CELEBRATING 9 YEARS AS THE VOICE OF SALTWATER FLY FISHING
FLY FISHING MAGAZINE
58 MAR/APR 2022 MARCH/APRIL 2022 DISPLAY UNTIL APRIL 30
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Fish aren’t the only creatures that inspire saltwater wonder. Photo by TFFM Staff
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Another day of permit hope dawns at The XFlats Lodge, Xcalak, Mexico. Photo: Scott Morrison
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Something tells us they’re stealthier than we are on the flats, even if they wear bright colors. Photo by TFFM Staff
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Fly fishermen wade seemingly endless flats near Turks and Caicos as a rainstorm approaches in the distance. Photo by Mark Hatter
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Photo by Scott Morrison
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TAIL FLY FISHING MAGAZINE 11
— from the editor March is an active month in more ways than one. It’s full of holidays, starting with Mardi Gras—Fat Tuesday—which falls on March 1 this year. Daylight saving time returns on the 13th, the first day of spring is the 20th, and throughout the month there’s the beloved March Madness college basketball tournament, an attraction that engulfs even those who rarely watch sports any other time of year. And who can forget St. Patrick’s Day? After one St. Patrick’s Day a few years ago, I can assure you I’ll never forget it. My son was attending preschool at St. Patrick’s School in Miami Beach. The school has an annual parade to honor its namesake, and the children wear green to celebrate. I was out of town working night shifts that week and completely unavailable for anything that didn’t involve, eating, sleeping, or working. The day before the St. Patty’s parade, my wife called me in a panic. My son’s teacher had sent an email reminding parents to dress their children in green. My wife is Chinese, Buddhist, and completely unaware of Catholic customs. Our son didn’t have anything green to wear. I suggested that she go to the store and find a shirt or some shorts to fit the bill. Instead, she found a green hat to satisfy the requirement. I slept through the parade the next day but awoke in the afternoon to text messages with photos of my son at the parade wearing a Kelly green hat with an embroidered quote: Irish whisky makes me frisky.
the water, with many things happening and so many valuable fishing cues to perceive. Here in South Florida, its the last month of “nice” weather, as air temperatures begin to grow uncomfortably hot in April through October. Ironically, though, despite it being a year-round fishery, it’s when things start to heat up again. Backcountry tarpon become more active as they prepare for their migration. Longer days increase the air and water temperatures. The warmer waters cause the baitfish to begin moving around, which in turn gets the tarpon moving around. This activity is what brings tarpon and other gamefish back up on the flats with greater regularity. March days include almost three more hours of good light. The plants, skies, oceans, and bays are suddenly very much alive. If you pay attention to all these little details and others like wind direction, tides, moving fronts, and other environmental variables, you can witness and almost predict the reemergence of life in the ecosystem. Take the time to observe and learn this spring; it is worth the effort. And if you’re in the market for green children’s apparel this St. Patrick’s Day, check them twice for words like “whisky” and “frisky.” As we say with each issue, this one is better than the last. We hope you enjoy it. Sincerely,
My wife’s text read: Do you like the hat? The story reminds me to pay attention to details, which applies to fishing, especially in this time of seasonal change. March is also an active month on
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Joseph Ballarini Editor in Chief
TM
On the Cover:
GUIDE TESTED.
Bonefish on dries? This one didn’t fall for a topwater presentation, but there are those who swear by the technique. (See “Dem Dry Bones” page 74.) Regardless of how you catch them, the raw power of a bone on the fly is always impressive. Photo: John Morrison
GUIDE TRUSTED.
Editor-In-Chief: Managing Editor: Acquisitions Editor: Creative Director: Food Editor: Travel Editor: West Coast Editor: Consulting Editor: Contributing Editors: Historians: Editors-at-Large: Copy Editor: Intern to the Editor:
Joseph Ballarini Trey Reid George V. Roberts Jr. Scott Morrison Jennifer Matsu Peter McLeod Al Quattrocchi Chico Fernandez Andy Mill, Nicky Mill Pete Barrett, Ed Mitchell Joe Doggett, Mark B. Hatter, Tom Keer, James P. Spica Jr. Leila Beasley Kiara Tounsley
Creative Contributors: Joseph Ballarini Alan Caolo Chico Fernandez Bob Haines Mark Hatter Jennifer Matsu Andy Mill
Nicky Mill John Morrison Scott Morrison Al Quattrocchi Lee Reddmann Trey Reid George V. Roberts Jr.
Dave Schonzeit Rob Schumske E. Donnall Thomas Jr. Lori Thomas Kiara Tounsley Kaettie Wenger John E. Wood
About Tail Fly Fishing Magazine is the voice of saltwater fly fishing in a bimonthly print and digital publication. We focus on delivering high-quality content, the very best photography, destination travel, reputable commentary, and technical features from the saltwater fly fishing culture. Tail Fly Fishing Magazine began as a digital publication in 2012 and debuted as a print magazine in 2016. Combined, the digital and print versions reach readers in more than 45 countries. In many places throughout the world, fly fishing has become important to both people and the environment. As a method of fishing imbued with values of stewardship and conservation, it connects people with the marine world in significant and positive ways. We, the anglers, are the last line of defense for our outdoor spaces. Tail Fly Fishing Magazine supports the arts and creativity, conservation, and organizations that trumpet this message. We’re grateful for your support and we welcome photographic and written contributions. TFFM is published six times annually, and your print subscription includes the digital version. Subscriptions are available through our website. International subscriptions are also available for most countries. Please contact our general mailbox, admin@tailflyfishing.com, with any advertising, subscription, or submission questions.
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CONTENTS 20
FLEETING ATTRACTION - Alan Caolo The ephemeral nature of the Northeast cinder worm spawn gives rise to a fly fishing attraction that Alan Caolo likens to a gambling addiction. This comprehensive piece on the annual cinder worm spawn will put you in a frame of mind to roll the dice, which in this case means casting to stripers in search of this fleeting seasonal prey.
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REFLECTIONS FROM THE MILL HOUSE PODCAST – ANDY MILL AND NICKY MILL Andy Mill and son Nicky look back on great conversations with some of our sport’s most iconic figures. Andy reflects on podcast episodes with Flip Pallot and Steve Huff, as well as one of the last interviews with the late Billy Knowles, who died in January.
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GEAR GUIDE - TFFM Staff From keeping your stuff organized in the boat to keeping time with a watch designed for anglers, this issue’s Gear Guide will make your fishing life easier. There’s also a review on a new app-based coaching platform to improve your casting, a headlamp you can’t live without, performance apparel, and more.
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INSIDE THE BOX: THE COCKROACH FLY - Andy Mill and Nicky Mill The Cockroach is a staple for tarpon throughout Florida, the Caribbean, and Central America. Andy and Nicky delve into the fly’s genesis and history and share excerpts from the Mill House Podcast interview with Cockroach inventor Norman Duncan. THE FAMILY TREVALLY - E. Donnall Thomas Jr. GTs are the glamour species of the trevally clan for good reason, but numerous other species provide incredible fly fishing action throughout Pacific salt water. Don Thomas, who has been chasing them with a fly rod for decades, provides a tutorial on some of the fiercest fish that swim. THE EVERGLADES SEVEN - Chico Fernandez Few fly fishers have the Everglades experience of our own Chico Fernandez, so when Chico makes a list of his favorite Glades patterns, it’s time to sit up and pay attention. Chico’s take on the most prolific patterns for his favorite fishery also includes details, tips, and techniques on the best ways to fish them. ON THE PLATE: HOT SMOKED SALMON Jennifer Matsu When our new food editor bought her first saltwater fly rod a few years ago, she celebrated with a meal of hot smoked salmon. Jennifer Matsu has crafted her own recipe for the dish, and shares it here so you can celebrate your latest angling accomplishment with style and great taste.
Photo: Scott Morrison
74 60 62
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THE MULE - TFFM Staff The early 21st century resurgence of the Moscow Mule has spawned numerous twists on the classic original, including our favorite, the Kentucky Mule, which substitutes bourbon for the traditional vodka. You’ll get a kick out of TFFM’s Mule. TOPWATER PERMIT - Bob Haines The standard philosophy of permit fishing stresses getting the fly down on the bottom, but maybe we should open our minds and focus on another part of the water column. As unconventional as it seems to entice a permit to feed on the surface, Bob Haines provides strong evidence that it’s not only possible but also a method that could change the way you approach the black-tailed devils. FLY TYING: BOOGIE CRAB NUMBER NINE John E. Wood Cue the disco playlist and put on your boogie shoes. John E. Wood lays out the discovery and evolution of Boogie Crab No. 9, which proves that if at first you don’t succeed, try and try again; you may wind up with an indispensable pattern that works anywhere you use crab flies.
80 84 90
DEM DRY BONES - A.J. McClane This story originally was published more than 36 years ago, but it’s no less pertinent today than it was then, remaining a timeless classic that we’re proud to revisit and share with TFFM readers. A.J. McClane was the longtime fishing editor for Field & Stream and loved chasing bonefish on foot. He showed fly fishers a new and different way to approach bonefish, turning conventional wisdom on its head in the process. NEW GLASSES - Dave Schonzeit Perception and perspective change with age and experience, and what once was new and fresh too often becomes commonplace and mundane. By picking up a fly rod, Dave Schonzeit was about to see the world through a different and refreshing lens. STRAIGHT PATH TO CROOKED ISLAND - Al Quattrocchi The Bahamian atoll that’s comprised of Crooked Island and Acklins isn’t as populated or well known as other parts of the archipelago, but with some of the largest wading flats in the southern Bahamas, it’s an off-thebeaten-path fly fishing destination that’s worth further investigation. UNDERTOW: MINOR MIRACLES We often hear about the stories of fish we should’ve caught but didn’t. But what about the fish we really didn’t deserve to catch but did? This essay explores the minor miracles that allow us to land fish that should’ve gotten away. Is it blind luck or angling skill? We’ll let you be the judge. TAIL TAIL FLY FLYFISHING FISHING MAGAZINE MAGAZINE 17
R E T A I L E R S C A R R Y T A I L
ALASKA Mossy’s Fly Shop 750 W. Diamond Blvd, Suite 114 Anchorage, AK 99515 907-770-2666 mossysflyshop.com CALIFORNIA Bob Marriott’s Fly Fishing Store 2700 W. Orangethorpe Ave Fullerton, CA 92833 714-525-1827 bobmarriottsflyfishingstore. com COLORADO Front Range Anglers 2344 Pearl Street Boulder, CO 80302 303-494-1375 frontrangeanglers.com Golden Fly Shop 710 Golden Ridge Rd #126 Golden, CO 80401 303-330-1291 goldenfly.shop CONNECTICUT The Compleat Angler 541 Boston Post Road Darien, CT 06820 203-655-9400 compleatangleronline.com FLORIDA 239 Flies 3431 Bonita Beach Rd SW Unit #205 Bonita Springs, FL 34134 (239) 908-3513 239flies.com
ORVIS Sandestin 625 Grand Boulevard Ste 101 Sandestin, FL 32550 850-650-2174 Orvis.com Seven Mile Fly Shop 1638 Overseas Highway Marathon, FL 33050 (305) 440-3406 sevenmileflyshop.com The Angling Company 333 Simonton St Key West, FL 33040 305-292-6306 anglingcompany.com The Tide 26 Grouper Hole Drive Boca Grande, FL 33921 941-964-2417 GEORGIA ORVIS Atlanta Buckhead Square 3255 Peachtree Rd NE Atlanta, GA 30305 404-841-0093 Orvis.com The Fish Hawk 764 Miami Cir NE #126 Atlanta, GA 30305 404-237-3473 thefishhawk.com LOUISIANA ORVIS Baton Rouge Perkins Rowe, Bldg. H 7601 Bluebonnet Blvd., Ste. 140 Baton Rouge LA 70810 225-757-7286 Orvis.com
NORTH CAROLINA OBX on the Fly 107 Sir Walter Raleigh St Manteo, NC 27954 obxonthefly.com RHODE ISLAND The Saltwater Edge 1037 Aquidneck Ave Middletown, RI 02842 866-793-6733 saltwateredge.com SOUTH CAROLINA Bay Street Outfitters 825 Bay Street Beaufort, SC 29902 843-524-5250 baystreetoutfitters.com ORVIS Charleston 535 King St. Charleston, SC 29403 (854) 999-4985 Orvis.com Southern Drawl Outfitters 1533 Fording Island Rd Hilton Head Island, SC 29926 843-705-6010 southerndrawloutfitters.com TEXAS Bayou City Angler 3641 Westheimer Rd Suite A Houston, TX 77027 832-831-3104 bayoucityangler.com
MARYLAND
Gordy & Sons Outfitters 22 Waugh Drive Houston, TX 77007 713-333-3474 gordyandsons.com
Florida Keys Outfitters 81219 Overseas Highway Islamorada, FL 33036 305-664-5432 floridakeysoutfitters.com
Alltackle 2062 Somerville Rd Annapolis, MD 21401 888-810-7283 alltackle.com
Gruene Outfitters 1265 Industrial Drive, Suite C New Braunfels, TX 78130 830-625-4440 grueneoutfitters.com
Forgotten Coast Fly Company 123 Commerce St Apalachicola, FL 32320 850-323-0266 forgottencoastflycompany. com
MASSACHUSETTS
ORVIS Austin 10000 Research Blvd - B04B Austin TX 78759 512-795-8004 Orvis.com
Mangrove Outfitters 4111 Tamiami Trail E Naples, FL 34112 239-793-3370 mangroveoutfitters.com Ole Florida Fly Shop 6353 N. Federal Hwy Boca Raton, FL 33487 561-995-1929 olefloridaflyshop.com Orlando Outfitters 2814 Corrine Dr Orlando, FL 32803 407-896-8220 orlandooutfitters.com ORVIS Ocean Reef 1 Fishing Village Drive Key Largo FL 33037 305-367-2227 Orvis.com
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The Bear’s Den 34 Robert W. Boyden Rd Taunton, MA 02780 508-977-0700 bearsden.com Kismet Outfitters 204 UPPER MAIN STREET Edgartown, MA 02539 860-944-5225 kismetoutfitters.com MONTANA Frontier Anglers 680 N. Montana St Dillion, MT 59725 406-683-5276 frontieranglers.com NEW YORK River Bay Outfitters 980 Church St Baldwin, NY 11510 516-415-7748 riverbayoutfitters.com
ORVIS Houston 5727 Westheimer - Suite A Houston TX 77057 713-783-2111 Orvis.com ORVIS Plano Preston Towne Crossing 2412 Preston Road Suite 200 Plano, TX 75093 972-596-7529 Orvis.com
Swan Point Landing 1723 Cherry Street Suite 4 Rockport, TX 78382 361-729-7926 swanpointlandingflyshop.net Tailwaters Fly Fishing Co. 1933 E. Levee St Dallas, TX 75207 888-824-5420 tailwatersflyfishing.com UTAH Fishwest 47 West 10600 South Sandy, UT 84070 fishwest.com 801-617-1225 WASHINGTON Peninsula Outfitters 19740 7th Ave NE, Suite 110 Poulsbo, WA 98370 360-394-1599 peninsulaoutfitters.com The Avid Angler 17171 Bothell Way NE #A272 Lake Forest Park, WA 98155 206-362-4030 avidangler.com WYOMING Lander Fly Shop 305 Main Street Lander, WY 82520 307-438-3439 landerflyshop.com Retail Chains: Barnes & Noble—630 retail locations in the USA Books-A-Million—260 stores in 32 states Bass Pro Shops—95 locations in the USA Dick’s Sporting Goods (select locations)—over 700 stores in the USA Field & Stream Stores—35 locations in the USA Indigo Books—over 200 stores under various banners BAHAMAS Blackfly Lodge Schooner Bay Abaco, Bahamas 904-997-2220 blackflylodge.com CANADA
ORVIS San Antonio 7427 San Pedro Ave. Suite 104 San Antonio, TX 78216 210-812-3017 Orvis.com
Drift Outfitters & Fly Shop 199 Queen St. East Toronto Ontario M5A-1S2 647-347-7370 Driftoutfitters.com
Sportsman’s Finest 12434 Bee Cave Road Austin, TX 78738 512-263-1888 sportsmansfinest.com
Fish Tales Fly Shop Ltd. #626, 12100 Macleod Trail SE Calgary AB T2J 7G9 Canada 866-640-1273 fishtalesflyshop.com
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TAIL FLY FISHING MAGAZINE 19
g n i t e e l F ction
a r t t A
The Northeast Cinder Worm Spawn Can Be Hit or Miss, but It’s an Event Fly Anglers Can’t Ignore. by Alan Caolo
In contrast to most perennial
fly hatches adored by trout fishers;
of fishing with on-the-water
opportunities that saltwater
for many of these folks, worm events
friends.
