9 YEARS
2012 2021 as the voice of CELBRATING
salt water fly fishing
FLY FISHING MAGAZINE
55 SEPT/OCT 2021
SEPTEMBER/OCTOBER 2021
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A pristine Bahamian flat provides a perfect venue for a long walk. Photo: Kyle Banashek
TAIL FLY FISHING MAGAZINE 3
Andy Mill with his personal best rooster somewhere in Mexico. Photo: Gabriel Gabino
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Until we meet again. Photo: Kyle Banashek
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the next generation
T&T Ambassadors Jose and Parker Ucan spending time together in their home waters of the Yucatan Peninsula. Legendary guide Jose is patiently imparting his love of fishing to 8 year old son Parker who at such a young age has already landed a Permit on Fly. Handing down our knowledge and passion for the outdoors to the next generation is key to the survival and growth of flyfishing. At T&T we see a world of possibilities out there and believe the next generation should too.
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TAIL FLY FISHING MAGAZINE 9
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TM
GUIDE TESTED.
GUIDE TRUSTED. On the Cover: A beautiful Borski of course-ki.
Editor-In-Chief: Joseph Ballarini Managing Editor: Trey Reid Acquisitions Editor: George V. Roberts Jr. Creative Director: Scott Morrison Food Editor: Kelli Prescott Travel Editor: Peter McLeod West Coast Editor: Al Quattrocchi 55 Consulting Editor: Chico Fernandez Contributing Editors: Andy Mill, Nicky Mill Historians: Pete Barrett, Ed Mitchell Editors-at-Large: Joe Doggett, Mark B. Hatter, Tom Keer, James P. Spica Jr. Copy Editor: Leila Beasley Intern to the Editor: Kyle Solomon
9 YEARS
2012 - 2021 as the voice of CELBRATING
salt water fly fishing
FLY FISHING MAGAZINE
SEPT/OCT 2021
SEPTEMBER/OCTOBER 2021
Creative Contributors: Joe Doggett Trey Reid George V. Roberts Jr. Joseph Ballarini Chico Fernandez Garbriel Gabino
Andy Mill Henry Hughes Scott Sommerlatte Don Thomas Mauser Fly Fishing Justin Hodge
Arthur Lux Tim Borski Mark White Jesse Males Zarabia Mendivil Rob Munoz
About Tail Fly Fishing Magazine is the voice of saltwater fly fishing in a bimonthly print and digital publication. We focus on delivering high-quality content, the very best photography, destination travel, reputable commentary, and technical features from the saltwater fly fishing culture. Tail Fly Fishing Magazine began as a digital publication in 2012 and debuted as a print magazine in 2016. Combined, the digital and print versions reach readers in more than 45 countries. In many places throughout the world, fly fishing has become important to both people and the environment. As a method of fishing imbued with values of stewardship and conservation, it connects people with the marine world in significant and positive ways. We, the anglers, are the last line of defense for our outdoor spaces. Tail Fly Fishing Magazine supports the arts and creativity, conservation, and organizations that trumpet this message. We’re grateful for your support and we welcome photographic and written contributions. TFFM is published six times annually, and your print subscription includes the digital version. Subscriptions are available through our website. International subscriptions are also available for most countries. Please contact our general mailbox, admin@tailflyfishing.com, with any advertising, subscription, or submission questions.
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TAIL FLY FISHING MAGAZINE 13
CONTENTS 20 24 30 38 46
INSIDE THE BOX - Trey Reid No matter what’s inside your fly box, it’s almost certain that something in it came from a small family-owned business in the landlocked Arkansas Ozarks. Wapsi Fly may not be a household name, but maybe it should be. OVERBOARD - Henry Hughes This issue marks another first for TFFM—a foray into short fiction. We can think of no more talented author to blaze the trail for us than Henry Hughes. Mix a cocktail, settle back in your favorite reading chair, and take the plunge. THE ESSENCE OF TIM BORSKI - Joseph Ballarini You’ve probably fished one of his iconic fly patterns. You might even be fortunate enough to own one of his hand-painted reels. This Greta Garbo of saltwater fly fishing would rather be hunting snakes in the Everglades than giving interviews. TFFM’s Editor-inChief flushes Tim Borski out of tight cover. MAUSER FLY FISHING - TFFM Staff North Carolina is known for many things, including some amazing saltwater fishing along its coast. Thanks to longtime redfish guide John Mauser, the Tar Heel State’s Crystal Coast is also gaining recognition as home to one of the newest entries in the premium fly rod market. PRIMARY RED - Joseph Ballarini The arrival of the autumnal equinox each year renews interest in redfish, which dominate the fall fly fishing landscape as much as the waning daylight hours and cooling water temperatures. Here’s a primer for those venturing into the bullish world of redfish.
14 TAIL FLY FISHING MAGAZINE
50
FLY TYING - Jesse Males The Natty Light is a straightforward redfish fly with an excellent track record of success. The guys at Back Waters Fly Fishing provide easy-to-follow instructions to get you ready for the fall.
54
GEAR GUIDE - TFFM Staff Whether you’re looking for new fishing gear, a close shave, or a way to elevate your barbecue game, this issue’s gear picks will lead you in the right direction.
58 66 74 78
MANGROVE MAGIC - Chico Fernandez Chico is widely known for his numerous fly patterns and casting instruction, but with more than six decades of on-the-water experience, he has lessons to share about multiple aspects of fly fishing. Class is now in session for the ultimate guide to fishing mangrove shorelines. O’IO CHALLENGE - E. Donnall Thomas Jr. Compared to their Albula cousins elsewhere, Hawaiian bonefish present a different set of challenges. But big fish and the satisfaction of meeting those challenges make o’io worth the effort—and sometimes even worth the frustration of frequent refusals. UISGE BEATHA - Mark White In Scots Gaelic, the phrase means “water of life.” It refers, of course, to Scotch whisky. Mark White takes a deep dive into the single malts and blended whiskies of Scotland, explaining the nuances of taste and geography. ROOSTERS OF MAGS BAY - Andy Mill Andy Mill has helped us become better anglers with his insightful technical pieces, but in this issue he’s providing a different kind of inspiration, traveling to Mexico’s Magdalena Bay in search of roosterfish on the fly.
88 92
WAIT FOR WEIGHT - Joe Doggett If you’ve fished for more than a week, you’ve been guilty of a premature hookset. The affliction is acute when faced with sight-fishing situations and topwater action. Joe Doggett feels your pain, and he offers a humorous take on why it happens and what you can do about it. UNDERTOW: SEPTEMBER - George Roberts September 2001 was an inflection point for a nation. Looking back on it 20 years later, George Roberts reveals it was also a personal inflection point, and many things, including a favorite fishing retreat, would never be the same.
TAIL FLY FISHING MAGAZINE 15
Passage of Time IN SEPTEMBER 2011, the country was reliving the horrific tragedy of 9/11 at the 10-year anniversary. I sat with cocktail in hand and remembered watching it unfold in real time on the big screen in my medical school’s student lounge. I remember the emotions and sadness, classmates frantically calling family members who were living in New York City, all while figuring out how to use the cell phone I had just purchased to stay in touch with my own family. THE REALIZATION that I hadn’t done anything with my life hit me like a shovel in the face. Sure, I went to medical school, but if my life ended right then, I would have left nothing behind except a selection of nicely tied saltwater flies, a drum set, and a diploma. THE REFLECTION was not only because of the horrible tragedy, but also how quickly 10 years had passed, and there I was, still on the couch with a cocktail in hand, planning my next fishing trip. I MADE A DECISION to get serious with the woman I was dating (she’s now my wife) and to start a family. I also wanted to do something memorable and leave something that would be around after I wasn’t. That mindset, paired with increasing frustration with trying to find quality information about saltwater fly fishing, is how Tail Fly Fishing Magazine was conceived. IT TOOK US A FULL YEAR to plan and build, but the first issue launched in September 2012. I can’t say that TFFM
16 TAIL FLY FISHING MAGAZINE
— from the editor will be around after I am not, but for now, we can celebrate our nine-year anniversary with Issue 55 (Volume 10, Issue 1). It’s a good time for a heartfelt “thank you” to our readers; you’re the reason we’re here. It’s truly an honor to be able to do this. ISSUE 55 IS SPECIAL for many reasons beyond the milestone. Andy Mill has deviated from his usual technical pieces, contributing a travel feature about his recent experience with roosterfish in Baja California; it’s possibly my favorite of Andy’s contributions thus far. Chico Fernandez is back and takes on the technical stuff with a clinic on how to fish the mangroves. George Roberts’ Undertow is powerful and memorable. Joe Doggett and Don Thomas return with some of their best contributions, and Henry Hughes, who has contributed poetry in the past, provides our first foray into short fiction. I SHOULD ALSO MENTION that Don Thomas and his wife, Lori, won the Ted Trueblood Award for outdoor writing excellence in June. Congratulations, Don and Lori. AS WE TRY to continue raising the bar, I say with pride, this issue is better than the last. I hope you enjoy Number 55.
