CELEBRATING 8 YEARS AS THE VOICE OF SALTWATER FLY FISHING
FLY FISHING MAGAZINE
JANUARY/FEBRUARY 2021
ill Time Machine - AndyicM o Fernandez - Ch Learning from Sharks Peter McLeod For the love of GTs vid Cannon Two-Armed Jacks - Da
Males Jungle Tarpon - Jesse
51 JAN/FEB 2021
- James P. Spica Handicapping Ourselves don Fawcett Oceanic Trigger - Bran
TAIL FLY FISHING MAGAZINE 1
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Whether the light and translucence have created a bit of photographic magic, the fish’s food has altered its coloring, or this redfish was simply born with a lot of blue in its tail, you have to agree it’s a beauty. Photo by Clarke Ohrstrom
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While not the most difficult species to catch on a fly, sharks require proper rigging, sound technique, and physical ability to land them. Though most mates would argue that the true skill lies in taking the fish off the hook. Photo by flyfishingnation.com
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A photo from the early days of the Silver Kings television show. At the end of a long day chasing the king, crack one open and enjoy the sunset. We thought everyone could use a break. Photo by Nicky Runnels
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Failing to connect with your targeted species can make for a frustrating day. For TFFM subscriber Clarke Ohrstrom, sheepshead are a favorite species— but he never actually targets them. Photo by Clarke Ohrstrom
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experience counts for everything We fondly refer to these guys as the A-team! T&T advisor Keith Rose-Innes and ambassadors Devan van der Merwe and Alec Gerbec collectively make up one of the most experienced and knowledgable teams in fly fishing anywhere. Hardcore professionals like these guys are testing our products to the limit every day and push us in our pursuit to build truly great rods. Their knowledge, expertise, and understanding are passed to our craftsmen, who strive for perfection and uncompromising performance in every rod we make. To us, Keith, Devan, Alec and their team of guides in the Seychelles are our unsung heroes. We salute you.
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On the Cover: Neal Rogers, author of Saltwater Fly-Fishing Magic, shares a Kodachrome from the time when the future legends had yet to realize what they would create. On the casting deck is wellknown fly designer and artist Tim Borski. His captain, one of the early disciples of the silver king, Florida Keys guide Tim Hoover. Thankfully, you can’t find a green boat like that anymore.
Editor-In-Chief: Managing Editor: Creative Director: Food Editor: Travel Editor: Consulting Editor: Contributing Editors: Associate Editor: Historians: Fly Tying: Editors-at-Large:
Joseph Ballarini George V. Roberts Jr. Scott Morrison Kelli Prescott Peter McLeod Chico Fernandez Andy Mill, Nicky Mill Trey Reid Pete Barrett & Ed Mitchell Nick Davis Joe Doggett, Mark Hatter, Tom Keer, Ryan Sparks, James P. Spica Jr. Copy Editor: Leila Beasley Intern to the Editor: Heather Thomas
Creative Contributors: David Cannon Nick Davis Brandon Fawcett Chico Fernandez Flyfishingnation.com
Henry Hughes Pat Ford Jesse Males James Spica David Madison
Peter McLeod Andy Mill Clarke Ohrstrom Kelli Prescott Neal Rogers
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 over 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.
Tail Fly Fishing Magazine 2300 Alton Road Miami Beach, FL 33140 305-763-8285 tailflyfishing.com
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CONTENTS 24
32
GEAR GUIDE - TFFM Staff Fly lines and leaders aren’t very sexy—not nearly as sexy as fly rods—but they’re arguably among the most important components of our gear. Let our January Gear Guide give you some food for thought on rigging for spring.
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JUNGLE TARPON - Jesse Males In the jungles of Costa Rica lie hidden coves devoid of angling pressure where giant tarpon come to feed on the abundant prey. Bring several 12-weights, some 6/0 flies, and hold on: Things are about to go ballistic.
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TWO-ARMED JACKS - David Cannon The jack crevalle is one of the most underrated opponents in the fly angler’s world. Captain David Mangum coaches a saltwater newbie who wishes to enter the ring with this middleweight gutter-fighter— armed with a Spey rod, no less.
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ON THE PLATE - Kelli Prescott It’s January, and most of us are facing short days and low temperatures. The perfect excuse to cozy up to the fire and whip up a pan of decadent crab mac and cheese or a big old pot of Texas chili.
SALTY STRIPPER - Nick Davis Learn how to tie up a Salty Stripper. We should clarify that it’s a fly. FEATURED POEM - “TAILING” by Henry Hughes
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FOR THE LOVE OF GTs - Peter McLeod TFFM ’s Travel Editor, Peter McLeod, is the authority on fly fishing for giant trevally: He literally wrote the book on it. In this feature he confesses how he fell in love. Cover your ears, Elisabeth!
OCEANIC TRIGGER - Brandon Fawcett The permit is quick to judge, but the ocean triggerfish takes a long, thoughtful gander at your offering before committing. Stupidity or intelligence? You decide.
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BROTH BACK - James P. Spica Jr. Chicken soup for the soul … for drinkers … sort of.
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TIME MACHINE - Andy Mill The title may sound like H. G. Wells, but the reality isn’t that far removed. The nationwide quarantine and travel bans created by the global pandemic allow Andy Mill to share with his son what the Florida tarpon fishery was like “back in the day.” Jump into Andy’s time machine.
LEARNING FROM SHARKS - Chico Fernandez With few exceptions—a cartwheeling mako, for example— sharks get little respect in the fly angler’s world. As a fly fishing author, innovator, and charter member of the IGFA, Chico Fernandez needs no introduction. Pull up a stool and let one of the greats tell you what he’s learned by fishing for sharks. THE UNDERTOW - HANDICAPPING OURSELVES James Spica elaborates on a sentiment that many of us share: Shut up and fish!
Photo: Kyle Weaver TAIL FLY FISHING MAGAZINE 17
Letter from the Managing Editor January 2021 THIS ISSUE MARKS THE END OF MY SECOND YEAR as Managing Editor of Tail Fly Fishing Magazine, and as I flip through the pages of the issues I took part in putting together, it is not without sadness that I tell you it’s time for me to step away. WHEN JOE BALLARINI OFFERED ME the position, when I was little more than a contributor who had helped to proofread a couple of issues, I wasn’t looking for a job. At the time, I was working as a clinical instructor for two colleges, working per diem in correctional healthcare, and enrolled in a Psychiatric Nurse Practitioner program. There wasn’t a lot of free time. The main reason I accepted was because it allowed me to indulge a longtime fantasy. Back in the early 1990s, Art Sheck and I briefly discussed my becoming the editor of another magazine, Saltwater Fly Fishing, which Abenaki Publishers had recently acquired. The job would have required me to move to Vermont. My father was elderly then and needed someone around, and the conversation never moved forward. It was an opportunity never explored, and I always wondered whether I might have had some aptitude for the job. After all, words were my first love: My first degree was in English; healthcare was something I got into for a steady paycheck. TWENTY-FIVE YEARS LATER, I happened to be standing there when an editorial vacancy suddenly opened at TFFM. Joe asked whether I would be willing to step in and assume more responsibility with the magazine. Despite everything else going on in my life, this time I said yes. WORKING ON A FLY FISHING MAGAZINE is perhaps less glamorous than many might imagine. Let’s just say it isn’t all company fishing trips and catered lunches. Still, working on a magazine allows you to work with words. You get to be creative and try new things. You get to reinvent the magazine—and yourself—with each issue. And Joe’s the kind of boss who doesn’t care if you take a drink at your desk as
long as you make all of your deadlines. That’s a good thing, because the way the magazine business is, sometimes you can use the drink. BUILDING A MAGAZINE is a fair amount of work, but I’d be lying if I said I haven’t loved every minute of it— even the difficult times and the drudgery (there’s a fair amount of that in the magazine business as well). But now that I’ve passed my certification boards and have been offered a position in a practice, I need to focus on that—for a while, at least. JOE HAS GRACIOUSLY OFFERED to leave the door open so that I might return someday in some capacity. I’m not saying no to that—even if it’s only to write an occasional dull technical piece (I might have one or two left in me). OVER THE LAST TWELVE ISSUES I’d like to think I’ve seen a couple of good ideas come to fruition and pulled a couple of rabbits out of the hat. My ego would like to think that this is now a magazine that can hold its head up in the presence of any fly fishing magazine that’s ever been published. Most important to me, I’d like to think I’m leaving the magazine better than I found it. With the additions of Andy and Nicky Mill and Chico Fernandez to the editorial staff, as well as the design talents of Scott Morrison, the regular contributors as well as the many talented contributors the magazine has attracted over the last two years— not to mention, Joe is the hardest-working guy I’ve ever met—I know I’m leaving it in good hands. I’m looking forward to watching the magazine continue to grow and evolve. OVER THE YEARS I’ve learned that it’s not always a good idea to try to live your fantasies. But in this case, it was. My thanks to Joe for inviting me to play in his literary sandbox, and my thanks to all of you for reading. Sincerely, George Roberts, Managing Editor
Grand Slam slate carving by Leroy. Ambergris Caye, Belize. 18 TAIL FLY FISHING MAGAZINE
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
ORVIS Sandestin 625 Grand Boulevard Ste 101 Sandestin, FL 32550 850-650-2174 Orvis.com The Angling Company 333 Simonton St Key West, FL 33040 305-292-6306 anglingcompany.com GEORGIA Cohutta Fishing Company 39 S. Public Square Cartersville, GA 30120 770-606-1100 cohuttafishingco.com
NORTH CAROLINA Madison River Fly Fishing Outfitters 20910 Torrence Chapel Rd D5 Cornelius, NC 28031 704-896-3660 carolinaflyfishing.com 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
CONNECTICUT
ORVIS Atlanta Buckhead Square 3255 Peachtree Rd NE Atlanta, GA 30305 404-841-0093 Orvis.com
The Compleat Angler 541 Boston Post Road Darien, CT 06820 203-655-9400 compleatangleronline.com
The Fish Hawk 764 Miami Cir NE #126 Atlanta, GA 30305 404-237-3473 thefishhawk.com
FLORIDA
LOUISIANA
ORVIS Charleston 535 King St, Charleston, SC 29403 (854) 999-4985 Orvis.com
239 Flies 3431 Bonita Beach Rd SW Unit #205 Bonita Springs, FL 34134 (239) 908-3513 239flies.com
Marsh & Bayou Outfitters 2600 Florida St Suite 3 Mandeville, LA 70448 985-869-7335 marshandbayououtfitters.com
Southern Drawl Outfitters 1533 Fording Island Rd Hilton Head Island, SC 29926 843-705-6010 southerndrawloutfitters.com
ORVIS Baton Rouge Perkins Rowe, Bldg. H 7601 Bluebonnet Blvd., Ste. 140 Baton Rouge LA 70810 225-757-7286 Orvis.com
TEXAS
Forgotten Coast Fly Company 123 Commerce Street Apalachicola, FL 32320 850-653-1024 forgottencoastflycompany. com Florida Keys Outfitters 81219 Overseas Highway Islamorada, FL 33036 305-664-5432 floridakeysoutfitters.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
MARYLAND Alltackle 2062 Somerville Rd Annapolis, MD 21401 888-810-7283 alltackle.com MASSACHUSETTS The Bear’s Den 34 Robert W. Boyden Rd Taunton, MA 02780 508-977-0700 bearsden.com MONTANA Frontier Anglers 680 N. Montana St Dillion, MT 59725 406-683-5276 frontieranglers.com
SOUTH CAROLINA Bay Street Outfitters 825 Bay Street Beaufort, SC 29902 843-524-5250 baystreetoutfitters.com
Bayou City Angler 3641 Westheimer Rd Suite A Houston, TX 77027 832-831-3104 bayoucityangler.com
Sportsman’s Finest 12434 Bee Cave Road Austin, TX 78738 512-263-1888 sportsmansfinest.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:
Gordy & Sons Outfitters 22 Waugh Drive Houston, TX 77007 713-333-3474 gordyandsons.com
Barnes & Noble—630 retail locations in the USA
ORVIS Austin 10000 Research Blvd - B04B Austin TX 78759 512-795-8004 Orvis.com
Bass Pro Shops—95 locations in the USA
ORVIS Houston 5727 Westheimer - Suite A Houston TX 77057 713-783-2111 Orvis.com
NEW YORK
ORVIS Plano Preston Towne Crossing 2412 Preston Road Suite 200 Plano, TX 75093 972-596-7529 Orvis.com
River Bay Outfitters 980 Church St Baldwin, NY 11510 516-415-7748 riverbayoutfitters.com
ORVIS San Antonio 7427 San Pedro Ave. Suite 104 San Antonio, TX 78216 210-812-3017 Orvis.com
R E T A I L E R S
Books-A-Million—260 stores in 32 states
C A R R Y T A I L
Dick’s Sporting Goods (select locations)—over 700 stores in the USA Field & Stream Stores—35 locations in the USA CANADA Drift Outfitters & Fly Shop 199 Queen St. East Toronto Ontario M5A-1S2 647-347-7370 Driftoutfitters.com Retail Chains: Indigo Books—over 200 stores under various banners
TAIL FLY FISHING MAGAZINE 19
On Monday, October 5th, 2020, South
Josie was an intimidating figure
wanted his bragging rights daily.