anglers anticipate each season,
are the only saltwater fishing they
cinder worm events remain
consider all season. But the worms
Similar to dry fly fishing, these
somewhat cloaked in mystery.
interest salty fly-rodders as well—lots
are entirely visual events. The
But I believe the unpredictability
of them.
riveting nature of technical
of the worm event is the magnet
fly casting to surface-feeding
that fuels its annual cult-like
School fish under 30 inches can
gamefish cannot be overstated.
pursuit—sort of like a gambler’s
become maddeningly difficult in the
Northeast worm events attract
addiction.
midst of a worm hatch, challenging
attention from many game
even the veterans. But despite there
species, including striped bass,
Worm “hatches” draw attention
being no guarantee the event will
bluefish, and hickory shad,
from fly-rodders from all walks of
even unfold as anticipated on any
and they represent a premium
the sport. They are enormously
given day, worm hatches consistently
angling opportunity for fly-
appealing to freshwater anglers
draw daily gatherings of like-minded
fishers.
because of the similarity to dry
anglers simply for the camaraderie
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Cinder Worm Spawning Dynamics Let’s clarify a common misunderstanding up front: The cinder worm event is a spawn, not a hatch. The label “worm hatch” is a misnomer likely derived from its similarity to insect hatches common in fresh water. Despite the unpredictable nature of the worm event, there are environmental and meteorological factors that clearly influence cinder worm spawning. From an angling perspective, the overall quality of the event depends on two elements: the timing and intensity of the spawn and the arrival
cycle and habits. But here’s what we
Island’s bays and estuaries, and certain
know based on years of anecdotal
of Maine’s coastal rivers and bays.
observation. Like all living creatures, they have preferred habitats and
So what ignites the spawn? As
need particular environmental
with all cold-blooded marine life,
conditions to flourish. In general, they
it’s principally water temperature.
prefer clean, relatively shallow (10
Conditions for worm procreation
feet or less), protected coastal waters,
are more delicate than with warm-
such as quiescent harbors, bays,
blooded animals that can regulate
salt ponds, estuaries, and the flanks
their body temperatures. With
of slow-moving coastal rivers. They
sedimentary creatures such as
appear to prefer full ocean salinity,
worms, favorable spawning conditions
rather than brackish environments,
become even more complex—the
and they like soft, fertile sediments
bottom strata within which the
such as mud and silt, as opposed to
worms reside must also attain a
coarse, granular strata like sands and
suitable temperature.
gravels. Similar to freshwater insect hatches associated with portions
What influences temperatures
of distinct rivers, certain inshore
within the cinder worm’s habitat?
locations sport renowned cinder worm
The sun? The moon? Is it ambient
populations. Fly anglers know them
water and tidal flow? To some extent,
interference from them.
well: Rhode Island’s salt ponds, the
it’s all of these. There’s a widely
rivers and bays along the Connecticut
held notion that worm spawning is
Cinder worms are not commercially
shoreline, the many salt ponds and
governed by moon phase—the full
creeks associated with Massachusetts’
moon, in particular. The full and
Cape Cod and Islands, many of Long
new moon phases are associated
and number of migratory gamefish. Some years, the worms conduct their mating ritual entirely ahead of the migratory stripers’ arrival, with little
important, so there’s relatively little scientific information on their life
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with larger tides that result in
60-degree mark during the event,
greater tidal flow and exaggerated
generally ending up in the low 60s by
water levels (higher highs and lower
the end of the spawn.
lows), influencing both sediment and water temperatures. For
Despite these observations, the
example, extra-low tides enhance
belief in full moon magic persists.
sediment warming, especially when
Consider that annual cinder worm
occurring on sunny days. Conversely,
spawning can occur over as little as
increased water levels and tide flow
one week, or it may stretch as long as
may retard sediment and water
three weeks, depending on prevailing
warming, especially during cool,
weather. Even with a week-long event,
overcast periods. Water column and
there’s a 25 percent chance the full
sediment temperatures, however, are
moon will occur sometime during the
overwhelmingly governed by solar
spawn. The longer the event persists,
radiation and daily weather.
the more likely it will coincide with the full moon at some point. It’s wild
Based on years of observation, the
when it does overlap with the peak
magic conditions that ignite and
of the worm’s ritual—a rising evening
sustain worm spawning appear to be
moon illuminating a surreal swarm of
when sediments and waters approach
frenzied worms dimpling the surface
60 degrees Fahrenheit. Worms
adds immensely to the already eerie
begin to appear with sediment
experience. I have had stellar worm
temperatures in the upper 50s, with
fishing through the new moon, the
associated surface water a couple
full moon, and during both quarter-
of degrees warmer. With springtime
moon phases.
solar radiation increasing daily, water temperatures accelerate across the
After the event has seasonally
TAIL FLY FISHING MAGAZINE 23
commenced, there’s no guarantee
from the daily perspective—the
anchovies or juvenile menhaden, are
of daily consistency. Day-to-day
early stages are generally sparse
corralled and blitzed by gamefish.
weather plays a huge role in the
with worm activity and then build in
The essential problem with all of
event’s intensity and progression.
intensity before declining to a trickle.
these situations is the same—
Anything that disrupts gradual
At its peak, the number of worms per
getting your fly noticed among
warming into the low 60s will slow
square foot of water surface can be
throngs of naturals. For worm
or even shut down the spawn. Cold
staggering. This worm density heavily
swarms, simple strategies can
fronts, heavy rains, and cool weather
impacts the quality of fishing and
overcome this problem.
out of the east have the potential
your angling strategy.
to derail the event for a day or two.
First, success in worm events hinges
Ideal spawning conditions do not
While most locations present worm
on relative numbers rather than
unfold concurrently throughout a
spawns commencing in the evening
absolute quantity of prey. If there
given worm location with uniformity.
with action continuing well into
were 1,000 worms available and
It’s important to understand that
darkness, other areas offer late
one feeding striped bass, our odds
the action moves about an estuary
afternoon activity that runs until
of catching it would be much lower
or salt pond throughout the event,
the sun goes down before dwindling
than in a scenario of 1,000 worms
materializing in certain areas as
to a stop—another example of the
with 1,000 stripers feeding on them.
suitable conditions prevail, then
mystery associated with these
This example is exaggerated, but it
subsiding and commencing elsewhere
nebulous events. Local knowledge is
illuminates the point: Many anglers
in the pond or bay, as prime
invaluable when fishing unfamiliar
do well early and late in worm
spawning conditions are attained in
waters; tribal insight is readily
events, both daily and seasonally,
those areas.
available through online resources
when worm numbers are low and
and area tackle shops.
their ratio to gamefish numbers is
Worm spawning has a beginning, a
also relatively low. The deck becomes
throughout the seasonal event. It
Unique Event, Unique Approach
generally starts out slowly with a few
As is often the case with small
there are hungry fish and relatively
worms surfacing here and there and
prey, sheer numbers and density
few worms to go around, your fly is
intensifies to a crescendo, and then
can render a match-the-hatch
much more likely to be taken.
gradually subsides to its conclusion.
approach ineffective. We see this
At the start of the seasonal event,
during intense freshwater hatches
Stripers have extremely good
the first few days often have weak
and elsewhere in salt water when
vision, and when pursuing easy-to-
worm showings. The same is true
vast schools of small bait, such as
capture prey like worms, they can
middle, and an end—both daily and
24 TAIL FLY FISHING MAGAZINE
stacked in the angler’s favor. At the event’s onset and conclusion, when
take their time and be careful and
test monofilament leaders, which
and swim to it naturally. With all the
selective. During the latter portions
supports presenting tiny, lightweight
worms in the water, getting takes
of afternoon hatches and throughout
flies to fish sipping naturals within
remains a game of percentages,
evening hatches, however, the fish
the surface film. Light leaders
regardless of the fly you are fishing.
often take flies more readily and
enable more lifelike fly movement
Persistently presenting your fly
appear to be less leader-shy. I believe
with delicate worm patterns.
ahead of roving packs of fish—or
this is simply because they don’t
Fluorocarbon is an option, but I
within large clusters of feeders—
see hooks and leaders as clearly in
believe it’s unnecessary during low-
increases your odds. Eventually one
low-light conditions, making these
light conditions—it also sinks, while
will mistake your fly for the real
periods more productive.
mono floats. I often employ a two-fly
thing and take it.
Angling Tactics
rig (fishing two flies on a leader) as it’s a simple way to increase your
When a fish does take your fly, resist
Worm events can be challenging,
fly’s presence in the worm swarm,
giving a hard strip set. Worms are
but with common-sense tactics
effectively putting another good card
easy prey to capture, and the bass
tailored to this event—and attention
in your hand.
are barely sipping them. Instead, a
to detail—you will succeed. It’s most
slow draw coupled with a modest rod
important to know that no one kills it
Feeding is not random. By paying
lift—a “trout set”—will seal the deal
every time in worm events. Everyone
close attention to the surface boils,
better than yanking the fly away
has their share of good days and bad
anglers can determine where small
from a casually feeding fish.
days, with plenty of average outings
schools of stripers are slurping
in between.
worms and the direction they’re
Flies for Worm Fishing
moving. This enables you to position
Many cinder worm flies have been
For tackle, 7- and 8-weight rods are
yourself within presentation range of
developed. Every worm aficionado,
ideal for the small flies and light
where the fish have been surfacing,
it seems, has a unique pattern or
winds commonly encountered during
as well as anticipate where to
two to their credit. It’s impossible to
the worm spawn. And they’re a lot of
present your fly when they reveal
present them all in a single article,
fun when playing the 20- to 30-inch
themselves within range. Gauging
but by examining key pattern
stripers typically encountered. There
the path of the fish and leading
attributes, anglers can develop (or
may be larger bass in the mix, but
them with your cast is usually more
purchase) flies to establish their
there are far fewer of them, and
successful than randomly tossing
own favorites that they’ll fish with
they’re statistically hooked much less
at surface boils that have already
confidence.
often. Floating lines are standard,
occurred; you want to enable the
along with light 8- to 12-pound-
fish to spot your fly ahead of them
I can’t overstate how fickle striped
TAIL FLY FISHING MAGAZINE 25
bass can become regarding what flies
highlights are common at the tips of
hooks, and I’ve taken plenty of fish
they’ll take—or not—on a given day.
cinder worms and their imitations,
using flies dressed on size-4 or -6
In general, flies that roughly match
but not all worms display these
bronze freshwater streamer hooks.
the length of the prevailing worms
attributes, and I’m uncertain how
Bronze hooks rust easily and have
are a great starting point. During an
vital they are to a pattern’s success.
relatively short lives, but they make
evening’s fishing, worms may range
Closed-cell foam, popular with
for delicate flies that ride high in the
from 1 inch to more than 3 inches.
freshwater dry flies, can be highly
water and appear quite wormlike. I’ll
I generally shoot for the middle—2
effective in the composition of a
take more hookups over durability
to 3 inches. Light, delicate patterns
worm imitation. Flies using this
anytime.
that ride high in the water often
material ride on the surface film,
perform well. If they have inherent
creating an extremely enticing wake
Until We Meet Again
wormlike movement, that’s even
during the retrieve (credit this to
When the cinder worm spawn is over,
better. Keep in mind just how fragile
Captain Bob Hines, a venerable Rhode
that’s it for the season. It will not
the naturals are; scoop one off
Island worm hatch guide). Though
recur weeks or months down the
the surface by hand and you’ll see
cinder worms are not flashy, many
road. Toward the end of the event,
(cinder worms will not nip you, as
reliable patterns do include delicate
waters that were alive with bizarre
other worm species can).
flash material, perhaps enhancing
worm perpetuation and impressive
visibility to draw more attention. One
predation gradually go silent—until
As for color, most proven patterns
worm pattern attribute I consider
the cycle repeats itself the following
are in the pink-red-orange color band,
vital is a small, light-wire hook. Such
spring, when those same waters
but rust, brown, olive, and even
hooks are sufficient to secure even a
again come alive with cinder worms
white will take fish. I sense that the
10-pound striper, and with a sporting
and striped bass, magnetically
silhouette of the pattern against the
touch, these bass may be effectively
drawing a cadre of fly-fishers, many
water’s surface in the evening, and
landed with the 7- and 8-weight
of whom reunite but once a year for
its movement, are most important
tackle described earlier. I prefer size-
this special event.
to fooling fish. Dark (usually black)
4 or even size-6 Daiichi or Tiemco
26 TAIL FLY FISHING MAGAZINE
TAIL FLY FISHING MAGAZINE 27
Reflections from the Mill House Podcast by Andy Mill and Nicky Mill Editor’s note: These excerpts are transcribed from Mill House Podcast episodes. They’ve been lightly edited for brevity and clarity. Andy Mill has added recent reflections on the clips that are signified by italicized text. Tackle was barbaric and fish were
Archiving our giants is
plentiful. Before GPS and sonar,
our mission. For the rest
navigation and exploration was about
of time, generations to
timing with speed and compasses.
come will have a chance
What was the evolution like for
to listen and see their
fishing sophistication?
forefathers and icons. Our goal at Mill House
Our history is told through decades
is to preserve these
of ageless, weathered anglers and
historical people and the
guides who dedicated their lives to
lives they’ve led.
the pursuit of gamefish far and wide. Their quests and stories are riveting
Included here are examples of two
and compelling, instructive to those
of our sport’s greatest statesmen,
of us interested to know where we’ve
Flip Pallot and Steve Huff, speaking
come from and how we arrived where
about when life gets closer to the
we are today.
finish line, a firsthand account of how weighted permit flies came into
If these stories are not told and
existence, and also how epoxy flies
documented, and if the emotion
came to be. We also include moments
that accompanies them is not
from our time with Billy Knowles. We
captured on camera, our heroes one
thought it would be valuable to share
day may only be remembered by
these snapshots as moments in time
name, their stories eventually lost
when a reflection made becomes a
with the trade winds.
legacy for the ages.
28 TAIL FLY FISHING MAGAZINE
FROM THE MILL HOUSE PODCAST INTERVIEW WITH FLIP PALLOT
sports, never knew who the biggest
wish I was out there, and then at
hitters were. It was never part of my
some point I came to the full and
stream of consciousness. I remember
certain realization life has a finish line
more than anything else sitting in
and I was going backwards.
Andy: When I called you recently, I
elementary school classes looking out
asked, “What are you doing, what’s
the window at the birds and wishing
happening?” You said, “I’m sitting in
I was out there. School was always
my Yeti chair looking at my backyard,
terribly difficult for me, not because
when we didn’t really understand who
looking at the woods, having a
of the school; it was because I didn’t
we were, and what our voices were
cocktail, trying to figure out what kind
want to be there, and I finished school
saying, what our heart was saying.
of mischief I can get into tomorrow.”
because my parents wanted me to.
Are you listening to your conscience or
What’s your life like now?
It meant a lot to them. I wish I had
your heart, but we’re not really sure
Andy: You know, I think, too, Flip, that we all go through those early years
those years in college back and do
until you get to the point with some
Flip: I sharpen a lot of things—hooks,
something really cool with them.
experience and mileage. We all went
happiest when I’m sharpening
Andy: Your number-one rule, you’ve
through those years; it was painful
arrows, and bullet points. I’m always something or cleaning something.
said, is to follow your heart. It appears
but there was no way out, because we didn’t know the way out.
as if you’ve done that now. Andy: I spoke to some of your buddies, great friends, prior to coming up
here and they all agreed you’re the ultimate outdoorsman.