Joseph Ballarini Editor in Chief
Photography: Capt. Bailey Short & Capt. Greg Moon
THE NEW ICONIC FLY REEL AMERICAN MADE EXCELLENCE HATCHOUTDOORS.COM TAIL FLY FISHING MAGAZINE 17
R E T A I L E R S C A R R Y T A I L
ALASKA Mossy’s Fly Shop 750 W. Diamond Blvd, Suite 114 Anchorage, AK 99515 907-770-2666 mossysflyshop.com CALIFORNIA Bob Marriott’s Fly Fishing Store 2700 W. Orangethorpe Ave Fullerton, CA 92833 714-525-1827 bobmarriottsflyfishingstore. com
The Angling Company 333 Simonton St Key West, FL 33040 305-292-6306 anglingcompany.com The Tide 26 Grouper Hole Drive Boca Grande, FL 33921 941-964-2417 GEORGIA
COLORADO
ORVIS Atlanta Buckhead Square 3255 Peachtree Rd NE Atlanta, GA 30305 404-841-0093 Orvis.com
Front Range Anglers 2344 Pearl Street Boulder, CO 80302 303-494-1375 frontrangeanglers.com
The Fish Hawk 764 Miami Cir NE #126 Atlanta, GA 30305 404-237-3473 thefishhawk.com
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LOUISIANA
The Compleat Angler 541 Boston Post Road Darien, CT 06820 203-655-9400 compleatangleronline.com
Marsh & Bayou Outfitters 2600 Florida St Suite 3 Mandeville, LA 70448 985-869-7335 marshandbayououtfitters.com
FLORIDA
ORVIS Baton Rouge Perkins Rowe, Bldg. H 7601 Bluebonnet Blvd., Ste. 140 Baton Rouge LA 70810 225-757-7286 Orvis.com
239 Flies 3431 Bonita Beach Rd SW Unit #205 Bonita Springs, FL 34134 (239) 908-3513 239flies.com
MARYLAND
Florida Keys Outfitters 81219 Overseas Highway Islamorada, FL 33036 305-664-5432 floridakeysoutfitters.com
Alltackle 2062 Somerville Rd Annapolis, MD 21401 888-810-7283 alltackle.com
Mangrove Outfitters 4111 Tamiami Trail E Naples, FL 34112 239-793-3370 mangroveoutfitters.com
MASSACHUSETTS
Ole Florida Fly Shop 6353 N. Federal Hwy Boca Raton, FL 33487 561-995-1929 olefloridaflyshop.com
The Bear’s Den 34 Robert W. Boyden Rd Taunton, MA 02780 508-977-0700 bearsden.com Kismet Outfitters 204 UPPER MAIN STREET Edgartown, MA 02539 860-944-5225 kismetoutfitters.com
RHODE ISLAND
UTAH
The Saltwater Edge 1037 Aquidneck Ave Middletown, RI 02842 866-793-6733 saltwateredge.com
Fishwest 47 West 10600 South Sandy, UT 84070 fishwest.com 801-617-1225
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WASHINGTON
Bay Street Outfitters 825 Bay Street Beaufort, SC 29902 843-524-5250 baystreetoutfitters.com
Peninsula Outfitters 19740 7th Ave NE, Suite 110 Poulsbo, WA 98370 360-394-1599 peninsulaoutfitters.com
ORVIS Charleston 535 King St. Charleston, SC 29403 (854) 999-4985 Orvis.com
The Avid Angler 17171 Bothell Way NE #A272 Lake Forest Park, WA 98155 206-362-4030 avidangler.com
Southern Drawl Outfitters 1533 Fording Island Rd Hilton Head Island, SC 29926 843-705-6010 southerndrawloutfitters.com
WYOMING
TEXAS Bayou City Angler 3641 Westheimer Rd Suite A Houston, TX 77027 832-831-3104 bayoucityangler.com Gordy & Sons Outfitters 22 Waugh Drive Houston, TX 77007 713-333-3474 gordyandsons.com ORVIS Austin 10000 Research Blvd - B04B Austin TX 78759 512-795-8004 Orvis.com ORVIS Houston 5727 Westheimer - Suite A Houston TX 77057 713-783-2111 Orvis.com ORVIS Plano Preston Towne Crossing 2412 Preston Road Suite 200 Plano, TX 75093 972-596-7529 Orvis.com
Lander Fly Shop 305 Main Street Lander, WY 82520 307-438-3439 landerflyshop.com Retail Chains: Barnes & Noble—630 retail locations in the USA Books-A-Million—260 stores in 32 states Bass Pro Shops—95 locations in the USA Dick’s Sporting Goods (select locations)—over 700 stores in the USA Field & Stream Stores—35 locations in the USA Indigo Books—over 200 stores under various banners BAHAMAS Blackfly Lodge Schooner Bay Abaco, Bahamas 904-997-2220 blackflylodge.com CANADA
ORVIS San Antonio 7427 San Pedro Ave. Suite 104 San Antonio, TX 78216 210-812-3017 Orvis.com
Drift Outfitters & Fly Shop 199 Queen St. East Toronto Ontario M5A-1S2 647-347-7370 Driftoutfitters.com
NEW YORK
Sportsman’s Finest 12434 Bee Cave Road Austin, TX 78738 512-263-1888 sportsmansfinest.com
Fish Tales Fly Shop Ltd. #626, 12100 Macleod Trail SE Calgary AB T2J 7G9 Canada 866-640-1273 fishtalesflyshop.com
ORVIS Sandestin 625 Grand Boulevard Ste 101 Sandestin, FL 32550 850-650-2174 Orvis.com
River Bay Outfitters 980 Church St Baldwin, NY 11510 516-415-7748 riverbayoutfitters.com
Swan Point Landing 1723 Cherry Street Suite 4 Rockport, TX 78382 361-729-7926 swanpointlandingflyshop.net
Seven Mile Fly Shop 1638 Overseas Highway Marathon, FL 33050 (305) 440-3406 sevenmileflyshop.com
NORTH CAROLINA
Tailwaters Fly Fishing Co. 1933 E. Levee St Dallas, TX 75207 888-824-5420 tailwatersflyfishing.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
18 TAIL FLY FISHING MAGAZINE
MONTANA Frontier Anglers 680 N. Montana St Dillion, MT 59725 406-683-5276 frontieranglers.com
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TAIL FLY FISHING MAGAZINE 19
WAPSI FLY: LITTLE COMPANY, BIG IMPACT
20 TAIL FLY FISHING MAGAZINE
by Trey Reid No matter what’s inside your
patterns for GTs in the Seychelles,
hides; and sells more than 2 million
the materials that make up your flies
lead dumbbell eyes (and millions
likely were processed by Wapsi.
of other similar products). Most of
saltwater fly box, there’s a good
Wapsi’s manufacturing processes
chance something in it came from
It’s a bold claim until you consider
require hands-on labor, including the
a small company in the landlocked
the volume of material Wapsi handles
packaging of its various products into
Arkansas Ozarks.
each year. The company, which
the more than 3.5 million zippered
occupies a 65,000-square-foot facility
plastic bags the company uses in a
Wapsi Fly Inc. is the world’s largest
in Mountain Home, Arkansas, sells fly
year. Although Wapsi’s name appears
wholesale supplier of fly tying
tying materials to customers in 35
on some of its products in fly shops,
materials. It’s not a fly production
countries. Each year, Wapsi processes
you’ll never see the company’s logo
company, but whether you’re casting
tons of marabou and sundry other
on the mountains of materials it
crustaceans at redfish on the Gulf
feathers, furs, and fibers; cuts, sorts,
produces for some of the industry’s
Coast or speed-stripping baitfish
and dyes more than 2,000 deer
biggest names.