Andros lost a beloved member of its
because of his large stature, but his
Josie always expected accurate casts
tight-knit community, Captain Joseph
reputation as a guide was even more
and good technique from his clients.
“Josie” Sands.
intimidating. He was the guide you
He took every missed opportunity
both wanted—and didn’t want—to
personally. He was often short. One
I had the honor of catching my first
fish with. On the skiff he was all busi-
day while pushing through a creek
big bonefish while being guided by
ness, and that often meant tough
on the west side, Josie said, “Throw
Captain Josie during my first visit
love.
one of those long, pretty casts to the
to Andros. Over the years, Josie put many fly anglers on big bonefish.
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mangroves at 11 o’clock.” Assuming Josie and I did not get along initially.
he must’ve been talking to my buddy
He was a gruff veteran guide who
Matt, I just sat there.
CAPTAIN JOSEPH “JOSIE” SANDS (AUGUST 7, 1958 - OCTOBER 5, 2020)
Photo: David Madison
“You don’t hear me?” Josie barked.
“Let’s go find another fish.”
actual name was The New Ocean View Wholesale & Retail Bar, but
“Throw a cast to the mangroves!” If you ask those who’ve visited
everyone knew it as the Little Creek
If Josie Sands ever gave you a compli-
Andros, most will tell you that their
Bar. I recently heard a story about
ment you knew it was real. The entire
fondest memories of Josie were
Josie opening the bar on Super Bowl
time I was casting I was thinking
from the time they spent with him
Sunday to let some travelers watch
about that: I felt as if I had arrived.
at his bar. Across from the Andros
the game—an exceedingly rare thing,
Meanwhile, the fly disappeared
South launch point on Little Creek
for most guides in Andros take Sun-
somewhere into the mangroves.
was a tiny bar with a pool table and
day as a day of rest.
Josie dismounted the platform like
a limited selection of libations, which
an olympic gymnast and simply said,
Josie owned and operated. The bar’s
TAIL FLY FISHING MAGAZINE 21
Photo: David Madison
MOST OF ALL, HE SPOKE ABOUT HOW MUCH HE LOVED PUTTING CLIENTS ON BIG FISH. YOU COULD SEE THE SPARKLE IN HIS EYE WHEN HE TOLD FISH STORIES.
While behind the bar of The New
skiff. Most of all, he spoke about how
Ocean View, Josie Sands was a dif-
much he loved putting clients on big
ferent person. His competitiveness
fish. You could see the sparkle in his
was replaced with hospitality. He was
eye when he told fish stories.
congenial, generous, and accommodating to everyone in the bar. Once
Josie Sands gave me some great
you got him talking he always had a
memories of fishing Andros that I’ll
few good stories to tell. The trick was
cherish forever. Those of you who
to get him talking. Speak sparingly
fished with him and have been to The
and carry a 9-foot carbon fiber stick.
New Ocean View are likely nodding agreement.
When Josie wasn’t on the skiff, he was just a big guy with a huge heart
Thank you for everything, my friend.
who loved both his immediate family and his South Andros family. He often
Rest in peace.
spoke of his garden and his wishlist
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of fly gear, and he spoke of his back
Joseph Ballarini
pain from 200-plus days a year on a
Editor-in-Chief
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TAIL FLY FISHING MAGAZINE 23
Time Machine by Andy Mill its dise closed. COVID-19 had draped On March 27, 2020, a fly fishing para ps ida Keys were shut down. Boat ram dark cloak over the world. The Flor were vacant. The poisoned air left and golf courses closed. Streets we g. Was this the end? Was life as people shivering, sneezing, and dyin ught so then. Some still do. knew it over for good? Some tho er ground, in fact: 8,900 feet, to my I fled to higher ground—much high Colorado, far away from the madding home a thousand feet above Aspen, day of my arrival. The toxic air was crowd. The ski areas had closed the omnipresent. ston tting down, so my flight from Hou The country was in the process shu in ed a single private plane was park to Aspen had four people on it. Not mally of year when the airport would nor Aspen, which is unusual at a time I se, tions. On my ride up to my hou see wall-to-wall Gulfstreams and Cita e absolutely everywhere. From my hom realized that pandemic panic was g glin s and see the skiers like ants wig I can look across at the four ski area s. ween the green pines and aspen tree their way down the white trails bet Today the slopes were devoid of life.
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For the next few weeks, as the world was coming apart and the stock market was crashing, I too was skeptical and scared of the freefall. I hiked, I fished, and I worked in my yard. Clearing trees with my screaming chainsaw simultaneously cleared my mind. I came alive on hikes, heart pounding, sweat pouring, and endorphins racing—it was my own little world. I went to the river, low with crystal clear water. Water that was also unpeopled.
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*** It was in the early 1960s when I first saw a fly line swinging back and forth through horizontal space in Aspen’s Wagner Park. Ernest Schweibert was in town giving clinics for Phil Wright, owner of the Aspen Country Store where I bought my red licorice. Wright’s store also sold fly rods and all the other ancillary products an aspiring angler needed to dive into a world that would forever change his life.
Intrigued, I rode my bike over to watch the magic man wave his wand. That was when my friendship with Schweibert began. Soon I too was waving that rod, losing flies in trees and falling in the ice-cold snowmelt. I loved it. I was all in. Many years later I would accompany Ernie to Alaska to fish Valhalla Lodge and catch all the various fish one travels to Alaska for. He’d also come to sleep on my
couch when I lived 18 miles down valley from Aspen on the famed Frying Pan River. I was driving an old used Vega at the time, great for drifting on the slippery roads come winter. I named her Vera after my mother. Ernie’s book Matching the Hatch was already 24 years old by then; his two-volume Trout was
Word on the street was that the border blockade would lift on the first of June. We took a risk, jumped on a plane, and jetted East.
on everyone’s bookshelf. I didn’t care that he was an icon; he was simply my friend and mentor. Lefty would play a similar role many years later. Later in life, I’d have the honor to serve as co-emcee with Mark Sosin when we inducted both of these giants into the IGFA Hall of Fame. At my home in Basalt we’d wake slowly and enjoy breakfast at Two Rivers Cafe before heading up the Pan for the varied hatches for which it’s famous. Together we waded out waist deep and worked the soft water that held some heavy fish that were sipping midges. I remember struggling
once; Ernie promptly waded to shore and began to tie a new bug right there on Vera’s hood. He delivered the new fly out to my slippery perch and my open hand. I skied fast in the winter and fished hard in the summers. Life was good. Chuck Fothergill fished the Roaring Fork that flows through Aspen; not long after Ernie taught me how to cast a fly rod, Chuck taught the Wright brothers, Craig Ward, and me how to tie some simple patterns that would catch fish. There were only a handful of us fishing back then; we all knew each other and usually fished together. We knew every hole in the river and every fish. Or so we thought. We were kids—innocent, fun-loving, on bikes, and usually quite dirty from baseball practice. The river and its fish were ours.
methodically. I enjoyed the gray, softly drifting plume of smoke from my cigar, my ears full of the river’s music and my heart full as I watched my son take the river apart like no one I’d ever seen. I was exuding life. I’d never felt so young and alive. By mid-May we were still making hay in Aspen. Normally we’d be chasing dinosaurs in skinny water by now, but the Keys remained closed to all non-residents and non-property owners. It had been one of those unusually warm winters with an infiltration of thousands and thousands of tarpon; our friends with homes in the Keys were daily blowing up Facebook and Instagram with high-flying fish. “Hope you’re all vicariously enjoying the tarpon we’re catching!” read the posts. No, not really. Not at all. We wondered if we’d lose our tarpon season altogether.
*** This last spring during the onslaught of COVID-19 the Aspen rivers were caught in a time warp. My son Nicky and I waded up from Jaffee Park, past the rock memorializing Fothergill and deeper up the canyon. Almost every pocket held a brilliant red-slashed rainbow or a skinny golden brown, head moving left and right, mouth opening and closing on helpless nymphs and larva tossed about by the current. The sound of the tumbling water against the rocks and logs was a balm to my soul.
*** Word on the street was that the border blockade would lift on the first of June. We took a risk, jumped on a plane, and jetted East. Soon we were on the water. Our first eye-opener was the ramp and parking lot: Not one trailer or boat was at the dock. After idling out of the canal I pushed the throttle forward, jumped up on plane, and felt the warm, humid air in our faces. The spray from the hull made the blood in my veins pump just a little bit faster.