Flip: I have with the exception of a
Flip: Exactly right! You have to find that, and there’s a price to pay for
few little detours that were important
that, as there should be. But when you
to people that were important to
break through the veil, clarity exists.
me, family. And so I spent some
You realize this is what I was made
Flip: Well, I don’t know about that
misguided years working in corporate
for, this is where I belong and this is
... but it certainly calls to me …
situations which was like elementary
where I’ll stay to the finish line. And,
always has. I never had an interest in
school. I’d look out the window and
just along those lines there is a point
TAIL FLY FISHING MAGAZINE 29
He couldn’t get the fly
at which you clearly realize that you’re
I remember because I spent so much
closer to the end than you are to the
time with Lefty, and I remember
beginning. And so then every moment
when he couldn’t pole anymore, and
becomes precious. I mean, sometimes
I remember when he couldn’t stand
and swam off into the channel, and Charlie
I’ll wake up in the morning and look
on the front deck of a skiff anymore.
at the clock and say what am I doing
And I remember how sad … it wasn’t
said, “Goddamn, man, I
here? I could be doing something
sad for him; he seemed to deal with
right now. And you realize there are
it marvelously. It was sad for me
only so many moments left, I should
because when vitality goes, you’re at
say so many vital moments left, and
the end of the trail.”
thought he was going to bite that thing!” — Steve Huff
by vital I mean those moments you could spend on a poling tower poling,
For me, closing in on 70 with a worn-
wanted to take. Keep skiing, rafting,
pushing a skiff into the wind. That
out body makes it harder to stay in
hiking, and loving life to its fullest.
comes to an end. How many moments
the game. When Pallot spoke of being
Spend time with family members,
are left that you could walk up a
at 9,000 and 10,000 feet, I knew he
grandkids. You can be tired when
hillside at 9 or 10,000 feet and do your
was directing that statement to me,
you’re dead. Do something this
thing there? Those moments come
knowing that’s where I live in the
weekend so spectacular you won’t
to an end. And I don’t look forward
fall chasing elk. Since then, I dove
sleep all week. That’s a vital moment.
to the time when all I can do is sit
back into a weight room and onto
around and reflect and remember, I
my bike. I want to still be successful
really don’t look forward to that. I look
at the things I love. Pallot’s voice hit
forward to to those vital moments
me right between the eyes. But he’s
that I just described, and many other
telling us all to continue doing the
things as well. You know what I’m
things we love, the things we’ll be
talking about. It was so clear to me
talking about for the rest of time.
this past year when we lost Lefty, and
Take that fishing trip you always
30 TAIL FLY FISHING MAGAZINE
FROM THE MILL HOUSE PODCAST INTERVIEW WITH STEVE HUFF Andy: Tell me about those early years of permit fishing west of Key West with you and Del Brown.
Steve: Actually, I learned about
fly on, and he threw that floating fly
paper, and I tried to stick them on and
permit fishing on Del Brown’s money.
over there and it drifted over this fish,
they wouldn’t stick on, you know? So
So he called me in 1980. He wanted
and the fish had his head down and
I made this chenille body and I took
to target permit and fish for permit
he looked up and saw this fly, and he
some epoxy glue and I tried to stick
a lot, and I’d done a lot of permit
was trying to get his head up to the
these things on which made a mess.
fishing, but had only caught 15 or
surface but his tail was hitting on the
So I said, “Screw it! I’m just gonna
20 fish on fly so this was a learning
bottom. He couldn’t get the fly and
cover the whole head of this thing
experience … and we were using lots
swam off into the channel, and Charlie
with epoxy.” So that’s where the epoxy
of different kinds of flies. Del was
said, “Goddamn, man, I thought he
fly came from. Harry Spear came over
quite an innovator of flies. He was
was going to bite that thing!” And I
a couple days later. I think we caught
using other people’s ideas as well,
said, “Watch this.” And this fish went
a permit on it because there was more
so it wasn’t Del’s exclusively. There
out into the channel, got a head of
weight, it added more weight. Screw
were a lot of guys trying to catch
steam, and lunged up onto the flat
the eyes. The eyes didn’t mean a
these things more frequently, but for
and took the fly off the surface. His
damn thing. It was about the weight.
whatever reason we started to catch
head was completely out of the water,
So then we started adding more
a lot of permit and more permit than
like a 25-pound fish. So it makes your
weight. The epoxy fly had its day and
anyone had ever dreamed of catching.
hair stand on end to see something
we started putting on little barbell
It was like if you caught a permit in
like that.
eyes to get the fly down. I think the
your life it was a big deal. We had
real thing was the right amount of Andy: Was there point in time with
weight, because sometimes they’re in
permit fishing when you got over the
shallow and sometimes they’re deeper
seven with me one day. That was the
hump? Was it a fly design or you just
and sometimes they’re in 4 feet of
best permit fishing I’ve ever had, but
understanding the dynamics of permit
water along the edge of a channel
also how the fish were getting in a
fishing?
and you can see them down there
countless days when we caught five or six. Sandy (Sandy Moret) caught
feeding mode. Sometimes they were
mudding, and you need something Steve: So I could go through an entire
that gets down there, because they
talk about the evolution of permit
won’t see anything up there, you
coming down a channel eating flies
flies, but nobody was putting weight
know? But that’s how the epoxy fly
off the surface. It’s really cool, and
in flies back then for permit. You know
got started.
that’s a caught fish when you get a fly
Nat Ragland came up with a little fly
in front of that thing. The right kind
that had glass eyes on it, which was
The epoxy fly, as Steve said, “Had
of fly, something that floats, quiver
essentially weight. It had glass eyes
its day.” But the way Steve layered
it, don’t strip it, shake it, ‘cause these
on a piece of wire. Nat had somebody,
the transition to the epoxy fly and
things are just coming down … they’re
a guy by the name of Bill Levy, catch
ultimately fly weight is possibly
dead meat. The coolest permit strike
a couple of permit on this fly. So I
the most important transition in all
I ever saw, I was with Charlie Causey,
said, “Holy shit! We have to put eyes
of shallow saltwater fly design. In
and we were going down this edge of
on our flies.” I’ll tell you where the
another Mill House episode, Michael
a channel and the tide had fallen out,
epoxy fly came from. I was looking
Guerin said the inventor of weighting
and we had on one of these floating
for eyes, because all of a sudden I
flies was something on the order of a
flies looking for one of these cruising
knew that eyes were the deal, right?
genius. Well, we don’t call Steve Huff
permit taking crabs and we weren’t
So my wife had some shelf paper in
the “God of Guides” for nothing. This
seeing any. And this permit tailed
the drawers in our kitchen that had
story is one of a million pertaining to
in this little alcove maybe a foot or
daisies on it, but the center of the
Huff’s creativity throughout 50 years
so deep, feeding on the bottom, you
daisy was basically an eye, right? So I
of guiding.
know. And we had the wrong kind of
cut the centers out and it’s got sticky
eating crabs off the surface like a dry fly. Basically, you could see them
TAIL FLY FISHING MAGAZINE 31
his face. He got so mad he threw the fly rod and reel down in the boat, bent the reel all to hell, lowered the motor down, cranked up, and we came in. And I said, “You’re a real sport, aren’t you?” He said to me, “Bring the boat back to Islamorada. I’m flying home.” Now, he had his plane there then. I said, “Whatever you want.” That was my last year with him. Billy Knowles died January 4th, leaving a profound hole in the collective heart of Islamorada, Florida, where his family homesteaded in the 19th century. At 81, he was still on his tower chasing fish daily. He was one of the first skiff guides. He started fishing offshore as a youngster and over
FROM THE MILL HOUSE PODCAST WITH BILLY KNOWLES
said, “You’re serious?” I said, “Yeah,
time became one of the planet’s
it’s a big daisy chain.” Andy, when
best bonefish guides, winning some
the sun came up, we weren’t outside
of the biggest tournaments on
the daisy chain throwing in, we were
multiple occasions. Billy’s love for
Andy: Let’s talk about Homosassa,
inside throwing out. That’s how big
his fellow man was prevalent over
because you were there with Carl (Carl
the school was. And he said, “How
his entire life, and deep friendships
Navarre), right?
many fish do you think’s here?” I said,
resulted from it. Considered the
“I don’t know—1,000, 1,500, 2,000. I
“Mayor of Islamorada” and a father
Billy: No, I went there the first year
have no idea.” That day we caught
figure to all, his was the voice of
in ’71 with Jimmy Lopez. The first
seven and wouldn’t say how many we
reason. Over the years he fished
morning out, we were the first boat
jumped. But we did catch seven. We
with Ernest Hemingway, President
down the river, and we got down to
were there for ten days. We ended up
Herbert Hoover, President George
just before Chassahowitzka Point.
catching 77 fish in ten days. On the
H.W. Bush, and Ted Williams. The
I mean the tripod. He said, “Maybe
tenth day we never caught a fish. We
term legend often gets thrown
there’s a few fish right here. Let’s stop
hooked a fish in the morning about
around too casually, but Billy
and take a look.” And I shut down. We
7 a.m. and we fought that fish till a
Knowles was the real deal, and even
were in his boat, no electrics, strictly
little after 12. The fish was way past
“legend” falls short when describing
pole, and I was standing on the back
two (200 pounds). He said, “We got to
Billy. He was as big as they get in
of the boat and pushing around
get a shot with the gaff.” I said, “You
every way, Rest in peace, Billy. We
some. I see a fish roll. I said, “Jimmy,
fight the fish. Let me worry about the
miss you terribly, son.
stand up. A fish just rolled and there
gaff.” So not having electrics I had
might be more with him.” He starts
to pole outside of the fish to get up
If you’d like to hear more stories
shaking, and I said, “Hurry up!” I said,
wind of him so the wind could blow
from fishing legends such as Chico
“Five or six fish just rolled.” He’s still
me down on him. So I poled outside of
Fernandez, Stu Apte, Al Pflueger Jr.,
shaking, and I said, “Forget it.” And
the fish, laid the pole down real quiet,
and Mark Sosin, check out Mill House
he said, “Why?” I said, “There’s more
picked up the gaff, and the fish turned
Podcast on any podcast app, or watch
damn fish here than I can count. He
around and blew the fly right back in
on YouTube.
32 TAIL FLY FISHING MAGAZINE
Benny Blanco, renowned conservationist, guide, & Orvis ambassador, with his hands on the manual transmission of his client's destiny. Everglades National Park, FL.
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TAIL FLY FISHING MAGAZINE 33
GEAR GUIDE WATER RESISTANT MARINE STORAGE BIN You can never have enough dry storage when fishing, and the new Plano storage bin provides ample room to keep your gear in the dry. It measures 16.25 x 13 x 9.5 inches, has an O-ring seal, and an adjustable interior divider for customization. It’s perfect for camera gear, phones, wallets, and any other items you need to keep dry but need quick access to. This new storage box also comes in at an affordable price— so affordable that you might just buy two. $33 (planomolding.com)
RUTLEDGE VEST Spring is just around the corner, meaning temperatures and the fishing action soon will be heating up. But March, especially the early days of the month, still can bring chilly days on the water. One of the coldest boat rides of our lives was on Mobile Bay after a strong March cold front and a lack of preparation for it. But you’ll always be prepared with Marsh Wear’s Rutledge Vest. Designed for the “do-itall sportsman,” it features a water-resistant outer shell and hits the sweet spot for insulation, providing comfort without bulk. Generous arm openings allow freedom of movement in the shoulder and arms, good for making a shot on an early-spring redfish in the marsh. The Rutledge Vest comes in buck and old-school camo. $89 (marshwearclothing. com)
34 TAIL FLY FISHING MAGAZINE
THE WAHOO This is a lightweight, breathable button-up shirt that has the just the right amount of stretch. We like the Wahoo for its useful details, like the big hidden pockets and the custom slit for sunglasses or readers. But our favorite attribute is its versatility. While it’s a great flats shirt, it also wears well at the lodge or for a night out on the town. The slim fit/athletic cut reminds you to do a few more sit-ups and watch your beer intake. Thumbs up, Poncho Outdoors. $85 (ponchooutdoors.com)
TAIL FLY FISHING MAGAZINE 35
GEAR GUIDE NEBO TRANSCEND HEADLAMP We often gear up and drop in before the sun is up, requiring flashlights and headlamps. The Transcend is a 1,000-lumen headlamp that’s extremely bright and provides all the visibility we need for those early-morning launches. It is fully rechargeable and adjusts 180 degrees. Another fantastic feature is the magnetic base, which functions as an extra hand. You won’t realize you need this until you have it—perfect for tying on flies or holding nippers in the dark or standing in the surf. $45 (nebo.acgbrands.com/en_US/)
SPORTFISHER WATERPROOF WATCH If you’re in the market for a new waterproof titanium watch with a Swiss quartz movement, you might want to check out the Sportfisher. The latest version uses H3 technology for its illumination, consisting of triggalight® glass tubes, a Swiss innovation that provides longer-lasting illumination for the dial. The titanium is heat resistant, and the watch is available in four styles of bands in a multitude of colors. This South Carolina company has cut out the middleman and now only sells online, so these fine watches are reasonably priced. Hook and Gaff also supports organizations like the Bonefish & Tarpon Trust and Coastal Conservation Alliance. $500 and up (hookandgaff.com)
36 TAIL FLY FISHING MAGAZINE
ONFORM VIDEO ANALYSIS AND COACHING PLATFORM The best tool for learning and teaching fly casting was not invented by a fly angler. Nearly five years ago we reported on the Hudl Technique video sports analysis app. Hudl has been bought out and upgraded by OnForm, which is being used by coaches and athletes in more than 75 sports, including baseball, golf, and fly casting. In short, you shoot a video of your cast with your smartphone or iPad. Playback features include slow-motion (down to 1/8 speed) and scrubbing— that is, moving through the clip frame by frame. Drawing tools allow an instructor to highlight various aspects of the cast using lines, arrows, circles, and other graphics. Perhaps the most valuable feature of the app is its ability to create voiced-over reviews and share them with others. This literally would allow you to take lessons from a casting instructor on the other side of the world. On our recent hosted trip to Andros, TFFM editor and casting instructor George Roberts shot video of several of the anglers and created a video review for each of them (the only glitch was Andros’ sketchy wi-fi service). OnForm offers several subscription packages. The coach’s subscription is not inexpensive—about $300 per year. A working casting instructor will pay for that with only a couple of lessons, and there is no charge to students. A personal subscription is about $50 a year. Taking advantage of this technology will do much more to improve your casting than will the most expensive rods and lines on the market. $50 and up (getonform.com)
TAIL FLY FISHING MAGAZINE 37
GEAR GUIDE MARINE EMERGENCY BOX Boaters are required to have functional safety gear onboard at all times when underway. It’s not only the law, but also the smart thing to do. After replacing our safety equipment twice in one year, the flares, whistle, Krazy Glue, duct tape, and emergency medical kit are now kept in the Plano Marine Emergency Box. This unit is not water-resistant, but it provides organization and convenience for needed and required safety gear. $15 (planomolding.com)
SHERPA PEN COVERS Sherpa Pen Covers started out as a way to sheath a Sharpie Marker within a Montblancclone housing for short money. The company learned by accident that the Sherpa would take a number of other widely available pens, including uni-ball and Pilot Precise rollers. Consider that a real Monblanc could cost you more than your car, and a single Montblanc refill can cost $20. The pen refill you can buy at your local pharmacy or grocery store is less than two bucks. Frankly, we think the Sherpa looks every bit as good as a Montblanc and feels like quality when you write with it. Each Classic or Special Edition Sherpa comes with a Sharpie Permanent Marker in black, a Sherpa Medium Rollerball (0.7 mm) in black, and a black velvet pen sleeve that is tres chic! Sherpa also makes a fountain pen insert, a jetball adapter, a ballpoint adapter, as well as some other neat stuff for the pen lover. $39.95 (sherpapencovers.com)
38 TAIL FLY FISHING MAGAZINE
TAIL FLY FISHING MAGAZINE 39
40 TAIL FLY FISHING MAGAZINE
TAIL FLY FISHING MAGAZINE 41
The COCKROACH FLY by Andy Mill and Nicky Mill
If you’ve ever wondered who invented
melanoma when reaching his prime.
staple for tarpon throughout Florida,
the Cockroach, it wasn’t Lefty Kreh,
Flip and Chico became Flip and Chico.