TAIL FLY FISHING MAGAZINE 21
Lacy Gee of Independence, Iowa,
The Schmueckers shifted production
materials in the dye vats, and the
started Wapsi in 1945. His former
away from tying and toward bulk
shopping carts used by employees
employer, the Wapsi Produce
materials, a move expedited by
who fill orders for Wapsi’s thousands
Company, provided a steady supply
economic forces that pushed most
of customers.
of poultry feathers, and within
production fly tying off of US soil. The
a few years Gee had established
business grew rapidly, but less than a
Most of the processes for turning raw
a solid business on the banks of
decade after resettling in Arkansas,
material into tying material require
the Wapsipinicon River. His 16
a fire destroyed Wapsi’s warehouse
human hands. Wapsi has about 50
employees were tying about 15,000
and severely damaged its offices and
employees at its factory and another
flies a week, mostly for major
finished-products building. Employees
20 who work from home. Today, Karl,
industry players. But even then,
joined forces with community
Joe, and Eric Schmuecker, sons of
tying accounted for just a third
volunteers and industry friends to
Tom and Ann, oversee the company
of Wapsi’s business, with sales of
rebuild and expand.
with several longtime employees.
bulk feathers and other packaged materials comprising the rest.
Wapsi’s product introductions and Just as fly tying requires innovation
innovations have included dyed
and imagination, Wapsi has relied on
grizzly marabou, Mylar cord, Ultra
Tom and Ann Schmuecker, who
creative solutions to develop efficient
Chenille, Sili Legs, lead-free eyes, and
farmed Angus cattle and Plymouth
manufacturing techniques, allowing
many others. Wapsi Fly Inc. continues
barred rock chickens near Amana,
the company to scale production to
to transform a dizzying quantity of
Iowa, sold feathers to Gee. They
meet the world’s fly tying demands.
feathers, furs, and fibers into the
bought the company in 1973 and
A big machine originally made for
ingredients that tiers piece together
moved it to north-central Arkansas
spinning fibers into cigarette filters
to fill fly boxes across the globe.
in 1978, drawn by a warmer climate,
now spins dubbing. The company
new facilities, and good fishing.
uses industrial laundry machines
(Tom Schmuecker says he settled
for dyeing and bleaching hackles
on Mountain Home after placing a
and pelts. Other repurposed tools
cup over a map and tracing a circle
are lower-tech solutions, such as
that included Bull Shoals and Norfork
the spool-winder Tom Schmuecker
lakes, White River, and countless
designed using the rim of a bicycle
Ozark smallmouth streams.)
tire, the boat paddles used to agitate
22 TAIL FLY FISHING MAGAZINE
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 23
OVERBOAR D by Henry Hughes
24 TAIL FLY FISHING MAGAZINE
“If we get some fish and crabs,” Mateo said on the phone, “we’ll make a nice dinner. Just the three of us.” Just the three of us vibrated through me. Before Mateo and Katelyn had become a couple and gotten married, she and I were lovers. Then we suddenly found it hard to talk to each other outside of the bedroom. A month after we broke up, Mateo asked, “Is it cool if I take out Katelyn?” Mateo and I were solid fishing buddies. “Yeah, it’s cool,” I said, wrapping a pinch of polar flash onto a streamer. At first it felt a little weird when we all hung out. But Katelyn and I were getting along again as friends. “You two are great together,” I said one night after a couple drinks—and I meant it—though my mind often returned to moments with Katelyn. Mateo and Katelyn had moved from Oregon to Tucson to take care of Mateo’s ailing mother, who died a year after they arrived. It had been five years since I had seen them, and they mostly emailed and texted, sending photos and holiday greetings. I could see by their guided tarpon trips to Cuba and Costa Rica, their clothes and cars, that they were doing all right. Mateo’s mother left them some money, and they built up a successful Latin American restaurant. Katelyn ran the bar. “Gotta come down for some of that,” I promised her on the phone, sitting alone in my dark house on Christmas. I built decks and fences, but there wasn’t much work in winter. “Maybe you can build us a big house,” Katelyn said. “And we’ll all live together.” Was she serious? Mateo and Katelyn rented a beach house and met me at the ramp parking lot on a chilly October morning. They wore new Simms jackets and shiny high boots with the tops turned down. Katelyn hugged me in my grubby blood- and grease-stained yellow bibs. I could smell her almondy hair falling in soft brown waves from her wool cap. “¿Cómo estás, mi capitán?” Mateo hugged me. His buzz cut brought out the muscles in his jaw and neck. “How’s Loretta? No leaks, ¿hay?” Loretta was my 20-foot yellow-and-green dory named after my grandfather’s first wife. He was a commercial salmon troller who built and ran the boat out of Pacific City. During the golden days of the early 1970s, a single haul of salmon brought a thousand dollars or more. Then Loretta threw him out for drinking. He moved to Newport, sobered up, remarried a dog groomer, and fished for 10 years with declining profits. My father and I also worked Loretta, diversifying with bottom fish but barely making a living. We sold lingcod to Mateo’s family, and the restaurant’s fish tacos became legendary. My father died leaving me bills and Loretta—it’s bad luck to change a boat’s name. Outside the marina, I pushed down the throttle and the flat-bottomed dory planed smoothly across the bay. Katelyn put her hand on my back. “We’ve missed you. How’s work?” “My body’s feeling it.” I rolled my right shoulder and eyed the heavy stack of crab pots. And though I didn’t say it, my spirits also felt battered and low. The ocean’s long leaden swells were parted by a gray whale that blew a heart-shaped fountain of mist. “Oh, wow,” Katelyn sang. “It’s great to be back.” Her dark eyes followed the motions of the sea.
TAIL FLY FISHING MAGAZINE 25
A couple of miles beyond the jetty, I
and we always found it best to use
dance, bow-riding the waves like a
nodded and Mateo tossed over the
different hairs from different deer.
surfer. I remembered him getting
yellow-and-green buoy, paying out
Super-long, wispy strands for the
beaten up in junior high. They called
the nylon line. It was good to be out
body and wag; short, stiff, and curly
him greaseball and wetback. That
with a seasoned hand. “Okay, toss it
hairs for the head. You rarely find
was until he saved that dog from
over,” I said.
that on the same tail. “All kinds of
drowning. He was fishing off the jetty
tail out there,” Mateo would say.
and saw a collie struggling in the
The round pot splashed and quickly
channel. He went in after it, grabbed
sank. “A la mesa, cangrejos,” Mateo
He held the fly and smiled, stepping
its collar, and swam back to the rocks.
rang the dinner bell. We set three
up to the cuddy cabin.
The frantic owner ran down and
traps and turned back toward the inlet.
saw the whole thing; someone took “Just fish from the stern. I’ll swing
video and called the news. At 13, the
you around.”
handsome, heroic Mateo had become
“Looks like you two are doing great,” I
a celebrity.
said. “The restaurant’s taken off, eh?
“I always fished from the bow,”
Must be your mother’s old recipes.”
he insisted. “The wood’s still good,
Mateo made another graceful cast
yeah?”
and instantly charmed a bigger fish.
“It’s my cocktail menu.” Katelyn smiled.
Katelyn netted it. “Solid,” I confirmed, a little annoyed. I had rebuilt the cabin myself.