We were alone. No one was above, and no one pushed us up from below, so we fished slowly and
Every year this maiden run to the beach thrills me beyond words: Past experiences and
TAIL FLY FISHING MAGAZINE 27
memories from over 35 years of success in this same zip code culminate in an anticipation that is heady enough to keep me up at night. This time I was with Nicky, an accomplished tarpon angler in his own right, living the classic father-and-son dream: three weeks of fishing with no commitments. And no other people, apparently. We rounded the corner and looked deep into the west. In more than three decades of fishing, I’d never seen an empty
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ocean. There were no other boats. The sun was huge, the deep blue sky as empty as it was on September 12, 2001. It was eerie. We were now witness to what all the Instagram insanity was about. We ran down the beach to one of my favorite little points where Tim Hoover and I used to catch a ton of fish over the years. It was a spot I’d stayed away from for a long time because another friend likes it and I like to let him be.
Now the spot was mine again. Nicky wanted me to fish first. Coming off plane I trimmed up the motor while Nicky jumped up on the tower and started to pole, looking for the right water depth and edge where the fish should be sliding. I pulled 80 feet of line off the reel and started to burn holes in the water, looking for our first victim. The silence was remarkable. The ‘60s must have been like this, I thought. No wind, no planes, no words.
And eventually, there he was, sliding ever so softly, high and brown with a slow, sloshing tail, back and forth erasing time. He came as if he hadn’t ever seen a boat, an ugly fly, or a fly line splashed upon his head. Key West was 18 miles away; the fish’s body language suggested that he hadn’t seen anything since he made a left turn around the southernmost tip of the country. I put my worm fly about 20 feet out in front of him, and the bite was so inevitable that I almost felt a little guilty knowing it would happen. I paced my
retrieve slightly slower than the fish’s progress. He approached and opened his mouth as if taking my fly mid-yawn, oblivious to the imminent danger. I waited until the time was right and slid my stripping hand back until it came tight against the hard mouth of tarpon. I hung on hard and tried to set the hook. It came out. The fish slid off almost as slowly as he had approached. It was awesome— just the way it was supposed to be. Apparently we hadn’t perturbed the fish at all, and in return he had given us great joy.
The next two fish did exactly the same thing. All the fish were high in the water column, moving without cause, fresh and happy. Normally these same fish would have been deeper in the water and moving with great intent. Were we witnessing the tarpon of yesteryear…? For the next three weeks we lived this dream. There were few boats and plenty of fish. We caught many of them, including one that Nicky caught that weighed in at more than 170 pounds. And then it was over and time to go home.
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ROVIN HANDED ME A SHORT AND SHARPENED BAMBOO STICK. I MUST HAVE HAD A PUZZLED LOOK ON MY FACE, BECAUSE WITHOUT MISSING A BEAT, ROVIN REPLIED, “FOR JAGUARS.”
Flying back into Aspen was a shock. The airport was jammed to the gills with birds of steel and more people than there was air to breathe. Everywhere there were cars, Texans, and chaos. Restaurants had moved tables onto the streets. The town’s poor stomach wanted to pop. Tenmillion-dollar homes were selling like Clif bars. I escaped to the river to find more guides and clients than mayflies. The lower Fork had more rafts than a lazy river at a theme park. Nicky hiked 11 miles into a high country lake for solitude only to find 60 tents, loud voices, and
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barking dogs. He ran home at sunrise before casting into the lake even once. Eventually we realized that we had just fished the local rivers and the Florida Keys as they were perhaps 50 or 60 years ago. I know I will never see that again. I feel blessed to have shared this otherworldly experience with my son. He got to fish the Aspen of my childhood—got to see a glimmer of what I saw 35 years ago with Harry Spear in the Florida Keys. I learned something from that COVID world: From now on I’ll bite my tongue, find my spot on the
ocean, and not look too far down the line. I’ll hike high into a lost creek at 10,000 feet, light a cigar, and just let the day marinate. The next time I feel like screaming, I’ll look over at Nicky and wink, knowing we both saw our world at its best. TFFM consulting editor Andy Mill is one of fly fishing’s leading authorities. Andy has won more invitational fly tarpon tournaments than any other angler, including five Gold Cups. He is the author of A Passion for Tarpon (Wild River Press). You can listen to the fly fishing podcasts produced by him and his son Nicky at millhousepodcast.com
PHOTOGRAPHY: MATT HARRIS
“DROP IN ON MILL HOUSE PODCAST AND CATCH HISTORY IN THE MAKING.” - FLIP PALLOT -
WATCH LISTEN AND LEARN AT MILLHOUSEPODCAST.COM / @MILLHOUSEPODCAST TAIL FLY FISHING MAGAZINE 31
GEAR Scientific Anglers Floating Braided Polyethylene Mono Shooting Line Your shooting head system needs a shooting line. Sci Anglers Braided PE Mono is just the ticket. This 150foot orange polyethylene braided mono line is perfect for Skagit-type heads and surf conditions. At .032” diameter and 29-pound test, it offers exceptional casting distance with minimal tangling. If it does tangle, a quick stretch will remove any memory. (scientificanglers.com) $34.95
Monic GSP Floating Shooting Line While some shooting head aficionados prefer to use monofilament shooting line, you’ll doubtless find a conventional running line easier to handle. Monic’s GSP Floating Shooting Line utilizes a no-stretch gelspun core coated with specific polyethylene polymers that are lighter than water. This results in a highfloating shooting line that handles well in a variety of conditions. Available in two diameters and colors: .030” (yellow) and .038” (green). (monic.com) $44.99
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GUIDE Rio Shooting Head Wallets One of the advantages of a shooting head system is that several different heads will allow you to outfit a number of rods. You’ll need a place to store these heads for easy access. These compact shooting head wallets are perfect for storing a number of shooting heads and tips. The mesh design allows lines to dry out when put away. The large wallet is best for heads while the regular wallet is made to store tips. (rioproducts.com) $24.99 to $29.99
Cortland Hi-Vis Flip We like this fly line for a number of reasons other than it was designed by Flip Pallot. First, the head is 30 feet long, which will allow for a much easier carry than a longer head, particularly for intermediate casters. You can make your working saltwater casts of 50 to 60 feet with minimal false casting, but it can still punch out casts in excess of 70 feet when needed. Although the Hi-Vis Flip isn’t actually an integrated shooting head, the grain weight of the head is one size heavier than the specified weight; that is, the 8-weight is actually the weight of a 9, the 9 the weight of a 10, etc. This will help you load today’s very fast-action rods. The orange head and white running line let you know exactly when you’re in good position to make your long delivery—no guessing as to where the sweet spot is. This is not only a good line for fishing, but for learning and teaching as well. Both the head and the running line are highly visible—as well as easily distinguishable—on video. (cortlandline.com) $79.95 TAIL FLY FISHING MAGAZINE 33
GEAR Maxcatch Outbound Short Saltwater Fly Line As it turns out, designer handbags and trendy sneakers aren’t the only things China is knocking off. Behold Qingdao’s entry into the high-end fly line market: the Outbound Short (wonder how they came up with that name). All snarky comments aside, these lines cast pretty well—especially considering they cost less than 20 bucks. Although we’d rather see you support one of our advertisers who manufactures fly lines—oh, wait a minute, scratch that! On second thought, you should buy a couple of these lines. At worst, they’ll find a place on your burner outfit—that is, the disposable outfit you lend your brother-in-law who’s content to sponge off you rather than buy his own gear. (maxcatchfishing.com) $18.99
Hook-Eze Knot-Tying Tool There are a number of knot-tying tools on the market, but as far as we know, there’s only one that helps you tie the Holy Grail of all saltwater knots, the Bimini twist. Made of ABS plastic, the Hook-Eze will help you tie perfect Biminis every time. It will also help you tie a number of straightforward fishing knots as well, including the improved clinch. The company’s YouTube channel hosts nearly 50 instructional videos. (hookeze.com) $12.99
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GUIDE TFFM Perfection Leaders We never get to blow our own horn in the Gear Guide—so here goes. The Japanese have perfected monofilament extrusion. Our Perfection Leaders are built in Japan to our specifications, and we’ll put them against any tapered saltwater leader on the market in terms of quality and function. At 12 feet in length and four tippet strengths, they’re suitable for everything from bonefish to tarpon. Find them in our online shop. (tailflyshop.com) $5 each $13.00 for 3 $24.00 for 6 $45.00 a dozen
Monomaster Waste nylon takes years to break down—fluorocarbon takes several thousand years!—and is a deadly trap for many animals—especially birds, as they tend to use it as nesting material. The Monomaster is a great little eco-friendly tool designed to store waste nylon monofilament and other fishing line. It stores pieces of used line out of harm’s way and keeps both the environment and your pockets and tackle boxes neat and clean. (monomaster.nl) $18.50
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GEAR Streamside Leaders Furled tapered leaders are kink-resistant, have virtually no memory, and rarely tie themselves in a wind knot. They’ll turn over long tippets and larger flies. Mike Moline of Streamside Leaders builds furled leaders entirely to your specifications, including leaders for saltwater outfits up to 12-weight. Unlike conventional extruded or knotted leaders, furled leaders use tippet rings and shorb loops to allow you to replace the tippet without reducing the overall length of the leader. Furled leaders will last for several seasons, saving you money in the long run. (streamsideleaders.com) Saltwater Leaders Starting at $6.49
Wulff Premium Bermuda Textured Fly Line The new Premium Bermuda Textured saltwater lines from Royal Wulff offer less resistance in the guides due to less surface area, making longer casts easier. Less surface area also means they’ll float higher in the water and you’ll be able to pick them up easier. The lines feature an ivory tip, blue head, and sandcolored running line. The 30-foot heads range in weight from 175 to 525 grains, appropriate for 5- to 13-weight rods. (royalwulff.com) $119.95 36 TAIL FLY FISHING MAGAZINE
GUIDE OPST Commando Heads West Coast angler Ed Ward is the acknowledged guru of Skagit casting, so it’s no surprise he developed his Ocean Pacific Skagit Tactics (OPST) Commando Heads and Tips to be used for single- and twohanded rods in limited back cast space. However, these Skagit systems also function as shooting heads for overhead casting, which makes them valuable tools in salt water, especially for species that aren’t particularly spooky (think open-water striped bass rather than tailing bonefish). The short, compact Commando heads come in a range of grain weights, from 150 grains to 475 grains, and are designed to deliver larger flies. You can match these heads with a wide variety of floating and sinking tips. As Ward writes, “The Commando head turns your single-hand rod into a slingshot.” (pureskagit.com) Beginning at $54.95
Frog Hair Leader Tying Kit Tie your own knotted tapered leaders. Frog Hair provides you with everything you need to tie both saltwater and freshwater leaders, including 14 spools of leader material and tippet (7X to .023”), a leader tying tool, a tape measure, and a how-to guide—all packaged in a convenient carrying case. And here’s our basic saltwater leader recipe: 3 feet of 30-pound mono, 3 feet of 20-pound, and 3 feet of 12-pound. (froghairfishing.com) $99.95 TAIL FLY FISHING MAGAZINE 37
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JUNGLE TARPON MAYHEM by Jesse Males