Central America, and the Caribbean.
as many websites and fly shops
Norman joined the common man’s
Most well-stocked fly boxes have at
erroneously report. It was Norman
workforce and fell from the limelight,
least a few Roaches in different color
Duncan.
but he’s always had an indelible
combinations.
reputation for his foresight in those Norman was great friends with Flip
early years. Norman is responsible
The Cockroach requires only a few
Pallot, Chico Fernandez, and “Little
for many innovations including the
materials and is easy to tie. It looks
John” Emory in the early 1960s.
Inside/Out fly, the Mutton Cockroach
great in the water and will elicit an
Together, they put fly fishing in
fly, the Permit Puff, and of course, his
eat more often than not.
Miami and the upper Keys on the
Cockroach for tarpon.
map with their inventions and creativity. Little John died from
42 TAIL FLY FISHING MAGAZINE
Duncan was interviewed on the Duncan’s Cockroach fly remains a
Millhouse Podcast and when asked
about his most well known creation,
“I’ve got some flies that Norman tied
and the rest is history. We kept it
he had this to say:
in my tackle box; let me tie one on.” Joe
quiet for a few years, and one day I
looked at it and said, “What’s that?”
went down to Sea Center on Big Pine
Andy Mill: You were one of our sports’
and throws it in the water next to the
Key, where all the guides went out. I
great innovators. Tell me about one
boat, and Joe said, “That looks like a
didn’t think anybody knew about the
of the greatest tarpon flies for
damn cockroach—no self respecting
fly. I know all the guides, you know,
decades, the Cockroach.
tarpon would ever eat that!”
and all the rods were rigged; it was
Norman Duncan: Joe Robertson and
Andy Mill: So that’s how it was named?
and they all had my fly on, and I
fishing at Loggerhead Point, and they
Norman Duncan: Yeah, he said, “That
“Oh, John told us about it, but he told
early in the morning. I looked down Little John (John Emery) were out
were throwing orange flies and others, and the fish had lockjaw. John said
thing looks like a damn cockroach!” So
asked, “Where did you get that fly?” us you were the one who tied it.”
John threw at the first tarpon he saw
TAIL FLY FISHING MAGAZINE 43
T
ly
y l i T r m eva a F l e h
Terrors of the Pacific, Whatever Their Size by E. Donnall Thomas Jr. I was living in Alaska when Christmas
When the great British navigator
Whatever I knew about bonefish—
Island—once known, if at all, as
Captain James Cook arrived at
which turned out to be not nearly
nothing but a remote speck of land
Christmas Island in 1777, he launched
as much as I thought—I’d at least
in the mid-Pacific—began to emerge
a skiff from HMS Resolution and sent
had enough experience to get me
as a saltwater fly rod destination.
it through the leeward gap in the reef
started with them in new water. But I
One of the first lessons one learns
to explore the atoll’s inner lagoon. His
admittedly knew nothing about a new
upon arrival in Alaska is that going
log reports that the crew returned
Christmas Island species that was
somewhere warm and sunny during
with tales of abundant “crevallies”
generating a lot of buzz: the giant
the winter is more a matter of
(perhaps a clue to the origins of the
trevally (hereafter GT in the interest
necessity than indulgence. For several
name for our Atlantic jack crevalle).
of brevity). After reading whatever
years running I’d headed to the
This was welcome news to a hungry
I could find on the subject, which
Caribbean, where I’d learned at least
crew eager for a break from salt
wasn’t much at the time, I realized
the basics of flats fishing for bonefish
pork. The crew’s report of sharks
that targeting GTs would require new
and other species. Traveling due
aggressive enough to make them
techniques as well as new, heavier
south to Christmas by way of Hawaii
withdraw was less welcome. At any
tackle. I surmised, correctly as it
sounded a lot easier than traversing
rate, members of the trevally family
turned out, that the edge of the reef
the continent, and in the wake of
have been recognized as an important
would provide a more target-rich
glowing preliminary reports, a regular
component of the Christmas Island
environment than the flats. Endlessly
fishing partner and I signed up.
marine biosphere from the time of its
blind casting with a heavy fly rod
first written description.
didn’t sound all that appealing, so I
44 TAIL FLY FISHING MAGAZINE
came up with an alternative.
plug from which I’d removed all the
to fly rod anglers such as pompano,
hooks.
roosterfish, cobia, amberjacks, and
According to Plan A, one of us would
various mackerel. The genus Caranx,
cast a defanged teaser plug against
After half an hour of tedious,
the largest within that order, consists
the reef from a skiff while the other
unproductive casting, a dark shape
of the fish we know as jacks and
stood by with a 12-weight rigged with
shot up from the rocks and engulfed
trevally. Biologically, there isn’t much
a big popper. Once we had coaxed a
the plug. My plan was to jerk it
difference between the two, although
GT within fly rod range, we’d quickly
away and lead the fish in one step
those called jacks generally inhabit
jerk the teaser away and replace it
at a time, but the GT—a small one
the Atlantic as opposed to trevally in
with the live ammo on the end of the
of perhaps 25 pounds—had other
the Pacific, where I have had most of
fly line. The idea looked good to us, at
ideas. After an improbable 15-minute
my personal experience with them.
least on paper.
fight on heavy conventional tackle,
We’ll concentrate on trevally with no
I assumed the fish had somehow
disrespect intended toward Atlantic
After spending our first day wading
become entangled in the leader.
permit, pompano, or horse-eye and
and catching a lot of bonefish, we
When I finally horsed it in beside us,
crevalle jacks.
decided to go into GT mode. It took a
however, we recognized the truth.
while to get underway, since we spoke
The harmless plug remained clamped
Nowadays, the GT has firmly
no Gilbertese and our delightful local
between its jaws, and the fish had
established its reputation as the
guide spoke no English, as was the
simply refused to let go. We had just
glamour species of the lot, largely
case with most island inhabitants
learned an important lesson about
on the basis of size. In most waters,
back in those early days. After drawing
personality traits and attitude within
a weight of 100 pounds is the
lots of pictures in the sand with a
the trevally family.
benchmark for a trophy GT. (Good luck
stick, we finally headed out through
with that on a fly rod.) But dozens
the open horseshoe on the west side
Power Play
of the atoll. A quick game of rock-
The order Carangiformes is one
Pacific, ranging in size downward
paper-scissors (which our guide found
of the world’s most diverse and
from the GT to include several species
hysterical) left me in the stern armed
widespread groups of marine fishes,
of panfish-sized papio in Hawaiian
with a big spinning rod and a surface
including a wide variety of interest
waters. Don’t underestimate any
of other trevally species swim the
TAIL FLY FISHING MAGAZINE 45
of them. In addition to overall
none with anything in the large
and reminded that he wasn’t fishing
body shape, almost all of these
trevally class. On our first morning
in Kansas anymore. “Tighten your
fish demonstrate certain common
in the Gulf of Carpentaria, our
drag and reef on them!” I called across
characteristics of particular interest
three skiffs were spread out across
the water. “Otherwise, you’re going to
to us: aggressive predatory behavior,
an estuary on a rising tide when
spend all day getting towed around
willingness to attack flies, and
I watched Bruce hook something
the ocean like a barge!” He took my
remarkable power and endurance on
substantial. Soon, his guide had pulled
advice, although he still marveled at
the end of a line.
the anchor and set off in pursuit. As
the strength of the various trevally
I watched them cross the maze of
species he hooked whenever we
That strength can seem
sandbars at the river mouth, I could
debriefed at the end of each day.
overwhelming to those unaccustomed
tell that Bruce wasn’t putting nearly
to strong saltwater fish. On one
enough pressure on the fish. When
Diversity Down Under
recent trip to northern Australia, our
they returned half an hour later after
At least in terms of variety, Australia
party included a friend with extensive
landing and releasing a 20-pound
tops my list as a fly rod trevally
freshwater fly rod experience but
golden trevally, I congratulated Bruce
destination. While some isolated offshore islands within Australian waters are developing reputations as GT destinations, the golden sits at the head of the trevally class in the waters I usually fish. They are truly beautiful, and a 20-pound golden is plenty of fish on the end of a fly line. Then there are brassy trevally, bludger trevally, tea leaf trevally, and others too numerous to mention—all powerful, entertaining fish despite their smaller size. Although relatively rare, diamond trevally are one of the most visually striking fish in the sea, with flanks like polished chrome and long, dark filaments trailing backwards off the dorsal fin for improbable lengths. Although perhaps not technically trevally, queenfish (both Talang and double-spotted) are closely related and are very similar in appearance and behavior on the end of a fly line, with one interesting exception. Unlike most trevally, queenfish jump, and the bigger the fish the more likely it is to go airborne. Known locally as “skinnies” or “spikeys” (accurate descriptions of two anatomical features), queenfish aren’t highly regarded, and small ones can become a nuisance when they repeatedly
46 TAIL FLY FISHING MAGAZINE
intercept flies meant for other fish. But when a 15-pound queenfish is turning cartwheels in the sun, it’s easy to forget the sins of its smaller cohorts. This discussion isn’t complete without mention of the Indo-Pacific permit, a member of the Carangiformes order even if the word trevally doesn’t appear in any of its common nicknames (oyster cracker, giant dart, and so on). Lori and I have taken a number of them from Australian waters, and I wish I had an opportunity to fish for them more often. On the end of a line they are as powerful as our Atlantic version, from which they differ primarily in the beauty of their golden dorsal fins and tails.
Hawaiian Omilu Hawaiian waters also hold their share of inviting trevally species. There are GTs, although I’ve never landed one in Hawaii. While I encounter them occasionally while wading the flats for bonefish, they’re usually moving too fast to offer a shot. When I do hook one, the fish inevitably heads for the ubiquitous coral and leaves me happy to settle for escaping with my fly line. I generally feel content to leave Hawaiian GTs to my friends with
enough to provide plenty of challenge on fly rod tackle but small enough to offer a reasonable chance of landing one. They are more common on the flats than GTs, although they, too, can be hard to approach because of their rapid cruising speed. Although jacks and trevally generally aren’t highly regarded as table fare, bluefins make some of my favorite sashimi. Like all predatory inshore fish, omilu can cause ciguatera poisoning, so consume with caution even though the problem
conventional tackle.
is uncommon in Hawaii.
Hawaii is home, however, to a nice
Breaking Hearts —and Gear
intermediary between small papio and uncatchable ulua (GTs): the bluefin trevally, or omilu. Inshore specimens usually weigh around 10 to 15 pounds with larger fish occasionally encountered. Typical bluefins are large
It should perhaps come as no surprise that I lost the biggest GT I ever hooked, an admission many anglers familiar with the species would also have to make. It happened when Lori
TAIL FLY FISHING MAGAZINE 47
and I had a welcome assignment to visit Midway Island near the northwestern end of the Hawaiian chain, during the brief period of time it was open to fly fishing. Even then, Midway wasn’t just another Hawaiian island. The flight from Honolulu took several hours to cross over a thousand miles of open ocean. Although technically part of the United States, we still had to have passports stamped (with a lovely image of an albatross in flight). We had to land at night to avoid collisions with the teeming population of various pelagic seabirds that nest there seasonally. The islands (there are actually two of them, closely adjoined) are home to the world’s largest population of endangered monk seals, which we encountered regularly. Midway played a pivotal role during the Second World War’s Battle of the Pacific, and evidence of its military history remains even after all these years. The trip would have been fascinating even without our fly rods, but fortunately it didn’t come to that. Unfortunately, Midway, which is administered by the National Park Service, is now closed to fishing and most visitation. The day got off to an exciting start when Lori hooked and landed what would likely have been a women’s fly rod world record amberjack while casting from an old World War II gun emplacement. Neither of us cares about world records, which was fortunate since her reel came off while she was playing the fish and the assistance I had to provide getting it back on would have been disqualifying. It was still a terrific catch, and I had little hope of bettering it that day. An hour later, though, I spotted a big
48 TAIL FLY FISHING MAGAZINE
GT cruising the channel in front of
that principle on Christmas Island,
option I could imagine was to try
us. An onshore breeze made casting
but with a happier outcome. We had
reclaiming some backing, and since
my large streamer difficult, but I
found GTs cruising an open sand flat,
we couldn’t bring the fish to us we’d
managed to get it close enough to
and for once they weren’t moving at
have to bring us to the fish. Although
attract the fish’s attention. The take
Mach 2. The absence of underwater
the water was waist deep on me
proved surprisingly subdued, but
obstructions promised a reasonable
(which meant it rose to another set of
as soon as I strip set the hook, the
chance of landing one, if she could
anatomic landmarks on Lori’s 5-foot-
fish took off like an (insert overused
manage to hook it. After studying the
tall frame), the firm sand provided
cliché here). Although coral heads lay
position, she made a well-executed
easy wading, and we sent off gently,
scattered about on the sand, a clear
cast, and a nice fish veered off course
trying to avoid provoking another
channel ran from the WWII vintage
and struck. Her prompt strip set left
calamitous run by the fish. That run
concrete platform straight out to
the hook solidly embedded in its jaw,
eventually came, but it wasn’t as long
open water, and the fish followed it
and the rodeo began.
and determined as the first, and by
right down the line.
that time we had reclaimed enough In Hawaiian waters, I have seen
line to avoid the treacherous knot.
Despite my rapidly dwindling supply of
hooked GTs dive into holes on the
Lori then led the exhausted fish to
backing, I actually began to think I had
deep side of coral reefs, from which
our feet like an obedient dog on a
a chance of landing the fish, which I
they are nearly impossible to extract.
leash and claimed her first GT.
guessed would weigh 60 or 70 pounds.
Absent this option, Lori’s fish had
Then, suddenly and inexplicably,
nothing to do but run—and did it ever.
Part of this piece is simply an ode
everything went south, leaving me
(Insert trite screaming-reel simile
to the giant trevally, which I regard
dejected as I reeled in a limp line. The
here.) Cranking her drag down had
as one of the most challenging—not
good news was that I still had my
remarkably little effect on the GT, and
to mention intimidating—fish in the
fly line, but the bad news was that I
most of her backing had disappeared
sea. The rest is a simple reminder
had lost the fish due to a simple knot
by the time the fish finally stopped for
of all that other members of this
failure between fly line and leader. I
a breather. That’s when I looked down
wonderful, diverse family of fishes
had neglected to adhere to a basic
in horror and noted that a loop had
has to offer the saltwater fly angler.
rule about GT angling that I should
formed a knot deep in the reel spool.
The GT may garner the lion’s share
have learned already: One cannot be
With the line taught as a bow string, I
of the press these days, but all of the
too meticulous when preparing to
saw no way to undo the tangle.
trevally are fast and strong, and wise
tackle fish as unforgiving as GTs.
anglers seldom pass up a chance to At this point, a second run by the fish
Several years later, Lori reconfirmed
pursue any of them.
would have spelled disaster. The only
TAIL FLY FISHING MAGAZINE 49
THE EVERGLADES SEVEN by Chico Fernandez I’ve fly fished in many places around
It’s no coincidence that today I
the world, from Tierra del Fuego to
live about 90 minutes from the
Alaska, and I love it all. But when it
Everglades—and go as often as I can.
are even more important. A fly that is lighter and/or more aerodynamic, for example, is usually
comes to my favorite place to fly fish, it would be, hands down, the
After spending so much time in
easier to cast, which makes it easier
Everglades.
that world through the years, I have
to make accurate casts to tailing fish
accumulated a large collection of
or long casts when necessary.