“Speaking of cocktails,” Mateo
“Hey, look at that,” I pointed. A whale rose and spouted a hundred feet from
unzipped a soft cooler. “We’ve already
Mateo climbed on the yellow, slightly
started. You’re behind. We can make
convex roof. There was no railing, and
you a bloody Mary, a hot spiced
when the boat rocked, he bent his
“Crazy,” Mateo said, hooking what
brandy, or Kate’s café Panama with
knees slightly.
seemed like a much larger fish that
cinnamon and cacao rum.”
bent the rod and took line. “¡Una “You can cast,” I gestured to Katelyn.
“When we get past the Coast Guard
the boat.
bonanza!”
“Grab my rod.”
station,” I grinned, “a bloody Mary
The whale surfaced again. Katelyn
would be great.”
“I’ll just watch for now,” she said.
took a photo. We didn’t notice the
Mateo splashed vodka into two tin
A couple of large commercial fishing
that had passed a minute before. The
cups, followed by a red mix and an
boats left the inlet heading north.
wave slammed Loretta broadside, and
olive, handing one to Katelyn. She
They wouldn’t disturb this action.
Mateo fell off the bow.
took a tiny sip and tucked the cup
We approached slowly, the air sharp
behind the radio on the console.
with crying gulls. Rockfish chased
Mateo downed his with an ahh.
panicked anchovies into tight balls
deep wake of an 80-foot steel dragger
that exploded on the surface. As we approached the jetty, gulls and
“Jesus,” I shouted. He swam awkwardly in his heavy clothes, one hand still gripping the
terns were flocking and dipping, the
Mateo sent out a long cast, stripped,
fly rod. I tossed him a dock line.
surface ripped with the fins and tails
and immediately hooked a fish. “Aw-
He got it, and we pulled him close.
of feeding rockfish. “Here we go,”
right,” I cheered. It was the best I’d
“Take the rod,” he sputtered. Katelyn
I shouted, pointing to a pre-rigged
felt in a while.
grabbed the rod and dropped it on
7-weight rod with a floating line and a bucktail Deceiver.
the deck. “It’s okay now,” I said. “It’s Mateo steered the chunky black
okay, buddy.” No one could climb the
rockfish toward Katelyn, who was
high sides of a dory. We pulled him to
Mateo and I had tied hundreds of
holding the long-handled net. He
the stern’s swimming platform and
salty streamers over the years,
was beaming and doing a little
he stepped on the rung. He grabbed
26 TAIL FLY FISHING MAGAZINE
a cleat, and I hauled him in. He
“I shoulda been watching those
“Business is okay. He works so hard,
collapsed on the deck and laughed. I
waves.” I put my hand on his
but there’s too much competition
cracked up with him.
trembling shoulder.
down there. We’ve had an offer from someone who wants to buy it. A good
“You could’ve died.” Katelyn was not
“You weren’t looking for waves.”
offer. We should take it and start
happy.
Mateo crossed his arms tightly.
again here.”
“I’ll go to the house and get a hot Mateo, still laughing, gasped, “Hey,
shower. You two gotta pull those
“I’d love for you to move back,” I
hey,” pointing to the rod sliding away.
traps.”
said and started the engine. “Let’s
“Reel in that fish!”
make the most of this day. We’ll let “I can handle it,” I said. “No, no,”
those crab pots soak. How about a
Katelyn lifted the rod and reeled
Mateo waved his hands. “It’s a nice
run upriver? Good place for a picnic.
until it arced sharply. “Oh,” she said.
day. Just not for going overboard.”
Whaddya say?”
in the waves. Mateo stood, soaked
Katelyn did not protest. Mateo made
The bay opened in vast mudflats and
and dripping, and picked up the net.
sure he had his keys. His wet phone
marshes dotted with shorebirds and
We all watched a powerful lateral
seemed to work. His words slurred
ducks. As we headed east, the water
run—this was no rockfish—and then
inside a stiffening jaw and his smile
narrowed into a river, the banks
a silver acrobatic leap.
was gone. “Shee yous later,” he
wilder, spiked in dense stands of fir
said, trudging up the dock toward
and cedar. We motored past rotted
Katelyn had some experience fly
the parking lot. I leaned back in the
pilings and the mossy hulk of an old
fishing, but this coho tested her,
pilot’s chair and shook my head. “He’s
trawler. “How old do you think that
shooting under and around the
so crazy sometimes,” Katelyn said.
boat is?” Katelyn asked. “Hard to tell.”
I took Loretta’s helm and righted her
hull, close to the engine shaft,
I turned in for a closer look. “1950s?”
then straight out toward the rocks.
“Seriously, Katelyn. If you want to go
Mateo and I coached. “I got this,”
back with him, I can pull those pots.”
“Think of the stories it could tell.
she shushed us. The salmon seemed
But I hoped she would stay.
Wonder why it was abandoned?”
in leaps and twists beside the boat.
“He was showing off in front of us—
“Wood boats need a lot of work.
Mateo got the net under its head
in front of you. He feels competitive
Loretta would be long gone if we
and lifted just as the fly popped
with you. And he drinks too much.”
didn’t baby her. Dad and I put a new
ready to surrender, only to explode
out. We both hugged Katelyn. Mateo insisted we do a round of shots. The
bottom on her. It’s one of the best “We all drink too much,” I said.
things we did together.”
“He never used to. He spends too
“I wish Mateo had something like
much time at the restaurant.”
that,” Katelyn frowned. “His father
fin-clipped buck coho—about 10 pounds—joined the rockfish on ice. “You’re freezing.” Katelyn cupped her
had a beautiful fishing boat in
hands around Mateo’s shivering face.
“Maybe. But competitive? With
Panama. Then they lost everything
The water was in the low 50s. The
me? What do I got? You got the
with Noriega.”
wind blew through his salty hair.
restaurant, the trips. Look at your
I put the engine in gear and charged
friggin’ rain gear. Does it even rain in
“Really? He’s never talked about his
Tucson? You’re kidding me, right?”
dad with me.”
“That was mostly his mother’s
“He died right after they got to the
money, and it’s gone now.”
States when Mateo was little. I only
for the marina. Mateo huddled under the cuddy, Katelyn beside him. At the dock, Mateo stood up, a bit wobbly. “Sorry, man. I fucked up. I’m not 25 anymore.”
know these things from his mother.” “Gone?” I cut the engine and the boat drifted
TAIL FLY FISHING MAGAZINE 27
gently in the calm water. Katelyn
down with good people. Move back
with a sinking line—the white-and-
mixed a couple of her famous Cosmo
here. It’s not too late for us to have
blue streamer fresh out of the vise.
Canals, and offered a torta stuffed
kids. I’m 31.”
with a spicy guisado and cheese.
“The Husky Jay.” I danced the fly Katelyn called Mateo, but he didn’t
before her eyes. “My grandfather’s
“Delicious,” I said, and we started to
pick up. “I bet he’s sleeping,” she
second wife was a dog groomer.
talk. Life in Tucson, money, marriage,
said. She slipped the phone back into
Sometimes customers complained
the future. I could feel the intimacy
her bag. Out of the wind, under the
about an odd notch missing from
of our old friendship, and something
climbing sun, we felt warm and took
their pooch’s tail. I still have packages
more. “He doesn’t want to have kids,”
off our jackets. Katelyn pulled off her
of that stuff.”
Katelyn said.
black cap and shook out her shining hair.
“Are you serious?”
“You think I need a new bottom?” She
“Yeah. The white tail of an Eskimo
did a slow pirouette and smiled.
dog works great on these streamers.
“Do you?” “I think I do. He doesn’t even want a dog. He wants us to get away and do all these young party swinger things.”
The jay—well, you can thank my “Definitely not,” I said. “She looks
cats.”
sound to me.” “Swinging?” My eyebrows went up. “Well, not exactly.” “Wow.” I tossed down the Cosmo.