Barra del Colorado, Costa Rica, likely boasts the largest congregation of adult tarpon on the planet. In its heyday some 40-odd years ago, this jungle tarpon fishery played host to the likes of Lefty Kreh, Peter Gorinsky, and many more angling luminaries. Guiding in Costa Rica today—and following in these legends’ footsteps—I’m often struck by the fact that some of
the areas I fish barely resemble their descriptions in old articles and stories. And yet, despite the destructive effects of farming operations and illegal netting on the local snook populations, the waters of Barra del Colorado are undoubtedly still teeming with tarpon. Perhaps the fishery has outlasted environmental threats precisely
because of its location along the northern border of Costa Rica near Nicaragua, an area unreachable by car and accessible only by boat. Nevertheless, because the country has focused primarily on offshore fishing on the central and south Pacific coasts, few conservation efforts have centered on the area around Barra del Colorado. Costa Rican law prohibits gill netting and TAIL FLY FISHING MAGAZINE 39
other illegal commercial fishing, but these laws are not routinely enforced, which means that in the long term, such practices are likely unsustainable. The global pandemic and resultant lockdown having brought my guiding business, 506 Outdoors, to a screeching halt, it was time to get creative. With nothing but time on our hands, my friends and I began to explore new trip options to offer our clients—and Barra del Colorado was on our bucket list. Would this iconic tarpon fishing destination ultimately surprise or disappoint? Hopes high, we left our house in Costa Rica’s Central Valley and made our way through the high
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mountains to a long rock road that wove its way through the jungle to a small boat ramp in Puerto Lindo. From there we met up with a good friend and local guide who would spend the next few days tolerating our bad humor and moderate fishing skills. Our plan: Establish a base of operations in a local cabin or hotel, get on the water as quickly as possible that afternoon, fish the river mouth, and see what we found. I’ll admit I had my doubts about our chances. I have lived and guided in Costa Rica for some time now, fishing for tarpon in many different places. Whether because of the weather or the phase of the moon or something
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else entirely, I have always been unsuccessful. So we tied on leaders and talked trash about techniques and patterns—and quietly, I doubted. I shouldn’t have doubted. As soon as our boat left the river mouth, we began to see rolling fish just past the breakers. We quickly shut the motor off and drifted, hoping to find fish that were hungry enough to eat our monster 6/0 flies. Sure enough: Five minutes into the first float my good friend Mark screamed, “Fish on!” Immediately a 100-pound tarpon soared out of the water, doing everything in its power to shake the hook. I reached for my camera and
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boom—our other fishing partner hooked up as well. Just like that we were doubled up on triple-digit fish. After an hour of fighting the fish we happily released them; a quick round of high-fives ensued, after which we were all eager to get our lines back in the water. Less than 30 minutes later we found ourselves not just doubled up on fish but tripled. I’m an avid tarpon angler from Florida, and this experience was a dream: We had hit the tarpon motherlode— and they were all hungry. By the end of that day we had several broken rods and some indelible memories, including a
double hookup and two triple hookups. Over the course of our three-day trip the tarpon continued to surprise and delight us. We watched multiple schools of hundreds of fish busting bait on the surface and flying out of
the water like tuna. All that was required of us in these instances was to pull up with the boat and cast—and hold on tight. By the end of the trip, in just two full days of fishing, we had hooked 22 tarpon and landed an even
dozen. Most of the fish were in the 80- to 100-pound range, some weighing in at upwards of 150 pounds. We left for home with sore arms and loads of great photos and videos.
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Now, to be clear, although the region holds an insanely large year-round tarpon population, the fishery itself is quite seasonal. Anyone can tell you that what we witnessed is abnormal tarpon behavior, even in this prime location. Locals
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happily report that their tarpon are often this active a few times each month between September and October. We were fortunate to show up in late August and find the local fish as happy to see us as we were to see them.The weather is best and the seas are
calm enough in late April to May and in September to October to safely make it through the river mouth. To replicate our success in Barra del Colorado, anglers will need three essentials: a highquality reel with a drag system built for big fish; a 12-weight rod
to land these strong, massive fish before your arms give out; and a guide who knows the area and can put you on the fish. We traveled to Barra del Colorado to learn if, after all these years, that jungle tarpon fishery still
has what it takes. Answer: Most definitely. The thousands of tarpon that live there see very little fishing pressure and happily grab at the tarpon flies we all know and love. Keeping in mind that the weather and the phases of the moon obviously play a big
part in fish behavior, the lucky angler who comes prepared and times it just right may hit the jungle tarpon motherlode as we did.
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Two-Armed Jacks and Clarity in Self-Perception by David Cannon
The intense July sun was just starting to peer over the waters of the Gulf of Mexico to our east when we spotted a flock of seagulls perhaps a mile away, diving and hovering above some chaos thrashing on the surface, marking an area perhaps 60 feet in diameter with slashing fish. It was exactly what our guide, David Mangum, had said he was sure would be happening over the phone and via text messages in the days leading up to our planned time on the water.
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I had been familiar with Mangum for years. Going back to my father’s family when he was a kid growing up in Dallas, Texas, their preferred respite from blue-collar DFW life was at the end of a long drive to the Florida Panhandle, and specifically Destin and its white-sand beaches. So for as long as I can remember, the familiarity of that region has found our family, and now my wife and kids and me, periodically heading that direction to relax around Gulf Shores, Alabama, or the 30A stretch of Panama City, or to Destin itself. David owns and operates a successful guide service in that area, Shallow Water Expeditions, and for years I had wanted to hire him or one of
his guides to take us out fishing. My friend Jason Cooke was the other passenger in Mangum’s skiff besides me on this day. Jason is an accomplished fly angler and a regular photo subject of mine, and in recent years he has become dedicated to mastering the Spey rod through many days a year on our home waters in Georgia, and also while taking multiple trips to Alaska each year to take on huge rainbows and their various salmonid cousins. So when Mangum asked me if Jason could deliver a quick cast with a 10-weight to a frenzy of jack crevalle—the fish responsible for the chaos beneath the birds—I
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assured him he could. We spotted the first school of the morning from nearly a mile away, and as we rushed to catch up with it, I asked Jason what saltwater species he had pursued previously. “I’ve never gone after anything in the salt with a fly rod,” was his response, which jolted me back to my first saltwater fly fishing endeavor, when, after years of fishing only 3- to 5-weights in the southern Appalachians, a 10-weight rod cast in what I now know to be a typical flats breeze felt like wielding a small telephone pole in a tropical storm. Fortunately for Jason, the wind wasn’t really a factor that morning. But for an angler new to salt water, a mile-long boat ride with a pod of exploding fish before you can churn up all sorts of nervousness and rigidity that don’t aide fly casting mechanics. Having not been in this scenario before, and seeing that the school had been on top and working for several minutes— large, silver-yellow figures slicing and throwing waves of baitfish skyward—Jason took more time than he knew he had in delivering that first cast. The fish felt the boat approaching before the Pole Dancer hit the water and went out of sight. Mangum made his way to the casting deck and gave Jason a few quick pointers on readiness, using the stripping basket at the bow of the boat, how to roll cast the fly forward to get the fly line in motion, make one strong backcast to get the first 20 or so
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of fly line loading the rod, which he would then use to shoot the forward cast 50 feet or more before the jacks could be spooked by the boat’s vibrations. Mangum’s coaching was wellreceived. The school reappeared in a matter of minutes, and even though a diving seagull mistakenly took the Pole Dancer for an actual baitfish before a jack could pounce, after just a few attempts, Jason was into his first saltwater fish on the fly. As the drag screamed like Pacino,
Jason began to experience the progression of emotions all anglers go through when fighting a species with seemingly too much want-to. A big jack, a big tarpon, billfish, tuna, and a few others fall into this category. I believe that progression goes something like this: elated, awestruck, engrossed, conflicted, and relieved or defeated.
Elated. The sudden thrill that finds the body awash with adrenaline, the mind shocked that this is actually happening, and an overall wonder at nature.
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Awestruck. How can a fish be this strong and have this much endurance? It’s as if Mike Tyson and a Kenyan distance runner had their genes spliced and somehow inserted into some piscatorial DNA.
Engrossed. The forearm, biceps, and shoulder are all experiencing the burn, but the angler is fully in the fight and is happy to be there.
Conflicted. I have to get this fish to the boat. I would be completely okay if this fish broke me off right now. I need to feel this thing in my hands and get a photo of it, of me with it, the
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great fighter that it is. Why can’t a shark happen by and bite off the back half of this thing and knock 20 minutes off the fight? I would be so disappointed if this thing really broke me off. Do I really want to fight this fish for 40 minutes? There’s nowhere else I’d rather be right now. I don’t even know that I like fishing anymore.
Relieved or Defeated (depending on the outcome): Relieved that it made it to the boat and the fight is finally over and I can now take a couple of muscle relaxants and call it a day. Defeated if it breaks off or throws the hook after 35 minutes and
I now have to take a couple of muscle relaxants and call it a day. As the third 20-pound-plus jack slipped back into the water, the sweat now rolling off Jason’s face, Mangum asked if we were ready to head back to the boat ramp. “Yeah,” Jason quietly answered with a look of exhaustion, and yet a smile breaking through after enduring three super-middleweight bouts in one morning. The guide had coached and positioned, and the angler had gone from unprepared to proficient.
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On The Plate:
Cold Weather Comfort Food Text and Photos by Kelli Prescott
As the weather changes so does my mood in the kitchen. My house takes on all sorts of new smells: Where once the bright aromas of herbs and citrus filled the air, now the scents of fragrant garlic, slow-cooking venison, hearty stews, and warm spices linger. For me winter means chasing schooling stripers and guiding on my home waters of the Guadalupe River. I especially love the mild winters here in Texas and on much of the Gulf Coast, where it’s never too cold to get things done or to go fishing—but just brisk enough to enjoy all of my cold-weather food favorites. As for other parts of the country … well, a snow day is the perfect excuse to cozy up to the fire and whip up a pan of decadent crab mac and cheese or a big old pot of Texas-style chili.
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King Crab Mac & Cheese My absolute all-time favorite thing
Next, make the base for our sauce.