It’s not just about the snook, the
brackish water flies. And I’m often
redfish, and all the other wonderful
experimenting with some new fly in
Certain areas in the southern part of
fish that live there. It’s also about the
an effort to learn more. To me that is
the Everglades, like Flamingo, often
wading birds, the beautiful shallow
very exciting.
have a lot of floating grass. In those conditions, a fly with a weed guard
flats with the fluctuating tides, the red mangrove trees along most of
But as much as I love trying different
is of the essence. When fishing a
the shorelines, the other menagerie
flies, the truth is that I only use a
shoreline, a weedless fly also does not
of trees, plants, and flowers, and so
handful most of the time. And these
get caught as often on branches when
much more. I love that world. I love
favorite flies were not chosen just
we miss. You just slowly retrieve your
brackish water—I feel it runs through
because fish like to eat them; other
fly, jumping it from branch to branch,
my veins.
conditions requiring certain qualities
and then softly drop it on the water.
50 TAIL FLY FISHING MAGAZINE
It works quite often. So even in areas
fly is a great choice in muddy waters.
As a rule, the snook and redfish run
that do not have as much problem with
I like to add a bit of flash to these
bigger in the northern portion of
floating grass, such as Chokoloskee
dark flies, preferably in gold, purple,
the Everglades than in the southern
in the north, I still use weed guards.
and green, saving silver flash for
portion. For southern areas such as
Actually, most of my brackish water
light-colored fish patterns.
Flamingo, my flies run about 3 inches
flies have weed guards. And if I
or smaller—unless I’m blind casting
encounter situations in which I don’t
Often when fishing shorelines, you’ll
in off-color water, when I’ll go with a
want the weed guard, I just cut it off.
get 99 percent of the strikes within
bigger fly. Up north, my flies run from
a short distance from the edge. You
3.75 to more than 4 inches.
Muddy waters reduce a fish’s visibility
want to retrieve slowly for the fly
to see prey (or a fly), so it’s important
to stay in the hot zone as long as
These scenarios, however, are
to use a fly that the fish can see or
possible. The fly I often prefer here
generalizations; there are always
feel. For fish to see it better, a dark
is one that breathes and wiggles at
exceptions. But these rules work
color or black fly can make a big
the slightest movement from your
well for me—not only in the Glades,
difference. To help the fish feel it, a
stripping hand or rod tip. And while
but also in similar conditions farther
bulky fly that pushes water as it’s
there are several materials that
north in Florida, and anywhere else
retrieved is easier for a fish to sense
will accomplish this very well, my
redfish live.
through its lateral line. A bulky black
preference usually is marabou.
1. Marabou Madness For a long time, I had an idea for
with no action, it’s alive as it moves.
fishing with Captain Steve Huff, I
tying an all-marabou Sea-Ducer.
And when working a shoreline, I can
sight casted and landed a 20-pound
Then, while working on my redfish
keep the fly breathing, wiggling,
snook with that color. I had tears in
book around 2011, I finally put a No.
acting alive, while moving it very
my eyes when I held him for Steve to
1 hook in the vise and started to tie
slowly, thus staying in the zone close
take a photo. I was that excited.
one. After a few weeks of trial and
to the mangrove roots longer than
error, I had a fly I liked. The tail was
with many other flies.
a whole marabou feather, stem and
Today, my friend Chris Dean ties them for me—from small ones just
all, with a bit of flash. The head was
For a while, I only fished it in all black,
over 2.5 inches on a No. 2 hook to
marabou feathers wrapped around
and caught all the gamefish in the
more than 4 inches on 1/0 hook.
the shank.
Glades. I loved it. Then I went to other
He ties them in a variety of colors,
colors, like white with a red head,
mostly with a bead chain, but
In the water, the fly breathes—even
all chartreuse, and more. The black
sometimes with lead eyes. The small
standing still. Indeed, I’ve taken many
pattern now has a purple hackle.
sizes are also great for baby tarpon.
fish that ate the fly when I wasn’t
Another great color combo has been
The Marabou Madness is my favorite
moving it. When stripping it straight,
all tan with a pink hackle. Last year,
fly for the Everglades.
TAIL FLY FISHING MAGAZINE 51
2. puglisi baitfish patterns I’ve used these patterns to catch fish
the Everglades I use the white body
and the snook and baby tarpon are
in fresh water, brackish water, and
with a green or brown back when the
spooky, I generally pull out a small
blue water—from black bass to snook
water is very clear, and the purple
Puglisi baitfish pattern in white
to blackfin tuna. As you retrieve
and black pattern in muddy or low-
with a green or tan back, and use a
it, the combination of a great
visibility water. The sizes I use most
12-foot leader and a 6-weight clear
translucent silhouette and the large
are from 2.5 inches to 4 inches. In
floating fly line. This combo is deadly
eyes makes it look very realistic. In
areas where the water is very clear
in those conditions.
52 TAIL FLY FISHING MAGAZINE
3. Clouser minnow Designed by Bob Clouser, this fly can
a sinking line. The classic pattern
to fish deep shorelines, potholes,
do almost anything, but I generally
was tied with bucktail in white and
and the mouths of creeks and
use the fly when I want it to go down.
chartreuse, and I like it just fine that
rivers— often with a sinking fly line.
It is great with big bead-chain eyes.
way. It’s an excellent imitation of
Bouncing the heavy Clouser on the
And if I need to go deeper, I use lead
a minnow and many other juvenile
sandy bottom of beaches can be
eyes. I also use this fly when fishing
fish. In the Everglades I use a Clouser
deadly.
4. borski’s chernobyl crab For many years I have been using
hair pushes water that the fish can
redfish think it is, but they love it.
Borski’s Chernobyl Crab to fish the
feel as you retrieve the fly. It was
I use the fly in all tan or all orange,
Glades. The deer belly hair on the
designed to ride inverted, with the
which is my favorite. If you want to
head does two things that I love: It
point of the hook up. And using mono
fish the fly deeper, it works great
lands quite softly on the water—in
for a weed guard is perfect for an
with lead eyes. There are always
spite of the fact that I use large bead
inverted fly. For me, the fly imitates
a few Chernobyl flies in one of my
chain on this pattern—and the deer
a shrimp hopping. I don’t know what
Everglades fly boxes.
TAIL FLY FISHING MAGAZINE 53
5. the sea-ducer
(and his cousin the Crystal Shrimp)
The hackle body and tail of a Sea-
Around 1995 or so, my son Stephen,
the feathers. The result was a fly that
Ducer are constantly moving and
who tied lots of my flies until he went
has a bulkier body to push water and
breathing, whether you retrieve it or
to college, came up with a variation
more flash on the head. It also sinks
let it sit still for a second or two. The
of the Sea-Ducer that I ended
a bit faster. The fly has produced lots
bulk of the hackle pushes water when
up calling the Crystal Shrimp. He
of fish when you need the fly to sink
retrieved, helping attract predators
wrapped heavy cactus chenille on the
more in the flats but you don’t want
when they feel its presence. The fly
shank of the hook before wrapping
it to sink head first.
is always seducing, always working for you. I’ve caught big snook in the Glades and big dolphin in the ocean with it.
6. dave’s little tan shrimp Every time I go fishing with Captain
The fly is small, with a No. 4 hook, all
Dave Denkert, this little tan fly is on
tan with painted bars and a little bead
at least one of his fly rods. Dave says
chain. It weighs nothing, and it’s very
he and his clients have caught every
aerodynamic, so it’s easy to cast, even
gamefish in the Glades with it, and
with your lightest rods. It’s perfect for
it’s mostly what he uses. I’ve caught
tailing fish in shallow water. And yes,
many fish myself. You watch it
it’s very simple, but sometimes those
moving through the water, and it’s a
are the best flies.
very good imitation of a small shrimp.
54 TAIL FLY FISHING MAGAZINE
7. hot lips Nothing is more exciting to a fly
of noise. It’s like a shrimp on the
fisher than the surface strike on a
surface. When a fish takes it, the
loud popper. But when fishing the
soft foam feels more realistic than
flats, and especially in clear water, a
most flies. It’s chewable. I find fish
popper would scare fish right and left.
keep it in their mouths much longer
It’s too loud. And even if you retrieve
than a popper, so you have a better
it slowly, it still scares fish. It doesn’t
chance of hooking up. The Hot Lips is
belong there. But don’t despair; there
also quite durable. I’ve caught many
is a great fly for those conditions.
snook, baby tarpon, and redfish with the same fly. And after a good rinse
The Hot Lips, created by Captain
with fresh water, the fly is still in my
Steve Huff, is such a fly. Made with
fly box waiting to fish again.
feathers and bucktail for a tail, and a foam body, this fly lands softly on
Just remember to use monofilament
the water, so it doesn’t spook fish as
leader and especially mono
heavier surface flies often do. And it’s
bite tippets with this pattern.
not hard to cast.
Fluorocarbon, with a much higher density than mono, will pull the
When retrieved, the little mouth up
surface fly down and ruin the action.
front makes just the right amount
TAIL FLY FISHING MAGAZINE 55
ON THE PLATE Text and recipe by Jennifer Matsu Photos by Rob Schumske
56 TAIL FLY FISHING MAGAZINE
hot smoked salmon
I’m a native Houstonian, but I grew up fishing summers in the Okanag
an and Quadra Island of British Columbia. I’d spend days in a jon boat on Okanag an Lake, targeting rainbow trout and landlocked kokanee salmon. I’d also fish for sockeye and chinook in the waters of Discovery Passage. I took a hiatus from fishing, but over the last couple of years I’ve found a passion in fly fishing. I’ve loved learning a new sport, challenging myself, and enjoying all the victories along the way. I thought I was just discovering another way to catch fish and experie
Little did I know that I had made a life-altering choice. Fly fishing is
hope and presence, and it connects our community in a special way.
celebrating the little things like a longer or more accurate cast and
nce nature.
the epitome of I found myself
went on to celebrate the bigger accomplishments like my first redfish on fly and catching a permit on fly. When I purchased my first saltwater fly rod, I went to Houston’s Restau
rant (now and a glass of
known as Hillstone) to celebrate. I ordered the hot smoked salmon
Schramsberg Blanc de Blanc. It felt like the perfect celebratory meal.
been a staple in my food repertoire for as long as I can remember.
memories of the freshest sockeye imaginable and fishing with my
Salmon has
I have fond
dad in B.C. We enjoyed salmon grilled, roasted, canned, tempura style–even raw in sushi. One of my absolute favorite preparations is hot smoked salmon. It’s elegan t, simple, and so satisfying—toasty ciabatta, a smear of aioli, and a slab of hot smoke d salmon. Perfect when paired with a glass of bubbles or especially with a crisp Ranch Water– good silver tequila, sparkling water, and a squeeze of lime. I’ve wanted to recreate this meal for quite some time, to remind me
of home and to reward all my moments of success–both on and off the water. Now that we have a Traeger, I can do it easily and quickly. Because of the simplic ity of this dish, quality fish is extremely important. I recommend wild-caught sockey e salmon, fresh and never frozen, if possible. Give yourself a reason to celebrate soon, and bring along the bubble
smoked salmon.
s and this hot
TAIL FLY FISHING MAGAZINE 57
Hot
Smoked Salmon Hot smoked salmon is a versatile protein that can be enjoyed many ways. For lunch or dinner, try a mixed green salad topped with chilled, smoked salmon, or flaked it into a lemony pasta topped with fried capers.
Ingredients
1-2 lb. filet of wild-caught sockeye salmon, skin on or skinless Olive oil Kosher salt Fresh cracked black pepper Fresh squeezed lemon juice, lemon zest optional Ciabatta bread, sliced and toasted Capers
Directions
Heat smoker to 250 degrees Fahrenheit (if using a traditional smoker, heat it to 225 degree). Pecan or any other medium-flavored wood works well with the salmon, which can stand up to a bit more flavor versus a more delicate white fish. You’ll want a clean, thin stream of smoke before adding the salmon. The filet can go directly on the grill grates, or use a piece of pink butcher paper beneath the filet. Prepare the sockeye filet by brushing it with olive oil and seasoning each side with salt and cracked pepper (even if you’re using skin-on salmon). Smoke the fish for about 20 to 30 minutes until just done, depending on the size of the filet. While it’s hot, drizzle with olive oil and fresh-squeezed lemon. Break off chunks of the flaky salmon and serve with crunchy ciabatta slices and aioli. For the fried capers, pat capers or caper berries to remove excess moisture and fry in 300- to 325-degree olive oil for 3 to 5 minutes or until crisp. Drain and use them to top salmon.
58 TAIL FLY FISHING MAGAZINE
Citrus and Herb Aioli I love this herb aioli in appetizers or to elevate mid-week meals. It’s easy and starts with lots of fresh herbs and a good store-bought mayonnaise — Sir Kensington’s is my favorite. For an appetizer, top deviled eggs with hot smoked salmon, herb aioli, and fried capers.
Ingredients
1 cup mayonnaise 1 1/2 tsp anchovy paste 2 large garlic cloves ¼ tsp cayenne ¼ cup chives, minced ¼ cup parsley, minced 2 tbsp tarragon, minced ½ cup fresh lemon juice Whisk mayonnaise with anchovy paste until incorporated, then grate fresh garlic into mixture and whisk again. Fold in fresh herbs, season with cayenne, and taste for salt. Season if needed with cracked black pepper or a pinch of salt. When ready to serve, whisk in lemon juice and taste again for seasoning. Adding the lemon juice upon serving keeps the herbs tasting as fresh as possible, rather than wilting in the sauce. Garnish with lemon zest and more fresh chives. Enjoy with the hot smoked salmon.
TAIL FLY FISHING MAGAZINE 59
THE MULE by TFFM Staff
60 TAIL FLY FISHING MAGAZINE
The Moscow Mule is said to be the invention of
John Morgan at New York’s Chatham Hotel in 1941. John “Jack” Morgan was owner of the Hollywood Cock’n Bull Restaurant and president of Cock’n Bull Products, which made a popular ginger beer. Morgan’s decision to combine his ginger beer with vodka came from friend John Martin, the man who introduced vodka to American drinkers and the owner of Smirnoff Vodka. “Moscow” came from the vodka and “Mule” came from the ginger beer’s kick. They added fresh lime juice and a mint sprig for aroma and garnish, and a timeless classic was born. There have been many variations of this drink, modifying the liquor that’s mixed with the ginger beer. Whatever distilled spirt you mix for your favorite version, the Mule is a popular cocktail choice because it’s easy to make and its ingredients are readily available at most stores. One of our favorite iterations is the Kentucky Mule, which substitutes bourbon for vodka. The Kentucky Mule is a bit sweeter than the original, with the bourbon’s woody character melding nicely with the spicy ginger. Ours uses Wyoming Whiskey, a small-batch bourbon from, you guessed it, Wyoming, and Bundaberg, an Australian ginger beer that’s as good as it gets. We use fresh key lime and substitute the traditional mint garnish with chunks of crystallized ginger, which we borrowed from PF Chang’s version of the Moscow Mule. Any mule is simple, fresh, and crisp. Great in the summer and even better in the winter. You can use the traditional copper mug, but we make ours in a Ball jar mug with crushed ice.
Recipe
3 ounces bourbon 3/4 ounce lime juice, freshly squeezed Ginger beer, to top Crystalized ginger
Directions
Place crushed or cubed ice in mug until it’s three-quarters full. Add 3 ounces of Wyoming Whiskey and lime juice. Top with ginger beer. Stir very lightly and garnish with crystallized ginger on a long toothpick.
TAIL FLY FISHING MAGAZINE 61
TOPWATER
PERMIT by Bob Haines Perhaps the first indication that I’d been doing it wrong was the day after I finally caught my first permit. While sitting over a Belikin and a hot dog at Jets in the outbound terminal of the Philip S.W. Goldson International Airport in Belize City, two likely fishermen sidled up to the bar to do the same. We exchanged the usual pleasantries—How’d you do? Alright, you? About the same. Then it was time to board a plane back to reality after a month in the Belizean salt.