Katelyn laughed and started Twenty feet from the boat, a bright
casting. “What are they doing?” She
coho rocketed out of the water.
pointed to a dark boat trolling in the
Then another splashed upstream,
distance.
and another. I thought this might happen. During the tide change
“Probably pulling hoochies through
She finished her drink and opened the
there was a short window, maybe 20
that slot,” I said.
bottle of vodka. “That’s why I was so
minutes, when the fish went crazy.
happy to see you. You’re a solid friend
“Okay, here’s your chance for another
“That sounds naughty.” Katelyn made
to Mateo, to me. I want us to settle
salmon.” I handed her an 8-weight rod
a long cast and started stripping line.
28 TAIL FLY FISHING MAGAZINE
later.” A bolt of silver shot across the
of her chest, her arms squeezing
surface.
me long, a little longer. Everything
She looked at me, knowing it wasn’t
tingled. Then I let her go.
true.
“Try Mateo again,” I said.
“We better check those crab pots.” I
“Yes,” she shouted, her rod bouncing as the salmon took line. It was another good fish, as bright and
reached over to turn the key.
powerful as the ocean buck. After a few runs and leaps, she brought it in,
“Hold on. I like it here.” She put her
and I leaned way over with the net.
hand on the back of my arm. “If I catch another fish—how about that? If I
“Don’t you go overboard on me,” she
catch another salmon, will you promise
said.
to come?” She tilted her head in a way I remembered: soft, warm mornings
I looked back at her and smiled, then
in bed together. Katelyn asking me
turned to the fish. I could see the
to stay, while winter wind and rain
adipose fin: a shining wild hen.
buffeted the small house.
“Let’s skip the picture. I’ll let her go
“Sure,” I smiled.
right here.” I reached down with the needle-nose pliers and popped out
“He’ll be alright by dinner,” she said.
She picked up the rod and started
the Husky Jay.
“You’re gonna join us, right?”
casting.
“That was great,” Katelyn said,
“I’ll see. I’ve got some stuff going on
hugging me. I could feel the swell
TAIL FLY FISHING MAGAZINE 29
E H T
30 TAIL FLY FISHING MAGAZINE
N E C S S E E
I K S R OF TIM BO
“Occasionally, I wear socks.” “I was never a guide.” “I don’t read fishing books; cookbooks are my thing.”
by Joseph Ballarini Nothing about Tim Borski is ordinary, beginning with the ponytail palm that obliquely blocks the entrance to his studio. Ordinary people would have it removed, but Tim jokes about how visitors, particularly his fatherin-law, routinely encourage him to consider taking it down. (He laughs hard telling these stories.) Beyond the tree, inside his studio, you are greeted by an explosion of visuals: recent works; fishing gear, vintage and new, fly and conventional; a shark bouy named “BoBo”; and an incredibly simple fly-tying station with another characteristically Borski item: a freshly tied fly in the vise. Before his art was recognized and became sought after by collectors, Tim Borski was a fly tier. He became popular for his simple, unique, and effective flies, many of which you’ve probably fished. Over the years, the “Borski” designation has been left off of some of his more popular creations, like the Bonefish Critter, Bonefish Slider, Green Zima, Chernobyl Crab, Haystack, and dozens more. He professes that his favorite pattern is the Chernobyl Crab because it catches everything from permit to walleye. Borski
TAIL FLY FISHING MAGAZINE 31
32 TAIL FLY FISHING MAGAZINE
mentions and shares photos he
books. (If you’ll recall, Borski only
has received over the years—from
reads cookbooks.)
remote regions all over the world—of fish with a Chernobyl Crab stuck in
After his first fly, the genie was out
the lip. “It will work on just about
of the bottle.
everything,” he says. Borski began working on his own Borski tied his first fly back in 1986,
patterns based on his observations,
when Frank Oblak, husband of his
strengthened by his very perceptive
then boss, Patty Oblack at the Miami
and analytical eyes. Much like his
Pearl Arts & Crafts Store, shared
approach to painting, every part of
his enthusiasm for fly tying with
the fly mattered and had a specific
Borski. Frank fielded all of Tim’s dumb
purpose. “Good materials are the key
questions and sped the learning
to good flies,” he says. This approach
curve. Tim says he is forever grateful
is obvious in patterns like Borski’s
to them. Being from Wisconsin,
Butterfly and the Borski Craft Fur
Borski was an outdoorsman who
Worm, which uses only one material.
fished and hunted regularly and
The simplicity of his flies makes it
who had fished for many species up
essential to use the highest quality
North—but he had never attempted
materials. “You can’t make good wine
to tie a fly. There was no YouTube in
with shitty grapes,” Borski says.
1986, so locating fly-tying instruction
After gaining modest local popularity
required a trip to the library to find
with his flies and his early paintings,
It didn’t take long for Borski’s observational skills and defiance of convention to pay off.
TAIL FLY FISHING MAGAZINE 33
Borski was invited to fish for tarpon in the Florida Keys by Randy Towe, who owned the Keys fly shop World Class Outfitters. After fishing that day, Towe offered him a job in the shop, which Borski accepted immediately. Living and working in the fly fishing industry in the Florida Keys was a dream come true, an ideal place for an observant and creative person to immerse himself in the environment. Borski fished every day and studied the wildlife, including birds, snakes, insects, and anything else he encountered. He learned much during his time at World Class Outfitters, but two things stood out: First, he wanted to live life on his
34 TAIL FLY FISHING MAGAZINE
terms and use his talent to create his future. Second, relying on his creative talent was absolutely necessary because he was a terrible retail salesman. Tim Borski the artist emerged. His artwork is undeniably Bork, identified with a simple glance, but his approach to the unique quality of his painting seems to be the anchorpoint of his entire life. Every stroke of paint is methodical. I once heard him say that he spends a lot of time making his paintings look like they don’t take a lot of time. I believe he is referring to essence, which is my summation of his approach to art, flies, and any other endeavor he might pursue. Essence appears to be hardwired in Borski, visible in everything he does or has done for the last 35 years. He’s highly observant but also has the ability to analyze and boil these observations down to their essence. His paintings are not realistic, but each captures the essence of the subject, which is why they are so widely received and enjoyed. The same is true of his fly creations. Many fly tiers strive to make the imitation look exactly like the prey. Some refer to this style of fly tying as doll-making, in which features such as castability, weight, how the fly sinks, or how it looks when wet are sacrificed for realism. The most important feature that is overlooked is how the fly looks to a fish when stripped. It didn’t take long for Borski’s observational skills and defiance of convention to pay off. His first commercially produced fly was
TAIL FLY FISHING MAGAZINE 35
the Bonefish Critter, picked up by Umpqua in 1988. Borski’s brain is able to process information, and his artistic ability allows him to create the concept. But his art doesn’t stop there; it is fine-tuned through improvement in the quality of materials, slight changes in colors (Borski is almost fanatical about color), simplification, and testing. Only after a fly has proved itself consistent and effective will he put his name on it. As a fly tier, walking away from a conversation with Tim Borski will help you understand your limitations. It also explains the roughly two dozen commercially available Borski flies you can find today. His methodical approach and ability to capture the essence of subjects have allowed Tim Borski to make his mark on fly fishing, fine art, custom reels, and even boat-making. (He once designed a Creamsicle-colored skiff for a Florida inshore boat manufacturer.) Like his art, he’s distinct, a source of innovation and inspiration for artists and fly tiers— and anybody else who’s looking for essence. Editor’s Note: Thanks to Tim—and to Kevin, Borski’s veiled chameleon, which may have pooped on my computer—for having me over and tolerating the interrogation.
36 TAIL FLY FISHING MAGAZINE
FLY FISH THE EVERGL ADES SCOTT SOMMERL ATTE
TAIL FLY FISHING MAGAZINE 37
MAUSER
FLY FISHING
The Intersection of Passion, Quality, and Detail on North Carolina’s Crystal Coast
38 TAIL FLY FISHING MAGAZINE
by TFFM Staff Swansboro is a quaint little town in eastern North Carolina, situated where the White Oak River flows into the Intracoastal Waterway. First settled in 1730, its historic waterfront is lined with mosscovered live oaks, old wooden shrimp boats, and little gift shops. The town of Swansboro marks the southernmost edge of North Carolina’s “Crystal Coast,” which stretches 85 miles up the Southern Outer Banks all the way to the Cape Lookout National Seashore. Just beyond the downtown waterfront is a maze of salt marsh creeks, lined with spartina grass and oyster mounds, that wind past dune-swept barrier islands and finally spill out of Bogue Inlet into the Atlantic. Redfish, speckled trout, and flounder roam the inshore waters, while just off the beach predators like false albacore, mackerel, and sharks hunt their prey. With year-round fishing opportunities, the Crystal Coast is home to some serious fly anglers. It is also home to Mauser Fly Fishing, a grassroots rod company dedicated to building some of the best fly rods on the market.