Once noodles are cooked and drained,
to eat, as a side dish or entree, is
Put crab and shrimp shells in a
it’s time to assemble. Melt the
this mac and cheese. Inspired by the
heavy-bottomed saucepan. Then
remaining two tablespoons of butter
Lobster Mac at Kata Robata, one of
add cream and milk and steep over
in a 10- to 12-inch cast-iron skillet
Houston’s best Japanese restaurants,
low heat for about 30 minutes or
over medium heat. Add crab meat
my version uses the same cheeses
until frothy and fragrant. Turn the
and toss until just warmed.
and method to deliver a delicious
heat off and let sit for another 10
take on a familiar classic.
minutes. Strain the infused milk and
Add cooked elbow noodles right in the
cream mixture and set aside.
pan and toss. Add all but about half
Ingredients:
a cup of your cheese sauce to the
2-3 cups picked king crab meat (1-2
Melt three tablespoons of butter
noodles and crab and stir until evenly
large clusters, or about 1-1 ½ lbs)
in a pot over medium-low heat;
coated. Top with remaining cheese
2 handfuls king crab shells
add flour and whisk. Cook for two
sauce, more crab if desired, and
1 handful raw shrimp shells (without
minutes before whisking in the
the half cup of finely grated fresh
heads)
infused milk mixture. Continue to
parmesan.
1 ½ cups heavy cream
cook over medium-low heat, whisking
1 ½ cups whole milk
constantly until fully thickened,
To finish, broil under high heat for
5 tbsp butter
about five minutes.
about three minutes or until the top
3 ½ tbsp all-purpose flour
of your mac and cheese is bubbly and
1 tsp kosher salt
Once thickened, whisk in the salt
½ cup shredded gouda, lightly packed
and turn the heat off. Then whisk
½ cup shredded white cheddar,
in the gouda and cheddar cheeses
Dish up big, gooey spoonfuls, serve,
lightly packed
until smooth. With any cheese sauce,
and enjoy.
½ cup fresh parmesan, finely grated
you’ll want to make sure the heat is
6 ½ cups cooked elbow macaroni
off before you whisk in the cheese. Cooking the sauce over too much
Start by picking the crab meat. This
heat while adding cheese may result
recipe calls for two cups of picked
in a grainy sauce rather than a silky
meat, which is about one or two large
one.
clusters of king crab. When you’re buying the king crab legs, make sure
Now the cheese sauce is done. Cook
the clusters weigh anywhere from a
elbow macaroni noodles in salted
pound to a pound and a half in total;
water according to the package
this will yield the perfect amount
directions until just tender; strain
of meat for my recipe. Set aside the
and set aside. I call for six and a half
picked meat and save the shells.
cups of cooked noodles in this recipe, which is about three-quarters of a 1-pound box.
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nicely browned.
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Wagyu and Axis Chili I developed this chili to bring all the
Combine all spices and maseca in a
able to sop up any extra juices with
best warm spices together in one
bowl and whisk them together to
cornbread. If you prefer a very thick
filling meal. True to any real Texas-
blend. Maseca is a corn flour product
chili, only add six cups of water.
style chili, this recipe doesn’t have
that is nixtamalized, or pre-cooked,
beans and uses venison as part of the
and used to make tortillas. In this
Let the chili simmer uncovered for
ground protein blend. If you can’t find
case it works as a thickening agent.
one and a half to two hours over low
venison or wagyu, feel free to use
It’s mild in corn flavor and is ideal
heat, stirring every 30 minutes or so
chili-grind 80/20 chuck for the whole
for thickening chili, tortilla soup, or
to avoid any scorching or sticking to
recipe.
any other Southwestern or Mexican
the bottom of the pot.
Ingredients:
flavored soups or stews. After it has simmered completely,
3 cups yellow onion, diced
Next heat a large pot or Dutch
taste the chili. It will likely need
1 cup white onion, diced
oven and add bacon grease. Mix all
another hefty sprinkle of salt. If it
1/3 cup fresh garlic, minced (about 10
of your meat together. Working in
isn’t spicy enough for your liking, add
large cloves)
three batches, start browning the
another teaspoon or more of cayenne
4 cups assorted tomatoes, seeded
meat over high heat; as each batch
pepper.
and diced (sungold and vine-ripened)
browns, sprinkle it with a tablespoon
3 serrano peppers, deseeded and
or two of the seasoning blend. Once
At this point, check the consistency
finely chopped
the first batch is browned, remove
as well. If your chili isn’t thick enough,
3 cayenne peppers, deseeded and
the meat and set aside in a large
whisk in another tablespoon of
finely chopped
bowl. Continue until all the meat is
maseca. You’ll want to whisk quickly
2 tbsp tomato paste
browned and seasoned.
and vigorously because the maseca
1 ¼ lbs chili-grind 80/20 chuck
has a tendency to clump. Continue to
1 lb ground axis (or any venison)
Next put one stick of butter in the
add more maseca until you achieve
1 lb ground wagyu beef
pot and add onions, garlic, and chilis.
the desired thickness.
¼ cup bacon grease
Turn the heat to medium-low and
1 stick unsalted butter
cook until onions are translucent;
I serve my chili with cornbread,
2 bay leaves
add a few more tablespoons of the
shredded cheddar cheese, green
2 tsp dried oregano
seasoning blend. You can add bay
onions, cilantro, and sour cream. And
2 tsp ground cumin
leaves at this point as well. Once
truth be told, I prefer a packaged
2 tsp cayenne pepper
onions are translucent and fragrant,
mix for my cornbread. I combine
1 ½ tbsp medium chili powder
add tomatoes and tomato paste. Stir
one package of Martha White white
1 tbsp dark chili powder
until all the tomato paste is broken
cornbread mix with one package of
1 tbsp paprika
up, adding a few more tablespoons of
Martha White yellow cornbread mix
1 tbsp smoked paprika
seasoning blend. Cook for about 10
and add two tablespoons of white
1 tbsp fresh cracked black pepper
minutes.
sugar. Prepare in a 10- to 12-inch
1 tbsp garlic powder
cast-iron skillet according to the
2 tbsp onion powder
Now return all of the meat and
2 tbsp kosher salt
juices back into the pot and add the
½ cup maseca (white masa)
remaining seasoning blend and six
Enjoy this hearty Texas classic!
6-8 cups water
to eight cups of water. I use eight
Leftovers are just as good as fresh,
cups of water to achieve a less thick
and the chili even freezes well.
consistency because I like to be
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package instructions.
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Broth Back
A South American proverb claims, “Good broth will resurrect the dead.”
By James P. Spica Jr.
There’s a little place in Detroit called Johnny Noodle King. It’s a cool joint, if a bit hipster. Detroit’s bohemian culture ironically tends to create well-meaning cultural adoption bordering on appropriation, and this place is a take on a ramen shop. Opinions vary on its authenticity, but the food tastes damn good. The menu’s shining star, however, isn’t a noodle dish; it’s a cocktail called the Johnny Smoking Gun. The concoction, a glass of whiskey served with a back of warm beef broth, sparked my interest in broth-back cocktails. They’re not easy to find, but they’re easy to make. It’s an unusual combination that doesn’t immediately come to mind because we think of chasers as light and cleansing. But maybe broth isn’t that far removed from a standard chaser. Above all, a chaser should be soothing, and how many of us, nursing hangover or sickness, have taken solace in warm, mild 62 TAIL FLY FISHING MAGAZINE
and soothing chicken or beef broth? Many of us grew up with broth as a remedy for everything from the common cold to chicken pox. A South American proverb claims, “Good broth will resurrect the dead.” I’m reminded of my first brutally painful hangover in a hotel in Canada, ordering room service: “Just a bowl of beef broth, please.” It arrived on a tray with flowers, crackers and butter—and a bill for $18, roughly the equivalent of 18 cans of supermarket broth. But boy, did it make me feel better. Some say broth-back cocktails have roots in Chicago, which makes sense in a city famously battered by howling winds and snow. Cocktails with broth or meat date at least to the 1950s. The Bullshot is probably the most notable example, but there have been others through the years. The concept has slowly spread to establishments in other places around the country, though it’s not a drink you can request at any old dive.
The components are simple: whiskey and some sort of meat broth. The best combinations come from stronger whiskeys of the rye or wheat variety and heavier broths. I recommend rye or wheat whiskeys that are at least 80 proof, although a strong bourbon also works. Fatty broths like beef, duck, veal or pork are better than milder, clearer broths. Some of my favorites also have a spiced element; Chinese fivespice and cardamom are great additions. Unlike a pickle back, which in my experience is taken rapidly as a pair of shots, I enjoy a broth back more slowly. With the dynamic taste and texture of both spiced meat broth and rye whiskey, they should be savored. I prefer to drink a double pour of whiskey in four to five pulls, each followed by sips of hot broth from a shooter glass. But don’t proceed too slowly. Cool broth won’t resurrect the dead.
Broth Back Recipe 6 cups beef broth 1 1/2 cups fatty beef, cubed 1 tsp Chinese five-spice 1 tsp cardamom seeds or powder 1 tsp white peppercorns 1 bunch of parsley stems 1 clove garlic 1 bay leaf 1 cup mushrooms (optional) Simmer (do not boil) beef broth and cubed beef for two hours, skimming any fat off the surface with a slotted spoon. Wrap spices, peppercorns, cardamom, parsley, garlic, and bay leaf in a cheesecloth and tie in a bundle with cooking twine. Submerge spice bundle in simmering stock and simmer for another hour. Add mushrooms, if using, at the same time. Strain broth into a container and serve in a shot glass behind a good rye whiskey.
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The Salty Stripper SBS by Nick Davis
My good friend E. J. Sigety is a very skilled fly angler, creative fly tier, and a wealth of fly fishing knowledge. One of his favorite smallmouth bass patterns is the Lazy
Materials Hook: Gamakatsu SC15 or similar, 2/0
to put a salty twist on the pattern. We’ve
Threads: Danville 210 Denier Thread (any color); Danville Monofilament Thread (.006 diameter)
dubbed this fly the Salty Stripper SBS.