62 TAIL FLY FISHING MAGAZINE
Because it was the day after my first
Conversation between fishermen
permit and subsequent grand slam, I
is quick and easy, so we began
carried a thick and vicious hangover
conversing about our trips. He was
onto the plane. (Somehow I ended up
traveling with his father and was
as guest bartender at the Lazy Lizard,
returning from a week at one of the
mostly pouring drinks for myself.)
fly fishing lodges out of Dangriga.
As soon as I hit my window seat, the
The story he started seemed typical
earphones went on and the eyes went
of permit fishing: “The first four
closed. I woke up cotton-mouthed
days were tough. The wind blew and
somewhere over the Gulf of Mexico
the light was shit. Dad probably had
between Belize and Dallas to find that
the best shot on Wednesday, but a
one of the fishermen from the hot
ladyfish got to the crab before the
dog joint occupied the aisle seat in my
permit.”
row.
Photo: Scott Morrison
He then told me about a Thursday
described some sort of spun deer hair
river, where they were greeted to a
rainstorm that I also experienced
body dangling with legs and eyes and
sight the fisherman and his father
out in the cays, but it evidently was
yum. The guide excitedly told them
never expected to see—rising permit
much more of a weather event on
that sometimes after a huge rain a
selectively hunting crabs floating
the mainland. His guides were willing
river south of them would overflow its
down an engorged river. He said the
to fish in the morning, but the rain
banks and wash a bunch of land crabs
water was still pretty clear and the
was borderline biblical. They decided
into the current. He was tying large,
depth was no more than 3 feet. The
to wait and see if it would let up at
clunky, floating crabs in hopes that
strategy was to pole the panga until
some point. It didn’t. Hanging at the
he’d be prepared for the next day.
they located permit. The fish would
lodge that afternoon, they noticed
hang in the current on the bottom
one of the guides working over a vise
The sun was shining, and the guides
just like trout and await their prey.
in the tying area. At first glance, the
wore huge smiles at breakfast in
The fishing was similar to trout
bug he was spinning looked more like
the morning. From the lodge, they
fishing as well—upstream casts
a bass popper than a permit fly. He
went straight to the mouth of the
and drifts to feeding fish. After a
TAIL FLY FISHING MAGAZINE 63
few casts, he instinctively did some mending to ensure a drag-free drift. But the guide corrected him, saying that a little drag was preferable because the crabs always try to swim back to land. This point was verified shortly thereafter, when a tennis ball-sized brown crab came floating down near the fish they had located. The fisherman said two of the fish left their position on the bottom of the river to investigate, but neither ate. They spent the rest of the day drifting
I was skeptical. My goal to that
for bottom feeding. Benthic-feeding
flies of varying sizes and weights to
point in my permit addiction was
fish eat in the benthic zone, right?
fish they could see in the current,
to get a fly down to the bottom in
Upon landing in Dallas and additional
boating three—all on the deer hair
front of every permit. Permit eat
conversation over a non-Belikin beer,
floating crab the guide had tied the
off the bottom. It’s what they do.
the fisherman’s grainy flip phone video
previous day.
Their eyes and mouths are both built
started to change my thinking.
64 TAIL FLY FISHING MAGAZINE
Photo: Scott Morrison
In the years following that flight back from Belize, I found yet another salty passion that manifested in the form of skinny-water redfish in the bays and lagoons of North Florida. Temporarily putting permit on the back burner, I scratched out part of my living each year on the poling platform of my Hog Island skiff along the Redneck Riviera. We saw it all aboard Ms. Piggy, my beautiful, ugly, do-everything plastic boat. One thing that always stood out was making a popper elicit that tell-tale push of water directly preceding a redfish topwater eat. The accomplishment of getting a fish with a downwardprojecting eating apparatus to
TAIL FLY FISHING MAGAZINE 65
As pompano are very close cousins of permit, I harkened back to that DFW cell phone video and immediately started putting the pieces together. Of the family Carangidae, Trachinotus falcatus shares many physical characteristics with its cousins. Fly fishers have traveled the world targeting all species trevally. From the Seychelles to Australia to Christmas Island and beyond, countless fortunes have been spent in pursuit of these aggressively feeding bruisers in the waters of the Pacific and Indian oceans. The Atlantic analogue would be the jack crevalle. Seeing and fighting these beasts leaves little wonder as to why there are such tight similarities of the words crevalle and trevally. These ferocious fish will eat in every zone of the water column, preferring to pursue anything smaller than they are—as long as it tries to swim quickly away from them. Many of the fish in the Carangidae family, including the permit, have physical similarities and ancestral backgrounds. Why wouldn’t it follow that at least some of their feeding habits align? This idea was verified a few years back on the Costa Maya, when a friend break from the watery world and
close the deal.
find its meal above the surface is remarkable. A redfish strike on the
When the wind would howl, we
surface is comparable to people
occasionally shifted to the Dark Side—
bobbing for apples—lots of hunger
walking the dog with spinning rods—
and hopefulness from a creature more
hoping to see the same push of water
designed to eat a different way. Don’t
before the redfish explosion. One of
get me wrong; when a redfish decides
those high-wind situations was playing
to eat off the surface, it almost
out, and I was chucking a She Dog on
always accomplishes its mission.
a massive turtle grass flat when I was
But prior to the actual eating, the
surprised by a flash and a tug that
fish must push most of its head and
sent my drag screaming. At the end of
body above the water line before its
it, I netted a 4- or 5-pound pompano.
downward-directed mouth is able to
66 TAIL FLY FISHING MAGAZINE
who lives there relayed that he had a new tactic for getting permit to eat. The idea goes pretty much like this: If you spook a permit with a bad cast, good cast, false cast, or even just by thinking about a cast, pick your fly back up and cast it in front of their line of escape and strip as fast as you can. He swore that this technique had produced three of the last four fish he had caught. Given my propensity for spooking permit, it didn’t take long to test his hypothesis. Less than a week later I was wading
a clear, sand-bottom flat when two
Mexico, down the Yucatan Peninsula,
large fish slid off a coral head and
through Central America, all the way
started toward me. My cast seemed
to Venezuela, as well as the islands of
good, in front of them enough to be
the Caribbean, have been confronted
stealthy, but something inherent in
with sargassum, an impediment
them caused them to freak out and
that seems evermore relentless
swim to either side of me. As the fish
and permanent. The Sargasso Sea
passed, I picked up in front of me
is bound by four currents in the
and simply dropped a back cast past
Atlantic Ocean. Sargassum blooms
the fish. I started stripping as fast
and the floating weed from which
as I could, and the bigger of the two
the Sargasso Sea takes its name
fish turned on a dime and absolutely
have exploded in the last decade.
hammered my heavily weighted,
While there are many reasons
swiftly swimming crab.
for the unprecedented blooms of sargassum, the consensus is that
Another time I was wade fishing in
they’re predominantly a result of
a shallow lagoon when two large
excessive and growing amounts of
permit were moving from small rock
nutrients flowing down the Amazon
pile to small rock pile, tailing as they
River. The large, iron-rich dust clouds
ate. Armed with a heavy Casa Blanca
that originate from Saharan African
Raghead crab fly, I kept trying to get
deserts also play a role.
I began stripping very quickly again, and immediately both fish started fighting each other for my fleeing crab.
into position to get a decent shot before they frantically made a move
No matter the cause, these large
to the next rocks. Finally, they started
mats of sargassum that come
moving toward some rocks within
ashore along the coasts and beaches
casting range. I immediately dropped
of affected areas have had negative
a cast, along with an extra ten or so
impacts well beyond fishing. Tourism
feet of line and a good splash, into
is negatively impacted by the
a pile about 30 feet from where I
smell and sight of the rotting piles
was aiming. I quickly tried to strip in
of this floating weed, and native,
enough line to get another cast when
established grasses like turtle grass
both fish jumped all over my crab. I
are being choked out of existence by
instinctively let the crab sink to work
the mats of weed that wash ashore.
the fish, and they immediately lost
But the sargassum also brings an
interest and started moving away. I
entirely different ecosystem to
began stripping very quickly again,
which the fish in these areas are
and immediately both fish started
starting to adapt. The seaweed
fighting each other for my fleeing
serves as food, cover, and breeding
crab. One of them finally ate just
habitat for all sorts of animal life.
before my leader went into my guides. I could feel the rush of water on my
Most relevant to this conversation
legs as the big fish ate my crab and
are the Sargasso crab and Sargasso
turned to run. These were both very
shrimp. Some of a permit’s favorite
“jack-like” eats. More pieces of the
foods are crabs and shrimp; the
puzzle fell into place.
sheer number of shrimp and crab fly patterns for permit are
Since 2011, fishermen from the
strong evidence of this partiality.
Florida Keys through the Gulf of
Sargassum is now prevalent along
TAIL FLY FISHING MAGAZINE 67
the entirety of the Yucatan Peninsula.
pompano on clunky topwater lures,
turned into the status quo instead
Having fished the area both before
whitefish (the Western river kind) on
of something I brag about to my
and during the infestation, I’ve seen
grasshoppers, and I even watched
friends. While it does take a bit of
the habits of target species change
a high school friend catch a small
the mystique away from the much-
a bit. My introduction to fishing a
Namekogen River sturgeon on a Zara
revered permit by understanding it’s
floating Sargassum crab pattern led
Spook. If these bottom-feeding fish
jack roots, maybe it puts us on more
to catching three bonefish on the
readily eat things that are not on the
of an even playing field that will allow
first day I deployed the small floating
bottom, why wouldn’t permit do the
for more success.
fly. With bonefish eagerly feeding on
same?
surface crabs, it became clear that
Catching permit that look up for a
bottom-feeding fish on saltwater flats
I now spend most of my time on the
meal isn’t a foolproof method—they’re
did, in fact, eat on the surface.
water fishing for permit with very
still permit. But if you’re always
lightly weighted or floating flies that
trying to get your fly down to the
More and more, I meet guides and
are much less likely to spook fish with
bottom into that magic window
anglers who have come to understand
that dreaded plunk. I fish these flies
of opportunity that we’ve been
that there are more ways to catch
with varying rates of retrieve, but very
conditioned to think is the ticket to
permit than history has made popular.
seldom slow enough for the fly to get
catching permit, you might be doing
In putting this new information
near the bottom. I now basically view
it wrong.
together, it’s important to remember
permit as fancy, spooky jacks that are
what we already know: Permit are
more likely to eat out of instinct and
Bob Haines is a Northern Wisconsin-
easily spooked by false casts, bad
opportunity than they are to eat a
born saltwater fisherman who
casts, loud flies, and birds. This tells us
slowly moving fly they can scrutinize
currently resides in the mountains of
they look up more than people want
until they realize it’s not real.
Southwest Colorado. He enjoys clear
to think they do. So why wouldn’t they
tequila and refuses to use tippet
notice food sources above them as
I’ve caught more and bigger permit
that’s measured in Xs, preferring
they’re scanning for danger?
since adopting this line of thinking
instead the pounds designation. This
and way of fishing. Catching a
is his first appearance in Tail Fly
I’ve caught large catfish on bluegill
permit—or watching a permit
Fishing Magazine.
poppers, carp on floating spiders,
be caught on a floating fly—has
Photo: Scott Morrison
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TAIL FLY FISHING MAGAZINE 69
Boogie Crab Number Nine Slowly and silently drifting across the surface of the Texas marsh in a borrowed kayak, my “bug guy” mentality was showing. Nick Haxhijaj (hi-gee-eye) had just called for the second time in ten minutes, “Where are you? Get out here; there are dozens of fish tailing at the opening to the bay.” His tone was urgent, as if the fish would suddenly disappear, which they sometimes do. But I was busy checking out the crabs. I was struck by the behavior of the seemingly endless population of these energetic little crustaceans. As I drifted over them in the kayak, the majority would scramble for cover or bury themselves. The rest took on a defensive position, body elevated on eight tiny legs with claws raised toward their perceived threat. My guess is they were trying to appear larger than their 1.5-inch diameter size and letting me know they were ready to fight.
70 TAIL FLY FISHING MAGAZINE
The first thing that came to mind was the crabs feeding on the pipe in Disney’s Finding Nemo. Still mesmerized, studying one from about 6 feet, the spell was broken when a sheepshead darted from several feet away and engulfed the distracted crab. Undisturbed by my presence, another sheepshead picked off another crab a few feet from the first. Just like that, the show was over. The phone rang again. It was my first time on a kayak in this marsh, and Nick was getting concerned I had taken a wrong turn in the labyrinth of channels. I told him what I was up to. “I’m not surprised,” he said. “Get out here.” I met up with Nick a few minutes later on the southern edge of East Matagorda Bay. The inchesdeep water with hard-packed sand bottom was scattered with sheepshead happily munching
by John E. Wood
small crabs. Over the next hour we each had numerous follows. Those finicky, striped crab crunchers would follow our slow-crawled crab flies, meticulously inspecting every detail. They would trail our flies for 10 to 20 feet or more, making our hearts race, then turn away for no apparent reason. We finally landed one toothy specimen each—the aggressive ones from the bunch that sped in with abandon and ate when the fly was paused. It was my first sheepshead on a fly. That day left an impression and sparked an obsession, with sheepshead on fly and the idea for a new fly pattern. But exactly how to execute it eluded me for some time while Nick and I concentrated on working out the finer details of a pair of weedless marsh/flats flies. It’s an arrangement that keeps me vicariously fishing the salt
Materials Hook: Umpqua XS425 BN5X, size 1 or 1/0 Thread: Orange Uni-Thread, size 6/0 Weight: Medium channel lead Abdomen: New Age Chenille, Henry’s Lake Legs: Sili Legs, one pair each of barred sand/orange-tipped and olive/black flake. Cephalothorax: CCT Fibers, a mixture of olive, brown, tan, gold, fluorescent orange, silver gray, purple, and red
while living 1,500 miles away in Montana. Several months after the initial idea, a call from Nick requesting whatever prototype I might have got me thinking about it again. It was stacking deer hair that finally sparked the idea of stacking CCT Fibers made by Cascade Crest Tools, the same fibers used to create my weedless Scimitar Minnow and Scimitar Shrimp. It took a few experiments to get the look I was after, a mottled coloration and a crab body that stood almost perpendicular to the hook shank. Just days after I sent the first batch of Boogie Crabs to Nick, he called and excitedly said the redfish ate the fly with abandon. But there were two drawbacks:
The dumbbell eyes caught on vegetation—the Scimitars had spoiled Nick into not having to deal with snags—and the No. 4 hook didn’t hold the fish on the fly. I made some modifications and sent another batch of flies—sans dumbbell eyes and tied on bigger hooks. The report on the second batch was encouraging and disappointing. The redfish and black drum eagerly ate them, but only 50 percent of hooked fish were landed. The next batch had even bigger hooks, but still only half of the takers were brought to hand. Successive tweaks to the fly yielded worsening results, with the percentage of fish that came off the fly increasing with every modification. Nick became as frustrated as I was when he lost what he described as the biggest red he’d ever hooked in Texas. “I know the fish will eat it,” he said, “but I don’t want to lose another huge fish because it won’t hold!” Pete Shanafelt of Bighorn Anglers in Montana helped solve the problem. He was looking for new or weird crab patterns to take to Mexico for permit. When I showed him the eighth version of the Boogie Crab, he agreed with my suspicions about the fly’s problem: The hook shape was wrong. It worked great with other weedless patterns, but all things considered, it made the crab fly weedless—but also fishless.
I soon sent another batch to Nick. Less than a week later, he called from the marsh. When I answered, he said, “Six for six!” “Six for six what?” I asked “Fish—on the new Boogie Crabs!” He went on to recount the details of landing five redfish and a 34inch black drum. “But let’s not get too excited,” he said, which was funny coming from a guy so anxious to report the results that he called from his kayak. “I want to try it again on Thursday.” He called me from his truck on the drive home from Thursday’s testing in the marsh. There weren’t as many fish where he was fishing, but five fell for the Boogie Crab. He was so impressed with version Number 9 he tried to “shake off” a couple of the reds that ate it. “No dice, they didn’t come off,” he said. “I think we can talk about it now. I’m convinced.” Since that time the results have been outstanding. We now have a full set of what Nick calls the only flies you need to fish the marsh or flats: baitfish, shrimp, and crab. All you have to do is change the size and colors. I suddenly feel a trip to the marsh coming on. John E. Wood is a writer, photographer, and fly designer currently living in Billings, Montana. Find his other creations at jwoodflyfish.com.