TAIL FLY FISHING MAGAZINE 39
“I’ve been fanatical about fish since I was five years old,” Mauser says. “Catching them and studying them was all I ever wanted to do.” John’s passion for the water and fishing led him to the University of North Carolina, where he majored in marine biology and started his career with a public aquarium. “I landed my dream job in my early twenties and thought that was what I would do until I retired,” he says. “We are a group of anglers whose
Among a sea of fly rod manufacturers,
“As I grew older and started a family,
lives are intertwined with the sport
it’s hard to stand out anymore, but
I realized it was not going to pay
of fly fishing,” John Mauser says
there’s something a little different
the bills, so I started guiding part
of his company. “We are extremely
about Mauser. To really understand
time in 2011. The extra income was
passionate about building great fly
Mauser Fly Fishing, you have to
a help, but I found myself juggling a
rods, and we’d do this even if we
understand John and the events that
full-time job and a side hustle poling
never made a cent from it.”
led to the company’s start.
a flats skiff on weekends.”
40 TAIL FLY FISHING MAGAZINE
Things were also changing at work. A
“I started fly fishing as a child and
job that he used to love had begun to
picked it up again in my twenties
leave him unfulfilled.
when I moved to the Crystal Coast,” Mauser says. “By the time I started
“The dynamics of my job changed, my
considering a career change, I had
room for professional growth became
been fly fishing the salt for over
limited, and I realized I probably
ten years and guiding for about five
wouldn’t ever climb the ladder there,”
years. I had a network of amazing
Mauser says. “I was depressed. I
friends in the industry.”
hated going to work every day, and I knew something had to change.”
Mauser’s connections led him to a series of emails and phone calls to
Mauserer considered a turn to
find out if his idea could become a
full-time guiding, but he wanted
reality.
“I sourced the best of everything we could get our hands on,” Mauser says. “I didn’t worry about saving money; I just looked at quality.”
something more: “Something that would challenge me every day, keep
“I knew from the get-go that the rods
me on my toes, and leave me feeling
would be built in Swansboro,” he says,
fulfilled at the end of the day.”
“and that I would have a hand in every single build.”
He decided to start a fly rod company.
His biggest initial hurdle, he says,
TAIL FLY FISHING MAGAZINE 41
But Mauser wasn’t looking for easy; the challenge and the journey were both part of the plan.
was finding an American company
Hand-sanded, high-modulus graphite
to manufacture blanks. Mauser says
blanks; premium flor-grade cork;
the blank is the foundation to a
titanium stripping guides; and Recoil
great rod: No matter how good the
snake guides were all part of the
components are, without a great
equation. “I sourced the best of
foundation, you’ll never have a great
everything we could get our hands
rod.
on,” Mauser says. “I didn’t worry about saving money; I just looked at
“I’m a fisherman, I’m a guide, and I’m
quality.”
a rod builder, but I had no experience rolling blanks,” he says. “I knew from
Mauser Fly Fishing opened in
the start that we would settle for
2017 with the 5-weight through
nothing less than the best with our
12-weight Waterman series. Although
rods, and I really do believe that the
Waterman rods were designed to
company that rolls our blanks for us
withstand the harshest saltwater
is the best there is.”
environments, they are equally at home in freshwater rivers and
Waterman, Mauser’s first fly rod
streams.
series, was designed to meet the
42 TAIL FLY FISHING MAGAZINE
highest standards of experienced fly
Not long after the company’s launch,
anglers. “If we were going to build a
Mauser Fly Fishing participated in
reputation for excellence,” Mauser
its first trade show in its home state
says, “we knew this first rod had to
of North Carolina. “We didn’t sell a
really shine.”
thing,” John says with a laugh. It
was an important reality check: This wasn’t going to be an easy mountain to climb. But Mauser wasn’t looking for easy; the challenge and the journey were both part of the plan. “We knew there was a recipe for success, and if we mixed all the ingredients, and baked them long enough, we’d have something that was worth all the effort.” The recipe for success? “For one, you have to produce a great product. Nothing less than the best in both performance and fit and finish. I’m okay with someone saying they love the rods but can’t afford one yet, but I’m not okay with someone saying that they are average.” A second key ingredient is customer experience, which Mauser says means more than just customer service—it’s building a relationship with every single customer. “I’m constantly talking with anglers at trade shows, on social media, or on the water. People support their friends, so I am out to make friends with every angler I meet—not to make a sale, but to truly build an honest relationship and see how we can help them become better anglers.” The third ingredient is time. “I realize this is a long-term project,” Mauser says. “We are surrounded by giants in this industry, and anglers are loyal to those companies. I don’t expect people to jump aboard our train before they feel confident we are in it for the long run. It’s called aggressive patience: Doing everything you can to build a great product and great relationships with anglers while accepting the fact that it’s going to take time to get there.”
TAIL FLY FISHING MAGAZINE 43
Mauser is also quick to point out that
surprisingly good deal.
the brand owes its success to the huge
to pay our hard-earned money for a rod that was put together with less-
amount of support it has received
After spending some time with
than-desirable attention to detail,
since the beginning. “I owe so much
the Mauser Fly Fishing crew—and
so you will not see anything like that
to the amazing team at Mauser: the
some hands-on time with their
leaving our shop. We not only want
companies that build components for
rods—it’s obvious they take their
you to be excited about how amazing
us, the guides who put our rods to
work seriously. “Our job,” insists
your new rod casts, but we also want
the test, and all the anglers who have
Mauser, “is to create the best fly
you to be extremely proud of the
supported us along the way. I’m in debt
rods possible. Period. We have poured
build quality.”
to everyone who has been a part of
years of experience gained through
this journey, and I appreciate them all
fly fishing and guiding into our rods.
The company takes pride in producing
more than they know.”
When it came to designing our own
high-quality rods, but Mauser is just
equipment, no shortcuts would do—
as serious about customer service
Once Mauser’s Waterman series
nothing less than the best. And we
and about making a positive impact
started gaining attention, the
are proud to be building them right
on the sport. “We believe that having
company moved on to its second
here on the Southern Outer Banks of
a superior product is only part of the
rod family, one focused
equation. The company
on more subtle
that manufactures the
presentations in
product should also
freshwater environments.
have their customer’s
Mauser’s Arete rods are
best interest in mind.
a medium-action series
Our anglers deserve a
built with the trout angler
company that will be
in mind. They’re available
there for them before,
in 3-weight through
during, and after their
6-weight and sport
purchase. If they have a
jadewood reel inserts and
question, we will do our
matching green guide
best to help. If they have
wraps. “Arete is an ancient
an issue, we are going to
Greek concept focused
take care of it. We have
around excellence in all
a reputation to build and
aspects,” Mauser says,
keep, and that starts and
“and we think the rods
ends with how happy our
have earned their name
anglers are. We’re in the
based on how they perform.”
North Carolina, the same place where
business of solving problems and
we put them to the test daily.”
helping people; that will always be
The newest family of rods is Mauser’s
the ideal that fuels us.”
Osmosis series, named after a fish’s
Mauser says that construction
ability to adapt to varying water
quality is just as important as
Mauser says that in the long run,
conditions. “We think anglers will
performance. “We are building
what he really wants is to “use this
be pretty excited about the amount
premium rods, so we want to give
company as a vehicle—something to
of quality packed into our most
them the attention to detail that
help grow the sport, educate anglers,
affordable rod to date,” Mauser says.
they deserve. We are not going to
protect the environment, and help
Indeed, Mauser rods—built in the
send out a high-end rod with sloppy
support fly-fishing charities and
United States with an American-made
thread wraps or misaligned ferrule
conservation organizations. I want
blank, high-end titanium guides, a
dots. When we build these rods, we
to build a legacy with this company,
premium cork grip, a rod tube, and
think about what we would want as
but I want it to be about something
a warranty for under $500—are a
customers. We would be disappointed
much bigger than just fishing rods.”