Adhesive: Zap Goo
It’s an effective pattern to throw into the
Tail: Marabou, white and olive
mangroves for snook and baby tarpon. You can also tie it larger to throw at big
Flash: Gold Flashabou and gold Krystal Flash
laid-up tarpon using an 11- weight. The
Gills: Red EP Silky Fibers
marabou tail gives this fly amazing action
Body and Head: EP Sculpt-A-Fly Fibers, sand and white
Stripper SBS. In this feature we’re going
even at a standstill, while the synthetic EP fiber head and body make it very functional and durable. 64 TAIL FLY FISHING MAGAZINE
Eyes: EP Plastic Eyes, 5.5 millimeters
Step 1. Start with any color of Danville 210 thread. We’ll eventually switch to mono, but standard thread makes tying in the first materials much easier. Attach your thread on the shank above the hook point and wrap back to above the barb. Trim off the tag end. Step 2. Take one white marabou feather and measure your tail length. For a 2/0 fly we normally use about a 2-inch section. secure that tightly to the top of the shank with thread wraps. Step 3. Measure your olive marabou feather. You want this to be just a bit longer than the white marabou. Secure this on top of the white marabou and trim the excess. Step 4. Take several stands of gold Flashabou and V-wrap it along both sides of the tail so that it runs down the middle of the olive marabou feather. Trim the strands so that they’re about a half-inch longer than the marabou. After that’s secure, take about five strands of gold Krystal Flash and tie them in so they rest directly on top of the marabou. Step 5. Move your thread in front of where the feathers are secured, whip finish, and cut your thread. Attach your monofilament thread where you left off and hit it with a dab of Zap Goo. Next, take a 2-inch length of red EP Silky Fibers and V-wrap on the bottom 2 quarters of the hook shank. These are going to suggest the fish’s gills.
1.
2.
3.
4.
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Once secure, press the fibers up and trim them at an angle.
6a.
6b.
7a.
7b.
Step 6. Take your sand-colored EP Sculpt-A-Fly Fibers and prepare the three pieces you’ll need to make the body and head of the fly. (You’ll also do the same with the white fibers.) Each piece you tie in will get progressively shorter. Begin with a bunch that’s about 50 fibers thick. When you twist them to compress them, they should be about the same thickness as a toothpick (always err on the side of fewer fibers). Prepare by cutting a sand-colored section that’s 3 inches long, a section that’s 2 1/2 inches long, and a section that’s 2 inches long. Then prepare three sections of white fibers as well in the same lengths as above. Once all six sections are measured and cut, put a taper on each end of all sections. Doing this before you tie them in will help with postproduction trimming and avoid creating a fly that looks like a paintbrush. Take your 3-inch section of sand-colored fibers and secure them at midpoint with several wraps of mono to the top left quarter of the hook shank. Bend the other half of the fibers around and tie them down the top right quarter. The result should look like Image 6a. Step 7. Rotate the head of the vise or invert the hook and tie in the 3-inch section of white fibers along the bottom of the hook shank in the same manner. (Image 7a). The result should look like Image 7b.
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Step 8. Move your thread forward and repeat the above instructions with both of your 2 1/2-inch sections, and then again with your 2-inch sections. If, along the way, the fibers start to puff out or get tangled, combing them with a lice brush should fix things. When you’ve fastened all sections, your fly will resemble that in Image 8. Step 9. Because you took the time to taper the ends of the fiber sections before you tied them in, your trimming time should now be significantly less. Take your scissors and simply clean up the fly a bit to suggest a baitfish form. (I highly recommend the EP 4 1/2-inch scissors, which are excellent for trimming synthetics). Step 10. Use a cautery pen to burn two small holes in the fibers to place the eyes. These holes should be burned even with the point of the hook. Use flush cutters to snip off most of the posts of the plastic eyes. Use a bodkin to place a generous amount of Zap Goo in one of the eye holes. Place a plastic eye into the glue-filled hole so that the post is both covered with glue and touching the shank of the hook. Repeat on the opposite side of the fly. If you do this correctly the eyes will be bulletproof.
8.
9.
10a.
10b.
10c.
10d.
Nick Davis is the co-owner of 239 Flies & Outfitter in Bonita Beach, Florida, which began as an online retailer selling one-off fly patterns and now occupies 2,600 feet of retail space. You can learn more about Nick and 239 Flies by visiting his website (239flies. com) or his Instagram (#BuildingFuzzyEmpires). TAIL FLY FISHING MAGAZINE 67
G G TAILIN A Poem by Henry Hughes
Benner Bay is the best hurricane hole on St. Thomas, if you don’t get fooled by False Entrance and run aground, too eager for breezy rum and Johnny Cakes. Big Bamboo hangover, cigar hair, my blue kayak arrows the shallows, the fluttering pointed sails of tailing bonefish. Three of them, levering crabs & snails. Pale clouds and slender missiles ghosting dusky margins, streaks that might unchart my heart’s rippling lagoon, dorsals and tails, frantic shrimp. I cast a pinch of Arctic fox, stripping, twitching. More big fish, happy and feeding. But not easy. Hours, pelicans, cast after close cast, tracking away, long slow pulls, then the weight of the wait—Yes!—strip set and a blast clearing the red roofs of Red Hook from my head, the emails unanswered, the shopping, the nothing that’s everything on the reel, the jumping rod. Good fish, I say to no one but that tailing bonefish that took me for an easy bite of the sea.
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tri
oceanic Text and Photos by Brandon Fawcett
Ocean triggerfish are out of this world. And by out of this world I mean that if the moon has oceans, I’m pretty certain they’re loaded with these bluegray aliens—cruising through space waters, crushing moon rocks with their formidable teeth, and chasing down and consuming cosmic crustaceans.
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igger TAIL FLY FISHING MAGAZINE 71
What ocean triggers lack in sustained speed they make up for in raw power, with short bursts of hard acceleration that leave the distracted and surprised angler nursing wounded knuckles.
The misunderstood ocean triggerfish, dwelling at the rocky margin and the coral edge, is often overlooked by those pursuing the glamorous bonefish, giant trevally, and permit on the fly. The imaginative fly angler, however, perceives that this deceptive little bugger deserves to be the focus of a fishing trip rather than its unfortunate bycatch. Why? Ocean triggers are aggressive to the point of spite. They eat flies—though they are admittedly difficult to hook. They fight hard and often fight dirty. And each fish has its own unique personality. This combination adds up to an unforgettable sight fishing cat-andmouse. Perhaps the ocean trigger is evolution’s first attempt at a permit. The species have similar forms, but the trigger’s is more barbaric. They hunt similar habitats for similar prey,
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and yet the trigger is less refined. Where the cynical permit is quick to judge, the guileless ocean triggerfish takes a long, thoughtful gander at your offering before committing. Is this fish only mildly curious or simply stupid? You are likely to strip your leader right into the guides trying to convince an ocean trigger to take the fly she has been diligently following for the last 30 feet. And yet the attitude and personality that make each triggerfish unique scream brain power. Getting a triggerfish to commit is only the beginning of what promises to be an epic battle between fly angler and fish. Hook one of these aliens and you must contend with a beak packed with oddly humanlike teeth—that is, if human teeth could easily crush shells, break coral, and snap hook shanks in
half like twigs. These powerful fish can tear pieces off of fish and tear parts off of fingers. Moving past the business end, the trigger has yet more defense against anglers and predators: Its main defense mechanism is a bony ray on top of its back that is activated by a second smaller ray—its namesake “trigger.” The triggerfish uses this ultra-hard ray, which locks into position and is immovable without the trigger, to help the fish jam into rocks and coral holes and flip an angler the bird from its underwater safehouse. Know this: If the trigger you’re after dives into a hole or rock, you have approximately zero chance of pulling it out. What ocean triggers lack in sustained speed they make up for in raw power, with short bursts of hard acceleration that leave the distracted and surprised angler nursing wounded
knuckles. If a hooked trigger gets close to a hole, be ready for it to make a lighting-fast break for safety. Lean on the rod if you have to, but whatever you do, do not let your triggerfish reach that hole. Catching ocean triggerfish takes resolve, but the good news is that if you read your prey carefully— determining the right strip cadence, speed, and depth based on what you see your trigger doing—you will probably get a whole bunch of shots at the same tailing and feeding fish. The ocean triggerfish has a unique strategy for hunting crustaceans: It prefers to chase or follow these prey until they get too tired to continue running and stop, at which point the trigger, tail up, seizes the opportunity to grab an easy meal. This translates into big blue discs fanatically and almost haphazardly chasing flies as
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The truth is that these oceangoing aliens that swim the moonscapes of the Earth were made for fly anglers.
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they are stripped, making it difficult to convince yourself that the fish will only eat if you tease it right. They seem ready to pounce every second as they follow the dancing crustacean back toward your rod tip. Each cast and retrieve is a heart-pounding, emotional rollercoaster. And before you know it you’ve carelessly stripped into your guides—and your target turns away and drifts off. The truth is that these oceangoing aliens that swim the moonscapes of the Earth were made for fly anglers. An angler could spend a good chunk of a very good life chasing down each unique, brightly colored trigger
species, and yet ocean triggerfish continue to fly under the angling radar. In-the-know triggerfish anglers prefer to remain vague about their quarry when peers declare that they “just don’t get” the appeal of the trigger; these circumspect sportsmen keep quiet and wait for the conversation to turn, as it inevitably does, to permit, bonefish, or tarpon. Keep on not getting it, these savvy anglers think, and leave the triggers alone. Leave those aliens to me. Brandon Fawcett is head guide at Fly Fishing Little Corn Island in Nicaragua (flyfishinglittlecorn.com).
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For the Love
of GTs
Text and photos: Peter McLeod
In every fly angler’s journey, there comes the day when one species gets under your skin. Perhaps it’s a particularly wonderful (or harrowing) experience, perhaps it’s an exotic locale, perhaps it’s just a slowly unfolding understanding of what makes that species tick. Next stop: obsession, which includes daydreaming about what will improve your chances of success on the water—and lying awake at night wondering the same. For some that one species is tarpon; for others it’s permit. For me, it’s giant trevally. These predatory behemoths stalk the flats of my dreams until I wake in a cold sweat. I once woke to find that I’d been setting the hook in my sleep. My wife was not amused.