TAIL FLY FISHING MAGAZINE 71
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Step 1. Start the tying thread at the midpoint on the hook shank. Press the channel lead onto the top of the hook shank with the end just behind the hook eye. Cover the channel lead with tight thread forward to the hook eye then back to the center point of the hook shank. Trim the back end of the channel lead so it falls just beyond the start of the hook bend. Step 2. Completely cover the channel lead with thread wraps. (Optional: Coat the thread wraps with a thick layer of head cement or UV resin.) Bind the chenille to the top of the hook from the midpoint back to just off the back edge of the channel lead. Bring the tying thread forward onto the level surface of the channel lead. Step 3. Invert the hook in the vise and secure it with the hook shank level. Attach one pair of Sili Legs at their center point, one on each side of the hook shank, with three to four thread wraps. Position the legs so they are at the 10 and 2 o’clock positions on the hook shank. Step 4. Move the thread forward to a point even with the center of the spear of the hook. Attach one Sili Leg to each side of the hook shank with three to four thread wraps. Position the legs so they are at the 10 and 2 o’clock positions on the hook shank. Step 5. Build a slight thread bump just in front of the forward set of legs, then move the thread up to the eye of the hook in two wraps. Pull the forward set of legs forward and temporarily secure them with one thread wrap between the hook eye and the channel lead. Step 6. Pull the rear legs up and forward. Make one and a half wraps of chenille behind the rear legs. Pull the legs up and back, and make one wrap of chenille in front of the rear legs. Make two additional wraps of chenille to fill the space between the rear and forward legs. Step 7. Release the forward set of legs by unwrapping the thread at the hook eye. Pull the legs up and back. Make one-and-one-half wraps of chenille in front of the forward set of legs. Secure the chenille with thread wraps to the top of the hook shank and trim the excess. Tilt the hook shank slightly upward in the vise jaws and cover the hook point with a piece of plastic tubing or other solid plastic object.
Step 8. Prepare the CCT Fibers by cutting one small bundle of each color from the hank at the zip tie. Align them lengthwise in two groups of four bundles each. For a more blended coloration in the final fly, use a small nylon brush to groom each bundle to blend the fibers and colors. Once groomed, cut each group of CCT Fibers into thirds by length, yielding six 2-inch sections of fibers.
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Step 9. Secure a cut group of CCT Fibers to the underside of the hook shank at its midpoint using two loose thread wraps. Distribute the fibers across the lower 180 degrees of the hook shank. Then make two or three tight thread wraps over the attachment point to lock the fibers in place. Step 10. Fold the forward half of the fibers back and make four to six thread wraps against the front edge of the fold. Make these thread wraps as tight as possible against the fold; this locks the fibers securely onto the hook. Step 11. Repeat Steps 9 and 10 five more times, securing the remaining 2-inch sections of CCT Fibers to the hook shank. Alternate the colors as you move toward the eye of the hook to vary the mottled coloration. The last group of fibers should be attached to the hook with just enough space to build a slightly bulky, tapered head. Step 12. Remove the hook point guard and groom the CCT Fibers so they are perpendicular to the hook shank in a 180-degree fan.
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Step 13. Remove the fly from the vise. Looking at the fly from the front, use scissors to trim the ends of the fibers into a shape similar to a scallop shell. At this point you can decide how large you want the body of the fly to be. Step 14. Trim the front and back of the fanned oval of fibers so that the outer edge is tapered almost to a point. The intention is to mimic the shape of a crab shell. When the body of the crab is trimmed to shape, you can trim the legs or leave them full length.
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14 TAIL FLY FISHING MAGAZINE 73
Dem Dry Bones by A.J. McClane Illustrations by Kiara Tounsley
No fish is more humbling than a big
working out the line, then dropped
tailer who ventures into glass-calm
the fly—a dry Salmon Irresistible—on
shallows—a mere presence that dares
his incoming path. The fish stopped
My last fish of the day was a sunset
you to make the first move. I’ve
to poke his head in the sand, about
loner who came tail-wagging across
forgotten how many myotomes, those
five feet short of the fly. The squirrels
the sand like a hound dog looking for a
explosive elastic bands of muscle, are
pounded in my rib cage. When
long-buried bone. The water was little
contained in that torpedo-shaped
he resumed swimming I gave the
more than ankle deep. Staring into
body, but once spooked, an old forktail
Irresistible a twitch, and 9 ½ pounds
the smoky blue and gold reflections,
can take off like a Ferrari Testarossa
of bonefish dashed at it in a splashy
waiting for him to come into range, I
from a standing start.
rise. He streaked away with that
had that old squirrels-in-the-stomach
stunning acceleration that throws
feeling, wondering whether he would
Although the fish was zigzagging,
spray from a disappearing fly line,
turn, trying to guess when he would
when he was about forty feet away
and was down in the backing before
be most vulnerable.
I got down on my knees and began
I even got on my feet.
74 TAIL FLY FISHING MAGAZINE
TAIL FLY FISHING MAGAZINE 75
Until 1982, I didn’t realize that bonefish could be caught on dry flies. Over the years I had hooked a few fish on the surface with a bucktail wing wet pattern that didn’t immediately sink, and even a few on topwater plugs intended for barracuda. But I was conditioned to the belief that bonefish are strictly bottom feeders and I couldn’t think of a logical reason for them to deviate from that behavior. As every student knows, most of their food consists of benthic or burrowing mollusks and crustaceans, prey probably located by “hearing” and “smell-tasting,” senses that must be highly developed in the albulids. The fish literally stand on their heads as they root in the bottom with tails waving seductively in the air. But bonefish also enjoy a bounty of alpheid and penaeid shrimps, crabs, and other mobile food forms that are flushed in panicky flight, and the tailing activity you see then is in quick, jerky movements as the food is pursued visually. The most productive way to use the dry fly is on tailing fish. Exactly what a floating pattern represents, I have no idea, but presumably when twitched on the surface, it suggests a crustacean of some kind, such as the snapping shrimp or the miniature pitho, ornate, or spider crabs that will, in mere inches of water, pop to the top when disturbed. Although the vast majority of anglers pursue their quarry from a skiff, going after them on foot with the floater is a totally different adrenaline-pumping game– both a physical and a mental exercise. For my part, stalking bonefish by wading is the ultimate method. It can’t be done everywhere in bonefish
76 TAIL FLY FISHING MAGAZINE
country because it requires flats with
at the waist or crouching is little
bonefish’s pointy snout. They will
a fairly solid substrate–preferably
better than standing upright like
disappear with the next tide. If there
sand or firm marl with a minimum
a scarecrow in a berry patch with
are any marl in suspension, and a
of grass. This is far more common to
eyeball-to-eyeball encounters. And
dig looks like it holds a little puff of
the Bahamas than Florida, where soft
there’s a vast difference between an
smoke, you are within casting distance
marl bottoms are dominant, especially
angler standing on a bow platform
of a fish–or about to step on one.
on the bay side of the Keys. When
looming eight or nine feet above
wading soft bottoms in Florida, our
the surface in the bonefish’s cone of
Inevitably, there are many frustrations
resourceful Saltwater Fishing Editor,
vision, and the kneeling caster with
in this kind of angling, especially when
Bob Stearns, wears his boat sneakers
his derriere flat against his heels. I
you follow a big bonefish swimming
bolted to a pair of plastic snowshoes,
have squatted perfectly motionless
uptide in the “wrong” direction for
taking big fish in water so shallow
without casting and had tailing
about 200 yards, tailing but staying
that they jet off the flat in a contrail
bonefish come so close that I could
just at the outer limits of a cast,
of mud.
almost reach out and touch them;
only to have him spooked by the
when the school exploded, it was
shadow of a gull passing overhead.
According to Stearns, snowshoes
like taking a shower bath. In the
I have followed individual fish for
slide easily through water. However,
thirty- to thirty-five-foot range, I can
a half-hour before finally getting
in the Bahamas there are places
sometimes make as many as a dozen
close enough for a cast. Bob Stearns
like Ambergris Cay, the Joulters,
dry fly presentations before hooking,
stalked one for forty minutes on
Deadman’s Cay, Santa Maria Point,
or spooking, a tailer. Bear in mind, the
his plastic snowshoes and finally
French Wells, and the many excellent
floating fly doesn’t make a splash, and
nailed it—a 10-pounder. This kind
locations near Deep Water Cay such as
you’re not throwing yards of fish-
of fishing doesn’t add up to large
Big Mangrove, Little Harbour, the Bird
frightening taper across the sky.
scores at the end of the day, but
Bar, Brush Cay, and East End Creek, which offer miles of easy wading.
there’s a tremendous satisfaction in I’ve been fishing with my old friend
a one-on-one contest. Those are the
Gilbert Drake for twenty-five years.
parameters of our game.
Sight fishing from a poled skiff is
Our system is to park the skiff at the
often more productive of numbers, as
edge of a flat, then go our separate
To me, top-water strikes are always
you can cover a greater area and find
ways, keeping about a fifty-yard
much more exciting, whether I’m
more targets. But when there’s visible
interval. Depending on the sun’s
casting for trout, salmon, bass, or
feeding activity, it’s more exciting
glare, I can often spot fish working
any other gamefish. Under the right
to go after bonefish on foot. The
in Gil’s direction and signal him, or
conditions, ladyfish, baby tarpon,
advantage of wading, and indeed the
vice versa. Starting our stalk on the
and even small creek snook can be
real thrill, is that you can get much
downtide side of the flat, if ebbing
taken on dry flies. But there are three
closer to the fish and also take them
or flooding, and wading toward the
distinct advantages to the dry-fly
in the shallowest water, where a skiff
flow, we sometimes meet a constant
method on bonefish. First, you always
would go aground. Tailing incomers
parade of incoming pods and singles.
know where the fly is in relation to the
will sometimes swim within ten feet
Even when no tails are showing,
fish—a critical factor on tailers who
before spooking, provided you get
there are some flats that invariably
often move randomly, slowly changing
down on your knees when casting.
hold feeding fish, and we follow the
direction a few feet left or right. With
In a sense, it is comparable to the
same routine–watching for surface
a sunken fly, it’s easy to misjudge
matador’s classic pase de rodillas
disturbances and bottom sign. The
exactly where the feathers are, or
(literally a pass at the bull while
bottom sign, incidentally, is a visible
when to give the fly some action.
kneeling) as the fish almost blindly
trail of excavated sand or marl. These
Secondly, a floating pattern won’t
charge the fly.
bluish-gray holes in a marl substrate,
hang in the bottom. Even reverse-
individually somewhat triangular in
wing and keel hook wet patterns will
shape, are fresh “digs” made by the
get stuck in turtle grass or pick up
The polite position of simply bending
TAIL FLY FISHING MAGAZINE 77
weeds when cast in what is often
too splashy for spooky fish. A 9-foot
a refusal while fishing with Captain
little more than ankle-deep water. The
leader tapered to an 8-pound-test
Sammy Collins at Bush Cay north of
third advantage is that the fish has
tippet is standard for bonefish and
Deep Water Cay. That would be hard
a much better chance of seeing a dry
provides enough rigidity to turn over
to duplicate even with live shrimp.
fly when you are casting over humpy
#4 and #6 dry flies, which have more
I haven’t done half as well as Ed,
bottoms. Bonefish will often feed in
air resistance than wet patterns.
because I always manage to spook a
places where patches of substrate
few between takes, for one reason
are almost emergent on a falling tide;
So far, I’ve had my best results with
or another. I still get an awful case
they literally squirm from hole to hole,
the Irresistible, the Bomber, the
of buck fever when fish are working
and often a wet fly will sink out of
White Wulff, the Gray Wulff, and a dry
all around me, and my casting goes
sight on the opposite side of a slope.
Muddler. I don’t think pattern is too
to hell. And so far, I haven’t found
important in a surface fly–giving it
the dry fly very effective on cruising
I took one fish of about 8 pounds
a few slight twitches is usually what
fish in water much over knee depth,
recently on a turtle grass flat
triggers the strikes. Although I spray
especially when they are traveling in
bordering a channel near Jacob’s Cay.
the fly with a floatant, salt water is
compact schools, “window shopping”
Even when the tide has almost fully
rather than actively feeding. The wet
ebbed, individual bonefish will often
fly is still the ticket for deeper water.
linger until what seems like the last drop of water, as long as a safe deep channel is nearby. When I spotted this bonefish, his back was out of water and he was rooting like a hog in lush pasture, slowly finning from one pocket to another. By the time I waded into casting distance, he was about to ease over another slope, so I dropped the fly in the next hole. There was no hesitation. I twitched the Irresistible and he swam directly for it, poking his head half out of the water at the take. In the same situation with a wet fly, I almost invariably get hung in the bottom, or the fish
LIKE WINSTON CHURCHILL’S CLASSIC DESCRIPTION OF RUSSIA, THE BONEFISH REMAINS “A RIDDLE WRAPPED IN A MYSTERY INSIDE AN ENIGMA.”
After almost four decades of emptying conch shell out of my wading shoes, I’ve learned that making positive statements about Albula vulpes is fatuous. Like Winston Churchill’s classic description of Russia, the bonefish remains “a riddle wrapped in a mystery inside an enigma.” But I see no reason why the largest fish will not surface-feed in shallow water. The problem is, of course, that we don’t meet trophy fish every day, and as in all new angling methods, we will learn from collective experience.
doesn’t see the fly at all. more dense than fresh water and
A.J. McClane was a former editor for
The ideal outfit for bonefish on the
thus helps flotation. On the negative
Field & Stream magazine, respected
dry fly is an 8- or 8 ½-foot graphite
side, salt water also rusts lightweight,
angler, and skilled wild game cook.
rod calibrated for a #6 line. When
bronzed-wire dry-fly hooks, so washing
McClane published more than 20
fishing from a skiff on windy days,
them in fresh water at the end of the
books, including McClane’s New
I prefer a 9-foot rod with a #9 line,
day is essential.
Standard Fishing Encyclopedia and
and regardless of calm morning
International Fishing Guide, which
weather conditions I bring along
How effective is the dry fly on
had sold nearly 1 million copies at
both, as sight fishing while wading
bonefish? Well, my neighbor, Ed Reddy,
the time of McClane’s death at age 69
becomes impossible when the wind
whom I now count as a pioneer in
in December 1991. This article first
rises. For lines, I prefer a standard
this new dimension (I haven’t met
appeared in Field & Stream February
weight-forward, or triangle-taper; I
anybody else who throws dry patterns
1986 and was collected in The
find saltwater tapers with the more
on the flats), took eight consecutive
Compleat McClane.
terminal, heavy belly section much
bonefish with a floater before getting
78 TAIL FLY FISHING MAGAZINE
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FLY FISHING MAGAZINE
305-763-8285
Ask for Jim Negen TAIL FLY FISHING MAGAZINE 79
NEW GLASSES by Dave Schonzeit The older I get, the less I want. Or
That’s because life invariably has a
a little girl chase the same monarch
maybe I’ve just realized that I don’t
way of weathering us.
butterfly—completely captivated for
really need the things I once wanted.