44 TAIL FLY FISHING MAGAZINE
TAIL FLY FISHING MAGAZINE 45
PRIMARY
RED by Joseph Ballerini Photos by Justin Hodge
46 TAIL FLY FISHING MAGAZINE
By Joseph Ballarini Photos by Justin Hodge
R
edfish may not be
found only in tropical and subtropical
decide to eat, approach with speed
as popular as striped
waters, you’ll find redfish all along
and fury, and just plain attack.
bass or as glamorous as
the Atlantic and Gulf coasts. In South
Fishing redfish isn’t that different
bonefish and tarpon, but
Carolina, the fishery is on all year
from fishing schools of bonefish in
perhaps that should change. Search
long, but it really rocks in the fall.
the Bahamas, except that you won’t
the hashtag #redfish on Instagram
Even better, these nearby redfish are
need to lead them as much. Redfish,
and you’ll discover thousands of
accessible: You don’t need to spend
however, can grow to nearly 100
photos from anglers in the know who
thousands of dollars traveling to try
pounds (about 45 kg) or more; that’s
certainly appreciate the hard-fighting
your hand at angling for them; often
much bigger than any bonefish, and
fish. Many may even contend that
you don’t even need to charter a
redfish that size would likely eat the
redfish are the single best species to
boat.
schoolie bonefish common to the
target on the fly. What makes redfish so special?
Bahamas. That’s a decent size even Redfish eat flies, and they aren’t
by tarpon standards. No wonder
shy about it. In fact, they can be
anglers are waking up to redfish.
First and foremost, this is a
downright aggressive. Unless your
fighting fish with a relatively large
cast is way off the mark and the
It takes about three years for a
distribution. In many cases a short
fish doesn’t see the fly, or you stop
redfish to reach 6 to 8 pounds.
road trip from the Northeast or
stripping, you can get an eat almost
When they’re just over 2 feet long,
Midwest will get you to redfish
every time. Like other targeted
they’re called “bull reds” or “red
waters. Unlike other targeted species
species, redfish will see prey and
bulls.” The largest redfish on record
TAIL FLY FISHING MAGAZINE 47
weighed just over 94 pounds and was
bays, estuaries, and the safety of
effectively by sight—perhaps not as
caught in 1984 near Hatteras Island
mangroves when available. They are
effectively as bonefish and permit
on conventional gear. When you
foragers and feed on the tides in the
but quite well enough to locate
catch and boat redfish, they make
same way as other flats species—
prey. They use a tactile sense most
a distinctive croaking or drumming
except they don’t ever really leave.
when feeding: Their turned-down
sound in their distress—hence their
They go in and out of the protected
mouth allows them to forage by
common name “red drum.” Redfish
area they call home, feeding on
vacuuming (sucking and blowing) or
can live to around 60 years, so
crustaceans or whatever the tide
actually biting the bottom. Near the
respect your elder as you wrestle him
brings. Incoming tides bring food
water’s surface, redfish use changes
up to the skiff.
and baitfish onto the flats, providing
in the light to detect food—which
menu diversity for feeding schools.
probably accounts for the way they
The streamlined redfish’s copper
Small crabs and shrimp become
destroy flies in open water and why
color fades from top to bottom,
more active on an incoming tide,
you should never stop stripping. In
diminishing to white on its belly. On
enticing redfish to feed heavily as the
summer and fall, adult reds feed
its back near its tail, the redfish has
waters rise. The opposite is true for
primarily on crabs, shrimp, and sand
a distinctive black spot (or multiple
outgoing tides: Adult redfish retreat
dollars. By contrast, in spring and
spots) usually surrounded by a yellow
from the skinny water and wait to
winter they feed almost exclusively
or white halo. This evolutionary
feed on whatever bait is carried back
on fish such as menhaden, mullet,
eyespot causes predators to
out with the tide. Both semi-mature
pinfish, sea robin, lizardfish, spot,
confuse the front of a redfish with
reds and mature bulls prefer rocky
Atlantic croaker, small flounder—in
its rear, which gives the redfish an
structures including jetties, bridges,
essence, any small fish they can
opportunity to escape capture. It
channel markers, and oil rigs, where
catch.
is the happy angler who catches a
they find an abundance of food.
glimpse of this characteristic spot,
Channels and deeper areas near flats
Contrary to popular belief—which
like a flag rising out of the water,
are good places to find redfish on
tends to imagine that the challenge
when a redfish is tailing.
outgoing tides.
of saltwater fly fishing is a longdistance cast—when you’re sight
Immature redfish prefer marshes,
48 TAIL FLY FISHING MAGAZINE
Redfish have decent vision and hunt
fishing for redfish, you need to bring
your short game. When redfish
Predators are not accustomed to
of creatures that you could probably
appear they’re almost always very
having prey come toward them and
throw almost anything at them. In
close—sometimes within 10 feet.
will sense unnatural behavior and
the Gulf, spoons are a popular choice
They pop up out of nowhere. This
flee. Never stop moving your fly,
to throw for reds; the Waldner Spoon
accounts for the majority of missed
especially while a fish is chasing it;
Fly is a standard that comes in a
opportunities. When they do pop
here, too, the predator will sense
variety of colors, including those of
up, fire your fly.
your favorite NFL team.
Aim for the nose,
Even more popular
and don’t be
are crab and shrimp
concerned about
patterns. Redfish
spooking them;
will also eat poppers.
they aren’t shy.
Redfish flies tend to
You can plop a fly
be bigger, bulkier, and
6 inches in front
more brightly colored—
of a redfish; you’ll
but muted black crab
spook a few, but
patterns are also
most of the time
popular.
a redfish will nail that fly.
As always, do your homework before
If your first
you head out to
shot is off, don’t
fish. Research the
panic—pick up and throw again. You
unnatural behavior and break off the
destination. Gulf Coast redfish eat
probably didn’t spook the fish. Keep
chase.
slightly differently than do their
throwing until he’s hooked or gone.
South Carolina or Florida brethren— Redfish have a broad palate and will
and therefore behave a little
Just as with other species, avoid
take many different types of flies.
differently as well. Those differences
dragging your fly into the fish.
In fact, they eat such a wide variety
can make or break your outing.
TAIL FLY FISHING MAGAZINE 49
50 TAIL FLY FISHING MAGAZINE
The Natty Light by Jesse Males
When thinking of redfish flies, I often find myself going back to natural materials and old-school color schemes. The Natty Light combines natural and synthetic materials to create a classic-looking fly with some modern twists. Tied to suggest a crab or shrimp, this fly has a great crustaceous look and a solid build that will last fish after fish. This fly works great in many color combinations and has landed fish from Florida to the Carolinas. It’s the other Natty Light.
Materials Hook:
Thread:
Gamakatsu SC15, 1/0. Danville 210 Denier Flat Wax Nylon, brown.
Weight:
Small lead dumbbell.
Eyes:
Commercial shrimp or crab eyes.
Tail:
Arctic fox, tan and orange.
Body:
Cactus Chenille, large, rootbeer.
Flash:
Krystal Flash, black.
Legs:
Rubber or silicone, tier’s choice of color.
Carapace:
Deer body hair, tan or brown.
Underbody: Senyo’s Aqua Veil Chennille, peanut brittle. Adhesive:
Loon UV Clear Fly Finish (thick). TAIL FLY FISHING MAGAZINE 51
1
STEP 1: Place a hook in the vise and lay down a solid thread base. STEP 2: Secure a small lead dumbbell in place on the hook shank.
8
STEP 3: Wrap the thread back to the bend of the hook and tie in
the Cactus Chenille, wrapping a couple of turns around the shank to create a ball at the bend. Tie it off and clip the tag.