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My obsession began on a wideedged oceanside flat on a far pinprick of land in the Indian Ocean in the early 2000s. I had stalked many a Caribbean flat in the previous decade, but this was my first venture onto the atolls of the Seychelles. There is a big difference between hunting tails in calf-deep water and wading in thigh- to chest-deep water in the surfline. I was definitely out of my comfort zone. I was also acutely aware that there were other predators patrolling these waters. My senses were electric. Suddenly a wave set came in— and framed in the wave as pretty
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as a picture was a GT surfing down the inside. My hunting instincts kicked in, and I managed some semblance of a cast that flopped the tan Brush Fly in the GT’s general vicinity. The fish heard the fly land, made a 180-degree turn, and hit the afterburner as it annihilated the fly and immediately took off back to the reef edge. I have chased these creatures across the world, and I still love to watch an angler’s face when he hooks his first GT on the fly. Nothing can prepare you for the speed and power of the take. The adrenaline rush it produces is overwhelming, perhaps heightened by your alreadyelectric senses tingling in this unique environment. That first fish was by no means a monster, and yet I struggled to control it on a 12-weight as I floundered in between coral heads and the incoming waves. Eventually I managed to back up sufficiently onto the edge of the flats to gain some traction and finally apply enough pressure to prevent that fish heading over the edge and certain destruction. Bonefish are more honest. Tarpon get bigger. Permit are wilier. So why my obsession with giant trevally? First, the highly adaptable GT is just an incredibly
opportunistic hunter; these fish will use everything at their disposal to hunt, feeding on an enormous variety of prey species. One minute they are smashing bait in packs off the edge of the beaches and driving them up the shore; the next they might be tailing on crabs on the flats; shortly thereafter they will be on the back of a ray, smashing anything it happens to scare up. They will target full-grown birds on the surface and even appear to be aware of this seasonal delicacy. Their rank opportunism makes GTs a phenomenal species for the fly angler to target
because every experience you have with them is going to be different. Once again, environment plays an important role in the angling experience. Tarpon are often massive and are a magnificent species on the fly—but there is, I think, a big difference between polling around on a skiff to chase fish and actually immersing yourself in the environment. For this reason I have always preferred to wade when fishing in salt water: You become so much more aware of all the living creatures scuttling around
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I have seen a GT track a fly cast through the air and intercept the fly as it hit the surface—a technique that comes in handy when hunting birds on the wing.
at your feet. You feel the tide pushing in and out as it tugs at your shorts. And when you come off the flats and fish the surfline, sometimes it’s a battle simply to stay on your feet let alone put a line out. You also develop what I refer to as the “Cosmoledo Sweep”: You scan from left to right looking for fish, and every third scan is behind you to make sure no sharks or oceangoing barracuda are creeping up on you. 80 TAIL FLY FISHING MAGAZINE
I remember wading out in slightly deeper water to get to a headland with my guide on Farquhar Atoll. We had to cross an area of rather crunchy coral shingle to reach it, and just as the gradient rose and came to knee-depth, we turned around to find a meter-plus GT had actually snuck in behind us. The noise our boots made had alerted him to a potential snack. Sure, this environment sounds rather alarming, but the fear evaporates under the tutelage of guides who work here every day. If as a novice GT angler someone had told me that every time I saw a shark on the flats I would run toward it instead of away from it, I would have thought him mad. But
GTs will often hang behind a shark and feed off any prey it spooks in a sort of grotesque game of Grandmother’s Footsteps.
feels like a broom handle. You begin to cast across the wind backhand, desperately trying to avoid sticking that large hook
The speed of a hunting GT—and its ability to track a moving object in the air—will take your breath away. I have seen a GT track a fly cast through the air and intercept the fly as it hit the surface—a technique that comes in handy when hunting birds on the wing. This uncanny skill causes chaos for the angling novice who has finally made it to the flats after months of preparation: There you are, wading in thigh-deep water, when your guide points out a stingray with a GT on its back some 20 yards away. Your heart pounds, and your legs shake slightly. You strip off some line, throwing out the 6/0 fly attached to the 130-pound mono attached to the 12-weight rod that still
into yourself. After a couple of attempts you manage to put the fly somewhere near the ray. While you try to grab the loose line, remember to take up the slack and strip like the guide told you; the fish has charged off the ray and hit the fly. Without missing a beat it is already disappearing into the blue as a stray loop of running line whips up, wraps around the rod butt, comes tight, and wraps around the reel foot. Bang! The 50-pound cored fly line parts like a gunshot, and it’s all over. Chalk it up to experience. Sometimes GTs charge the fly so fast coming toward you that it’s simply impossible to maintain contact with the fly. Then they
spit it out before you ever come tight. Contrary to popular belief, GTs don’t always eat. They don’t always smash everything thrown in their general direction. In fact they can drive you just as crazy as every other gamefish. They TAIL FLY FISHING MAGAZINE 81
can develop total lockjaw just as inexplicably. Anglers often have to convince tarpon to eat by the use of the retrieve and the mobile materials in the fly patterns. It is possible to “feed” a tarpon or a permit; this is occasionally possible with GTs as well—especially the big oceangoing fish, which are big for a reason and often lazy with flies, tracking them for some time before finally committing. At other times they will just point-blank refuse, which may perhaps be put down to tidal phase or barometric pressure. This is frustrating, of course—but after all, if GTs ate everything, they’d no longer be a beguiling challenge. And there is no doubt that GTs are a challenge. This is not the species you just wake up and decide to catch. Success requires both preparation and ability. Even in destinations like the Seychelles, where GTs are more prolific, encounters are sometimes few and far between and often require covering huge areas to locate the right phase of tide and prey species.
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So what does it take to be successful? Right off the bat, hopeful anglers must devote time in advance to preparation so that they can capitalize on opportunities when they do occur. Don’t attempt to fish for GTs with substandard equipment; put simply, they will destroy it. Anglers should be proficient at forehand and backhand double hauling with a 12-weight and big flies; invariably they are always coming at you across the wrong shoulder. It takes skill and practice to cast this rig while standing up to your waist in water. Longer belly lines allow you to pick up and put down a misplaced cast; it is very different from firing a short bellied line off the front of a skiff. Although easier to turn over big flies, short bellied lines will make your life harder because they require you to strip in all the thin running line before recasting, by which time the fish has normally gone. Managing the running line also becomes challenging in moving water—especially if it sinks, because it will get caught on the
coral. The successful GT angler will master each of these skills, which makes the experience that much more rewarding. Every now and then while wading the flats or the edges, you encounter a beast. In GT terms this means a fish more than a meter in length, which translates to about 45 pounds. This is a fish with an open mouth nearly a foot in diameter that could easily swallow a chicken whole. Spend enough time on the flats, and you’ll tangle with one of these beasts—and with a lot of skill and a little luck the experience might not end in tears. The last time I met such a GT is forever etched in my mind: We were moving down on the large sand flats on the east side of Providence Atoll in the Seychelles; the lagoon system was on our left, and we were right up on the apex of the flat. Coming down tide I spotted something large and black heading in our direction. Was it a ray? I prepared myself because there might just
It was as if someone had thrown a massive stone in the water. The fish exploded, immediately heading for the safety of the lagoon’s deep water.
be a fish on its back. As we drew close I realized that it was not a ray at all—it was a massive GT. My heart skipped a beat as I threw the olive Semper Fly in front of me to clear the line and began to cast. The distance closed as I dropped the fly 2 feet in front and slightly to the left of the fish. My retrieve would pull the fly away from the GT at an angle, much like a fleeing baitfish. I let the fly sink for a few seconds and gave it one long strip. The fish flared immediately and turned in that direction. I found myself holding my breath as I started to strip in long, smooth pulls. The fish followed, and on my third strip it committed. It accelerated and planed up on its fins, engulfing the fly, its whole head out of the water as it eyeballed its prey. As it turned I pointed the rod straight at the fish and hit it hard twice. It was as if someone had thrown a massive stone in the water. The fish exploded, immediately
heading for the safety of the lagoon’s deep water. In a fraction of a second I was on the reel, which emitted a tortured scream as the line was ripped off. I bent the rod over to the opposite side in an attempt to gain control—and felt the line grate against coral heads. The fish neatly threaded my fly line through the coral heads until everything went solid. My shoulders slumped: I knew this battle was over. One of the deckhands fashioned what was left of my fly line into a bracelet that continues to humble me every time I gaze at it. Giant trevally, the “gangsters of the flats,” inhabit some of the most beautiful places on the planet, from the Indian Ocean, through Australasia, and all the way to the Pacific. Over the last 20 years I have enjoyed hunting them in and around Christmas Island, Indonesia, Sudan, the Seychelles, Mozambique, and South Africa. I can say with some authority that each destination offers
its own unique cultures, presents its own challenges, requires its own techniques, and teaches the curious angler something different about these magnificent creatures. When the world rights itself and international travel resumes with a vengeance, I will once again step off the edge of the tender boat into that azure water, 12-weight in hand, and return to pursuing my favorite nemesis, the giant trevally. TFFM’s Travel Editor, Peter McLeod, is the founder of Aardvark McLeod, international fly fishing specialists. He is also the author of GT: A Flyfisher’s Guide to Giant Trevally (Merlin Unwin Books). For more information on fly fishing any international destination, you can contact Peter at peter@ aardvarkmcleod.com or visit his website at aardvarkmcleod.com
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learning from sharks by Chico Fernandez
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When I met Captain Alex Zapata at an angler’s lunch, my opening conversational salvo was not fishing but jazz. I’m an amateur jazz historian, after all, and Alex is a trombone player. Our talk inevitably turned to fishing, however, and Zapata, an excellent light tackle and fly fishing guide, offered to put me on sharks. Sharks? On the fly?
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Yes, sharks. Two weeks later we were patrolling the waters in Flamingo, the southernmost headquarters of Everglades National Park. The heavy wind that day was an advantage, but the high, off-color water was not. In most places you couldn’t see the bottom in 2 feet of water. In a deep flat west of the marina, with two bonitos hanging from the stern, we couldn’t bring a single shark to the boat. The bonitos had been frozen, so we stopped in a deep basin and caught several ladyfish to add to the “attraction.” After another hour of searching, Zapata found an area of clear water about 3 feet deep to the east of the marina. He hung the baits against the transom while 86 TAIL FLY FISHING MAGAZINE
I got out my rod and tied on one of Zapata’s favorite flies, a 7-inch orange Muddler. On the water, the slightest twitch would make the long feathers dance. Perfect. Minutes later we had interest, in the form of a small blacktip shark weighing in at about 20 pounds. Too small for my taste, I decided. Fifteen minutes later three 50- to 90-pound lemon sharks showed up, though they kept their distance for another half an hour. Even when they finally came within casting range, they wouldn’t look at the fly or dare to bite the bait. But ever so slowly they were becoming more comfortable and letting down their guard. By now Zapata had begun throwing small pieces of bait
behind the boat every few minutes. Eventually one of the sharks circled behind the boat to pick up the bait. Soon the other two sharks were doing the same. Finally one of them took a big bite of bonito, crashing against the transom. His comrades threw caution to the wind and circled eagerly. It was time to present the fly. On my first attempt I put the fly too high in front of one of the sharks on his approach; he didn’t so much as acknowledge my offering. On my second attempt I let the fly sink deeper—and still came away with nothing. “Let the fly sink farther down,” Zapata suggested, “right at his level.” I listened, dropping my fly right in front of the shark. Sure enough:
water means that you get to view the entire visceral process: Normally you first spot sharks at a distance, watching as they grow closer and closer until they’re finally circling the boat. You watch them take pieces of bait, finally clamping down onto the fish that is a few feet—maybe even a few inches—from the boat itself. Feeling them take your big, bright fly; setting the hook; witnessing that first run and the wake it produces; holding fast during the fight as a dorsal fin comes up out of the water;
wind is actually a boon to shark fishing because the skiff will drift more quickly, covering lots of water. Remember, however, that sharks like it hot—ideally water temperatures above 70 degrees. It doesn’t get too hot for sharks, but it can be too cold. So you’ve settled on sharks and selected a flat or a basin in 3 to 5 feet of water. Now what? Do you drift or do you anchor up? Actually, I’ve taken sharks both ways depending on current conditions. “I like lots of wind
Unlike most fish, the shark has a cartilaginous skeleton, which is very flexible. So who cares? You should: Sharks can easily turn around like a snake and bite you. He swam close, gave a thrust of his tail, opened his mouth, and simply inhaled the fly. I set the hook and watched the line peel from the reel as the shark ran well over 50 yards before I was able to stop him. Twenty minutes later I had him beside the boat, weighing in at between 60 and 70 pounds. An hour later I took another shark about the same size.
wringing a jump and a shake of the head out of such a powerful creature—who could not love everything about this experience?