15 minutes—through a neighborhood
Ideally, wisdom piggybacks Father
During childhood, everything is new.
park. (Monarchs are a common site
Time and we end up a bit wiser with
Wonder and curiosity gush like a
here in California. During their annual
age and experience. That wisdom,
firehose, and that curiosity leaves us
migration, they’ll pass through San
however, comes at a price, and the
eager to turn over every rock and see
Diego—sometimes by the tens of
process can leave a person reeling.
what’s underneath. I once watched
thousands.) Eventually, the butterfly
80 TAIL FLY FISHING MAGAZINE
flew across the street and the girl
a sort of biological portal to wistful
sooner or later we start to pick at
was called back by her parents.
nostalgia. We only see the world
it. After seeing a thousand monarch
Although I have no children, I suppose
through those eyes once.
butterflies, allure and captivation
this is one of the most fulfilling
can succumb to redundancy and
aspects of raising them: watching
Time hasn’t yet dried life’s fresh
monotony. Later in life, you probably
them experience different facets
morning dew, but we are human
wouldn’t even pay that butterfly a
of life for the first time and living
beings, and no matter how beautiful
glance, let alone stumble around
vicariously through their fascination,
or intriguing something may be,
in awe of its majesty. Something
TAIL FLY FISHING MAGAZINE 81
so exquisite can inevitably become
friend, David Hurley, had been
putting eyes on this species for the
prosaic.
doing it awhile and was excited to
first time. I admired the fish for a
help me make the transition. He
good 15 seconds before sending him
I grew up on the San Diego coast. If
picked me up, we grabbed donuts
back home, a paradigm shift from
I wasn’t chasing bass and bluegill in
and coffee, and we headed for the
the typical “grab the hook with pliers
the local lakes and ponds, I was surf
coast. I remember getting battered
and shake” that I employed in my
fishing the beach with light spinning
by waves while flailing a 7-weight
spin-fish days. Appreciation restored,
tackle. A basic Carolina-rig setup,
in an attempt to cast a constantly
I’d go on to catch three more perch
baited with a sand crab, could earn
tangling full-sink fly line. I couldn’t
that day, and they were all equally
you a multitude of species. More often
keep the line in the stripping basket
special. It also didn’t hurt that they
than not, though, I’d catch barred
to save my life and always seemed to
were taken on my first self-tied fly,
surf perch. Some days, I’d catch a
be stepping on it. The whole situation
an orange Surf Rat.
dozen or more in an outing. But those
was cumbersome, and I took out
perch eventually became monarch
my frustration by yelling an absurd
Life moves quickly—too quickly,
butterflies; no longer fulfilled through
amount of profanity on a crowded
sometimes. Society has its own
the act of simply catching a fish, my
public beach.
agenda, and we can become conned,
focus switched to what I deemed
losing ourselves amid the hustle and
more intriguing surf species such as
I’m happy to say, however, that
bustle. It’s hard to remember to live
corbina, croaker, and halibut.
my persistence eventually paid off.
before you die. Sometimes, it seems
Frustrated but not defeated, I was
the world wants you to forget. We
I didn’t start fly fishing until my
quickly stripping back my fly when
must continue to realize and nurture
mid-20s, and it proved to be a
my line suddenly got heavy. Raising
our passions; they are imperative in
tremendous rebirth. That long
the rod, I watched the tip dance and
bringing us back to center, keeping
parabolic rod really accentuated the
thought, “My God, I actually have a
us inspired, and defogging the lens of
entire experience, and I was now
fish on.” After some gentle coercion,
our perception. These days, my fly rod
fooling fish on my own self-spun
I reached down and cradled my first
is the predominant catalyst for that
creations of feather and fur.
fly-caught surf species, an 8-inch
inspiration. Every fish caught is a life-
barred surf perch. But this perch
enriching microdose of goodness, just
I began fly fishing the surf soon
seemed different. Its pearlescent
as butterflies are always majestic,
after taking up the sport. That first
body shimmered vibrantly in the sun,
regardless of how many we’ve chased
morning, almost 20 years ago, is
complemented by lustrous golden
through the park.
still fresh in my head. My closest
bars and markings. It was almost like
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FLY FISH THE EVERGL ADES SCOTT SOMMERL ATTE
TAIL TAIL FLY FISHING MAGAZINE 83
STRAIGHT PATH TO by Al Quattrocchi
Wading across warm, clear, ankle-
ago. Traveling there still isn’t easy:
single early-Saturday charter flight
deep water on endless flats with a fly
Entering the Bahamas and traveling
out of Nassau each week, so it’s best
rod in hand, as large schools of tailing
between islands requires a Bahamas
to stay in Nassau on a Friday night
bonefish wake through the current,
Travel Health Visa (travel.gov.bs),
to catch the flight the following
can be as good as it gets in saltwater
proof of vaccine card, and a negative
day. There’s also a Wednesday flight,
sight fishing. Crooked Island and
PCR test taken within 72 hours of
but most guides take off Saturdays,
Acklins, part of a Bahamian atoll
entry. Proof of a negative test also
so you’ll likely miss a day of guided
nestled between the more populated
is required prior to reentry to the
fishing with a midweek round-trip
Grand Bahama to the north and
United States. It’s inconvenient, but
schedule.
Turks and Caicos to the south, is
it’s worth the hassle when you step
home to some of the largest wading
off the plane in Crooked Island.
flats in the southern Bahamas.
Prior to pandemic shutdowns, these islands had suffered the devastation
It’s a relatively sleepy, not-too-
of Hurricane Joaquin, which struck
I visited Crooked Island for the first
touristy fly fishing destination that’s
the area October 1, 2015. I was
time with a small group of my fly
easily accessible to US anglers by
concerned about what we would
fishing friends in December. Our
charter plane through Nassau. Home
find after the pummeling from the
anticipation was sky high after covid-
to the country’s first post office
Category 4 storm, but it seemed that
related travel restrictions knocked
and high school, it’s the Bahamas’
the pandemic and the associated
us out of a trip a year and a half
definition of seclusion. There’s a
absence of visitors had allowed
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TAIL FLY FISHING MAGAZINE 85
residents time to rebuild. The lodge
Island. It feels like an off-the-grid
Our fly fishing game plan consisted of
had been rebuilt and sported fresh
destination, one I’d wanted to explore
targeting bonefish and permit. Both
paint. The staff was friendly and
since the days 20 years ago when
species are plentiful on this island,
professional, and the guides were fly
Jose Wejebe and Carter Andrews did
and on days with good visibility and
savvy and worked hard to find fish.
a few episodes of The Spanish Fly
light winds, they weren’t hard to find.
The only signs of the hurricane’s
there. Memories of large bonefish
When we encountered big schools of
devastation were the damaged
and massive schools of permit were
bonefish, it wasn’t uncommon to rack
mangrove systems that still dotted
still burned into my imagination.
up big numbers. Our group’s largest
the edges of the channels and flats,
fish were in the 6- to 7-pound range,
resembling a snarled pile of dead,
Despite our hyped expectations,
but we all saw a few double-digit fish
sun-bleached pick up sticks. Some of
we were not disappointed. Crooked
that had our knees knocking. Wading
the wind-swept mangroves had been
remains a wild, unpopulated fly
proved to be the most productive and
completely cleared, leaving large open
fishing paradise, just as it was
enjoyable way to stalk these ghosts
areas for bonefish to forage.
when Jose and Carter put it on the
of the flats. Size-6 tan Gotchas with
map. Pink flamingoes tiptoe across
Sili Legs or tan EP Spawning Shrimp
Crooked Island meets all expectations
expansive white flats while lemon
yielded automatic hookups on the
as a fabulous fly fishing destination.
sharks and sea turtles glide along
bonefish.
It has low fishing pressure and lots
the edges of shallow reefs. Migratory
of large flats with happy bonefish
schools of tarpon pass through these
Most of the permit fishing took place
willing to eat well-presented flies.
islands in the early summer months,
closer to Acklins, which is southeast
With its solitude and diversity of
and resident snook can be found
of Crooked Island. We fished primarily
species, it almost reminded me of
along the edges of the mangroves
from skiffs in water depths of 4 to
an East Coast version of Christmas
year round.
6 feet. Acklins can be accessed from
86 TAIL FLY FISHING MAGAZINE
Crooked Island only by ferry or boat.
bottomed out, bait stacked up in
I dedicated one full day to permit
front of the mangrove edges, making
fishing. We had calm and sunny
them easy to locate. Three tosses of
conditions in the morning and saw
the net put enough bait in the live
many schools of permit. Large schools
well for chumming.
of more than 100 fish were tightly balled up, slowly cruising the surface,
We would anchor along a channel
but they were skittish. Casts had to
or cut and toss out a few baits into
be well in front of the fish, with the
the tidal current; moving water is
hope they’d stay on course toward
critical. It was an exciting and visual
the fly. You have to commit to permit
way to catch many species of fish
fishing to be successful; it often
we wouldn’t have normally targeted
takes days of dedication to catch one.
on the fly. The live baits awoke a
Our best opportunities came from
smorgasbord of exotic species that
fish that were feeding off the back
blew up the surface. I took an extra
of sting rays. The flies of choice were
sinking line for this specific purpose
light tan Danger Muffin Crabs or tan
(a clear intermediate line would work
Strong Arms in size 4.
just as well). Small tan-over-white
Large schools of more than 100 fish were tightly balled up, slowly cruising the surface, but they were skittish.
baitfish patterns or Clousers cast On windy or overcast days, we fished
and swung into the current with
for multiple species. Most of the
an occasional twitch evoked violent
guides carry cast nets, so I asked
strikes. Species like cero mackerel,
them to make bait. When the tide
horse-eye jacks, blue runners,
TAIL FLY FISHING MAGAZINE 87
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Half the fun was not knowing what would eat your fly, which made the best of poor sight-casting conditions.
TAIL FLY FISHING MAGAZINE 89
triggerfish, groupers, and mangrove
for skills they learned from Carter and
snappers were common and plentiful.
Jose—expertise they still use today to help
We even hooked and jumped a few
support their families.
local tarpon in the 30- to 50-pound class. Half the fun was not knowing
It was a very productive fly fishing week
what would eat your fly, which
set in a laid back island paradise, filled
made the best of poor sight-casting
with conch fritters, aqua blue water,
conditions.
incredible sunsets, exotic fish, and happy anglers. The people on Crooked Island
I was fortunate to speak with Carter
were knowledgeable, friendly, and willing
Andrews prior to visiting Crooked
to go out of their way to make us feel at
Island, and he provided invaluable
home. I can’t wait to return.
intel. Back in the day, Carter and Jose had taught the locals how to
Al Quattrocchi is the West Coast editor
throw cast nets when they first
for Tail Fly Fishing Magazine. He lives
visited Crooked and Acklins to record
in Los Angeles with his wife, Janet, and
episodes of The Spanish Fly. Many
daughter, Quinn, and loves to fly fish
of the guides on our trip sang their
along the Southern California coast.
praises and expressed gratitude
90 TAIL FLY FISHING MAGAZINE
TAIL FLY FISHING MAGAZINE 91
THE U DERTOW N
Minor Miracles: Landing fish we never should have landed by E. Donnall Thomas Jr. We had timed our long walk perfectly.
rhythmically, confirming that she was
the waterline adjacent to a small
During the hour required to slog our
firmly attached to a good fish.
coral head. Moments later, her rod tip
way out to the reef, the sun had risen
was bouncing up and down vigorously
high enough to let us see fish and the
As I started to wade in her direction,
just as it had before. Somehow, she
tide had just started to rise. Lori and
a decidedly unladylike burst of
had untangled her line from the coral
I took up positions 50 yards apart
invective rose above the freshening
before it broke, and the chase was on
on the upwind side of a well-traveled
breeze. Her rod tip was still bent, but
again.
sand channel and waited for bonefish
the vital movements I’d seen earlier
to start moving onto the flat with
had disappeared. Diagnosing the
the rising water.
problem was not rocket science. The
***
fish had taken her line around one of
Even heavy fly tackle often feels
The first hour produced nothing but
the channel’s numerous coral heads,
inadequate when confronted by a
a few “maybe, but probably not”
and her chances of landing it had
powerful saltwater fish, and some of
sightings before the long, silent wait
plummeted. At least her line hadn’t
those fights feel doomed from the
exploded. No fish in the sea inspires
broken … yet.
start. Throw in complications like
a whoop! like a big Pacific bone, and
underwater obstructions or a faulty
no one whoops like my wife. When
As I drew nearer, I saw her charge
drag, and it’s usually time to abandon
I glanced in her direction, I saw her
ahead and reel down on her backing
all hope. The fish win the majority
9-weight bent double and pulsing
until she stopped and reached below
of those battles, and I even lose fish
92 TAIL TAIL FLY FLYFISHING FISHING MAGAZINE MAGAZINE
that should have been easy to land—
three circumnavigations of the island
angling companions refuse to believe
in ways varying from the humorous
later, I somehow did. Lori wasn’t with
my claim that I have mastered the
to the tragic. Like most of us who
me then, probably because she was
technique of hooking these fish
have stuck with this challenging
still in high school. My fishing partner
where their teeth can’t reach and
form of angling, I have learned
showed remarkable forbearance,
landed them as a result of skill. Even
to be philosophical, savoring the
even though I’d cost him hours of
Lori insists that it’s pure, dumb luck.
excitement the fish provided before
fishing time. This encounter led to
its departure and analyzing the event
the 20-Minute Rule. From then on,
in search of ways to make the next
whenever one of us jumped a tarpon,
such encounter end differently.
the other looked at his watch, and
When Lori successfully freed her line
***
within 20 minutes the fish was either
on that Pacific bonefish flat, she
There are times, however, when
landed and released or broken off. As
wasn’t out of the woods—or, more
someone actually lands a fish that
soon as I returned home, I started
accurately, the coral heads—yet.
never should have been landed,
buying real saltwater tackle, some of
By the time I reached her side, she
because of difficult circumstances,
which is still with me today.
was working her backing free from
inadequate tackle, or operator error.
another snag. We commonly lose
I’m not a big believer in anglers’ luck,
Not all miraculously landed fish are
fish on those flats whenever a leader
but that’s exactly how most of those
welcome. I was casting beneath birds
meets the sharp edges of the coral.
unexpected successes arise.
in the mid-Pacific one day when
Surviving one such encounter is
a kawakawa struck my streamer,
rare and doing it twice on one fish
I caught my first tarpon in Belize
only to be hammered instantly by
is practically unprecedented, but
nearly 50 years ago. The country
a large bull mahi, in whose jaw my
moments after I arrived at her side,
had not yet emerged as a fly rod
hook somehow found a purchase.
Lori was sprinting away across the
destination, and the vast flats
Fair enough … until a dark, hulking
sand in pursuit of her fish … only to
between San Pedro and the mainland
shadow that looked like a leftover
have her line foul a third time.
were virtually empty of boats.
Jaws prop smacked whatever was
They were also loaded with tarpon.
left on the end of my line, once again
By the time I caught up with her
My first sight cast produced an
leaving me connected, however
again, she not only had the line
immediate strike from a fish in the
tenuously. I had no interest in landing
free but also was watching the
60-pound range—hardly a monster,
the intruder—which turned out to be
exhausted fish swim docile circles
but more than enough under the
a 300-pound Galapagos shark—but I
around her feet. Appearing to weigh
circumstances. The take looked
badly wanted to recover my fly line.
7 or 8 pounds, it was no monster by
surreal and magical, as did the
Since I was fishing without a wire
Hawaiian standards, but still enough
acrobatics that immediately followed.
tippet, I assumed the shark would
fish to have broken her line anywhere
Just like Apollo 13, however, we had
solve that problem quickly by biting
along the way.
a problem, Houston. I’d brought
through the leader.
the heaviest tackle I owned at the
“Three coral heads,” I mused as I
time—a 7-weight glass rod and a reel
But it didn’t. When I finally hauled
reached for my hemostat to release
with inadequate line capacity and
the shark up beside the boat an
the fish. “I married a lucky lady.”
no functioning drag. When the fish
hour later, I saw that the hook had
“Luck, hell!” she replied defiantly.
stopped jumping and began to tow us
somehow embedded safely in the
“That was pure skill, just like the
slowly around a small islet, I couldn’t
side of its jaw. I never should have
time you lip-hooked that big Spanish
do much but hold on and enjoy the
landed that fish, but at least I
mackerel and landed it with no wire
ride.
recovered my fly line. Over the years
leader!”
since then, I have repeated that trick That was my first tarpon, and I really
with a number of toothy species
wanted to land it in a way I seldom
ranging from barracuda to Spanish
care about anymore. Two hours and
mackerel. For some reason, my
Case closed.
TAIL FLY FISHING MAGAZINE 93
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