110 l www.sosaltwaterflyfishing.com

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The Mullet Toss takes place the last full weekend of April and includes live music, DJs, cold drinks and even a Miss Mullet Toss Bikini Contest. You might say these folks know how to make a dead fish go a long way toward having fun. Another highlight of the year at the Flora-Bama is their participation in the Frank Brown International Songwriters’ Festival (frankbrownsongwriters.com). This 11-day event starts this year on November 9 and draws dozens of songwriters from across the nation. The festival is named for Frank Brown, who was the night watchman at the Flora-Bama for 28 years, not retiring from the job until he was 91 years old. The multiple stages in the Flora-Bama, along with other venues around Gulf Shores and Orange Beach, hosts the songwriters as they perform their original works. To find out more about the Flora-Bama and the annual Mullet Toss, visit florabama.com.

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