Why fish for sharks, which get no respect from fly anglers? Sharks, when other esteemed gamefish abound?
Fly fishing for sharks is also an excellent way to learn how to fight other large species on the fly. Practice on sharks so that you’ll be ready when you hook that 30-pound permit or giant tarpon—your fish of a lifetime. If you hire a flats guide who really knows sharks, then in just a day or two you can learn volumes and become physically and mentally prepared to fish for large species efficiently on the fly.
The most straightforward answer is that hooking a shark is great fun—and hooking a big one can be very exciting. The shallow
Finally, when you’re dying to fish but the strong winds won’t cooperate, don’t cancel your trip: Go shark fishing instead! A strong
The Argument for Sharks
opposite to the tide,” comments veteran shark angler Captain Drew Moret, “so the boat is held more or less in one place while the tide carries the chum slick away from the boat and spreads it over a larger area.” If conditions prevent the chum from spreading, Moret uses his electric engine to leave a slick of chum behind. “If it’s a calm day with a strong tide,” he continues, “then simply stake out and let the slick of the chum travel away from the boat.” Captain Paul Tejera prefers to drift because he believes it attracts bigger sharks. “When I anchor,” Tejera says, “I find that the bigger sharks seem to stay away, taking longer to come within casting range.”
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Bait and Switch
I generally hang a bleeding fillet of a large fish—or alternatively just a large fish that has been slashed—over the transom a foot or so from the boat. If I only have a few small fish, then I put them on a string and use that as my main bait to attract the sharks. Then every few minutes I throw overboard a few 1- to 2-inch pieces of bait. Fresh bait is ideal, but you can use frozen in a pinch. Moret suggests hanging large bait a few feet from the boat and close to the surface so the shark has to come up to eat it, which makes it much easier to present your fly. “A fillet that has just been cut has a better smell,” says Tejera, who fillets a big barracuda
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one side at a time, hanging the bait by the base of its tail in between these operations. “I also toss a few pieces of fresh ladyfish to get them fired up.” The night before my trip I rig my fly rods all the way to the fly. I’m looking for big sharks but making short casts, so I’ll need to rig a 10- or 11-weight fly rod under 9 feet long for better leverage during the fight. To practice on smaller sharks, consider bringing your 7- or 8-weight snook and redfish rods. For a 10- or 11-weight, 300 yards of backing is sufficient; for the lighter 8-weight, 250 yards of backing will do the trick. Remember that you are going
to follow the hooked shark until you can fight him off the fly line, which is more effective. Your cast is generally going to be a short one, and you don’t need to present that big fly with delicacy; a short leader (under 9 feet long) is generally best. I use a fairly simple rig: butt section, midsection, then tippet, wire bite tippet, and fly. My go-to shark fly is a 6- or 7-inch orange fly, often with a red or orange hackle, tied on a 5/0 hook. Sometimes I change things up with an orange or chartreuse popper just to watch in amusement as a big shark sticks his nose out of the water and inhales the thing. The price
you pay for that thrill, however, is fewer hookups. (Sometimes the thrill is totally worth it anyway.) Alex Zapata gets more strikes with a shark fly that has a big Muddler head made out of deer hair, which, he argues, causes the fly to remain suspended in the water column at the desired depth. I can’t argue with his choice: On our shark-hunting expedition, I hooked three 60- to 80-pound sharks—and landed two of them—with his winning fly. “When they’re not taking the classics colors,” says Drew Moret, “I like orange, red, or even chartreuse.” Paul Tejera generally agrees on red and orange, but when he’s tossing chunks of silver-sided ladyfish, he notes that a white fly with some silver flash works well.
Leaders for Sharks For an 11-weight rod: 5 feet of 60-pound test monofilament, 12 to 18 inches of 30 pounds, then 16- or 20-pound test for the tippet, followed by less than 12 inches of #5 wire. All leaders should be less than 9 feet. For a 10-weight rod: 5 feet of 50-pound test, 12 to 18 inches of 25-pound test, then 16- or 20-pound test for the tippet, followed by less than 12 inches of #5 wire. For an 8-weight rod: 5 feet of 40-pound test, 12 to 18 inches of 25-pound, then 12- or 16-pound test for tippet, followed by less than 12 inches of #4 wire.
On the Water
When we’re in position, while a friend is still tying big bait behind the boat and cutting up small chunks of fish to throw out, it’s already time to pull out the prerigged fly rods. Sure, it could take a desirable shark half an hour or more to show up—or a shark big enough to tempt you might well put in a surprise appearance. It pays to be prepared. The species that shows up will determine how you work the fly. In the Everglades or Florida Keys, you’re most likely to see blacktip and lemon sharks. In general, blacktip sharks are more aggressive, so you’ll find it easier to tempt them to take a fly: Cast to them and strip the fly. Your average lemon shark seems to
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very flexible. So who cares? You should: Sharks can easily turn around like a snake and bite you. The lemon shark in particular is infamous for this behavior. In fact, I know many people who have been bitten. For this very reason I usually release my sharks while still in the water; most guides I know don’t like bringing a shark into the boat at all. So check with your guide if you’re hoping to go home with that keepsake photo. Find a reliable and experienced guide, come pre-rigged and prepared, stay safe and remain flexible, and you might just find that shark fishing is an exhilarating alternative to fly angling for more prestigious and famously finicky species. At the very least, shark on the fly should provide you with endless cocktail conversation at your next angler’s lunch.
be choosier, so try to keep the fly on its face as long as you can. Chances are that sooner or later he’ll decide to eat it. Your cast is short, so try not to strip more line than you need. This way when you set the hook, you won’t have to clear much line, thereby reducing your chances of a mistake. Once you’re contending with the shark off
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the reel, in an open flat or basin, you’ve got a much easier fight.
Photo Op
You caught a nice shark. Naturally you want to document the event. I understand. Who wouldn’t? Easier said than done. Unlike most fish, the shark has a cartilaginous skeleton, which is
TFFM consulting editor Chico Fernandez has been fly fishing for over 60 years. He’s the author of three books and several instructional videos, including Fly Fishing for Bonefish (Stackpole Books) and The Art of Fly Casting. We’re very happy to welcome him to the team.
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THE UNDERTOW
Handicapping Ourselves By James P. Spica Jr. What is fly fishing if not a concerted effort to hamper ourselves at every turn? I work in a fly shop. I hear and see every opinionated cliché that our beloved little niche sport conjures up. Often it comes from my customers, sometimes from my peers.
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“Always fish IGFA tippet.” “That fly with a spinner blade is so dirty!” “Euro-nymphing is just Chuck and Duck Lite.” “Bluefish are trash fish, a striper is a real gamefish.” For the love of God, just go fishing. It would be compounded if I
were friends with my customers and local guides on Facebook (as many of my coworkers are), but that’s one vitriolic cesspool too many for me. A peer will frequently inquire, “Did you see the rant about [insert technique] that [insert local guide] did on Facebook?” And while I’ve blessedly ensured my answer is always “Nope,” I’m never surprised when my peer relates
the gist of the outburst. We’ve already willingly handicapped ourselves: We’ve taken the proverbial plunge into choosing to throw small, non-bait, handmade bits of feather and fur and tinsel. We’ve already decided that we have to get within 50 feet of our quarry if we’re going to present to them. We’ve already decided that our rods will be
FOR THE LOVE OF GOD, JUST GO FISHING.
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lighter-duty, more flexible, less wieldy despite putting ourselves at the mercy of offshore winds. We’ve decided that we’re going to comb the world in search of particularly difficult or hard-tofind fish—eaten by flies, ducking under mangrove arbors, being smacked in the face by tag alders along the way—just to make a cast that requires more room despite a particularly confined space. We’ve done all of this to ourselves; so this oasis of stupid doesn’t need to become a virtual battleground about the best, most traditional, or “highest” methods. 96 TAIL FLY FISHING MAGAZINE
Ethics are a bit different. In my mind, there’s a fairly significant difference between whether or not scenting your fly is actually fly fishing and whether or not a certain fishing practice is better or worse for the resource. When it comes to protecting everything we hold dear and preserving it for future generations, any amount of discussion is good. It keeps the ethics of fishing at the forefront and keeps conservation in our brains. If talking about whether a technique is really fishing at all, or whether it’s snagging—that’s an ethics debate. If you’re talking
about whether a particular kind of hook or presentation more frequently results in a deephooked or foul-hooked fish, then let’s get into it. I’d love it if everyone spent the time they take arguing about how to fish to talk instead about why to fish, or about how to be a better conservationist, or how to introduce someone to the sport. I meet many customers who are sheepish about mentioning methods outside of fly fishing. They’ll talk about a great day of fishing and then get a
IF YOU’VE HANDICAPPED YOURSELF BY TAKING UP THIS SILLY SPORT (YES, IT IS VERY SILLY), YOU’VE DONE WELL, MY FELLOW IDIOT.
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haunted look on their face as they intimate that some of the fish were caught on spin tackle. I can see the inner conflict, the uncertainty or guilt at mentioning conventional gear to a fly-gear guy. I’ll save you the trouble: You caught fish, good for you! And I say that with no sarcasm. You went out and fished, and that’s better than the person sitting in traffic next to you who may spend their weekend getting trashed at a club, searching for something that they’ll never find in the maw of a city. So you kept a couple fish for dinner? Sure is better than
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the person at the grocery store who doesn’t know or care where their food comes from. That old chestnut about stepping back and seeing the forest from the trees, about looking at the big picture, is appropriate here. In recent years, the sport of fly fishing has done its level best to escape the shackles of elitism. More young people, more women, more minorities are taking up the sport. The final mantle we need to shed is petty purism, which plagues every niche sport in some way (traditional archery over a compound bow comes to mind).
If you’ve handicapped yourself by taking up this silly sport (yes, it is very silly), you’ve done well, my fellow idiot. Don’t argue with your peers about who’s the bigger idiot—we have enough ways to use the internet to demonstrate our idiocy without turning new anglers away with our bickering. Just go fly fishing.
IMAGINE BEING
SKUNKED FOR ALL OF TIME
Photo: Silver Kings
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