2
STEP 4: Tie in two shrimp/crab eyes, fastening them to the sides of the hook shank. (These are homemade sparkle eyes that I really enjoy.)
9
STEP 5: Tie in a few strands of black Krystal Flash. STEP 6: Secure a hefty pinch of tan Arctic fox tail to extend beyond the bend of the hook.
3
STEP 7: Rotate the fly hook-point up and tie in four legs of your choice. For this color combination, I like gold sparkle legs. Trim
10
the ends to about the same length as the Arctic fox. STEP 8: Secure a pinch of orange Arctic fox tail about half the length of the tan fox.
STEP 9: Tie in the Aqua Veil Chenille at the base of the thread
4
wraps and palmer it forward to the lead dumbbell. Tie off and trim the tag.
11a
STEP 10: Cut a beefy pinch of deer body hair and secure it to the underside of the hook shank just behind the lead dumbbell. Do not allow it to spin around the shank. STEP 11: Cut another pinch of deer body hair and secure it to the
5
underside of the shank just forward of the first clump, making
sure it doesn’t spin around the shank. Whip finish the thread and cut it.
11b
STEP 12: Trim the deer hair to suggest the rounded oval shape
of a shrimp or crab. Don’t trim the tips of the first clump of deer hair, but allow them to flow back naturally toward the tail.
6
STEP 13: Flip the fly over and cover the thread wraps with UV resin and zap it with a UV light.
12
It’s as simple as that. This fly will fish for days, and it has all the sweet mojo needed to fool a hungry redfish. Jesse Males can be found on YouTube, Instagram, and Facebook: @backwaterflyfishing. 52 TAIL FLY FISHING MAGAZINE
7
13
WHAT’S NEXT
IS NOW New for 2021 are three high-concept, highly-refined
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TAIL FLY FISHING MAGAZINE 53
GEAR GUIDE 54 TAIL FLY FISHING MAGAZINE
Under Armour Canyon Pants We’re particular about our fishing pants, and these are a welcome addition to our fishing apparel lineup. They offer UPF 30 sun protection, repel water, and dry quickly, and provide great freedom of movement. The stretch-woven fabric is light but tough, wicking sweat and drying faster than we thought possible. The material is salt- and chlorine-resistant to reduce fading and wear, and its stain-resistant finish keeps blood, guts, and dirt from soaking in. But our favorite feature, by far, is the way these pants fit and move. The stretch-woven fabric allows flexibility in all the right places, and the articulated knees further enhance mobility. We put them to the test on a sultry summer day in a kayak and never felt bound up or uncomfortable. The front pockets are big enough to reach in and grab a pack of leaders without contorting your hand into uncomfortable positions; there’s also a narrow pocket for a knife or pliers on the right side. (underarmour.com) $80.00
Cubalaya Fair Chase Reel As if landing a big fish wasn’t difficult enough, Cubalaya offers a click-and-pawl saltwater reel to make it a bit tougher. That’s no typo; you read it correctly—a saltwater click-and-pawl reel for 9- to 12-weight rods that will make your job tougher. It’s aptly named the Fair Chase reel. We were pessimistic about a dragless reel, especially for the large and powerful fish of South Florida, but it performed surprisingly well. Full disclosure: Three big jacks, which represented the first three hookups, popped off while testing this reel in the bay. But after that we were off to the races. Obviously, there are some adjustments to make when surrendering the power and control of a modern sealed drag system. This reel performs as well as the angler wielding it. It’s best suited for anglers with a higher skill level, but anybody can use it. It truly levels the playing field and offers a new way to fish. It won’t be your selection for a tournament, but it offers a new challenge and adds a bit of excitement. Made in Chicago, Illinois. (cubalayaoutfitters.com) $875
TAIL FLY FISHING MAGAZINE 55
Henson Razor The Henson Razor is a new twist on a 120-year-old technology: the double-edge safety razor. Aerospace-quality machining allows for very consistent blade gap and blade exposure—much more precise than other double-edge razors, most of which are cast metal that’s been plated or painted. Less blade exposure means less chatter, less irritation, and a smoother, closer shave. If you’ve never before shaved with a double-edge safety razor, you’ll be astounded at how great a shave you can get from a single blade that costs pennies. If you already use a safety razor, you’ll be amazed at how effortlessly the Henson glides over your face. It feels downright timid, but this razor shaves as close as any we’ve tried. The Henson comes with a 5-pack of Astra blades, but for an extra $10 the company will include a 100-pack. Unless you have a beard of Brillo, you should be able to get six shaves from a single blade, conservatively. On a recent trip to CVS we priced a 4-pack of Dollar Shave Club cartridges at $9.99. Do the math. The Henson will pay for itself quickly and will save you hundreds of dollars per year. Safety razors work best by wet shaving: Toss the canned foam and opt for a mug, brush, and shaving soap or cream. You’ll wish you’d shaved this way from the beginning. (hensonshaving.com) $69.99
Hatch Iconic For 18-plus months there was no real change to the appearance and function of the Hatch Finatic Gen 2. Why would they change a product that was working so well? Yes, they did some limited-edition color selections through the years, but the reel’s basic design went virtually unchanged—until now. The new Iconic (another excellent name) will supplant the Finatic Gen 2, one of the most trusted and widely used reels on the market. The Iconic doesn’t deviate far from its predecessor, remaining so similar that we were dumbfounded. Upon closer inspection, however, you’ll notice stylings like rounded edges, larger and more ergonomic knobs, and a slight closing of the gap between the spool and body of the reel. The biggest changes were in the drag system. Hatch has alleviated the potential for corrosion by adding a watertight housing to the drag system. The Gen 2 was called “bomb-proof,” but the drag system was prone to water intrusion resulting in corrosion. The housing adds some weight in comparison with the Gen 2, but it’s still under 9 ounces, and you likely won’t even notice the difference. If you need “bomb-proof,” upgrade your Finatic to an Iconic. (hatchoutdoors.com) $725
56 TAIL FLY FISHING MAGAZINE
Dickey Smoker We love food here at TFFM, and anything that improves the experience is worthy of mention. The cold smoker is an efficient way to obtain smoked flavor in foods without the time and energy required with a traditional smoker. If you enjoy smoked foods, take note of this compact cold smoker for your grill, because it delivers as advertised. Most smokers we’ve tried for traditional grills have lacked quality and durability. This smoker is made of thick aviation-grade aluminum, and we haven’t been able to burn it up yet. It not only infuses smoky accents to meats and seafood in as little as 30 minutes, but also does it reliably and consistently. It comes with pellets and fire bugs to get it going and is very easy to ignite. We also like that the lighting instructions are online so they can be accessed from mobile devices and customized. Throw your flimsy cold smoker away and try the Dickey Smoker; you probably won’t ever need to buy another one. (dickeysmoker.com) $30
Mauser Osmosis A small rod company in North Carolina is making a solid entry into the crowded pool of fly rod manufacturers. John Mauser, a guide and redfish loyalist, decided to make a rod that would fit the needs of guides and anglers alike. The rod’s appearance is extraordinary, but its strength lies in the taper and build. It boasts a deceptively supple tip with exceptional feel while maintaining butt strength to lift larger fish. We tested the 10-weight on tarpon and jacks and found that it casts well, with a relatively fast action and enough giddy-up to land medium to medium-large tarpon with ease. While some might expect a lower price to imply a lesser rod, this isn’t the case. The guys at Mauser understand that quality matters most, and they’re making a serious play to be the best rod in the mid-range price point. The Osmosis could easily carry an $800 price tag, but instead is offered at just under $500, making it accessible to everyone. We also like that they’re 100 percent US-made. (mauserflyfishing.com) $495
If you have a product you would like to let our audience know about in the TFFM Gear Guide, contact us at admin@tailflyfishing.com. TAIL FLY FISHING MAGAZINE 57
MANGROVE MAGIC The Ultimate Guide to Fishing Shorelines
and helped by a strong outgoing tide,
The Marco Canal runs between the
hadn’t had a strike all morning. But
off my fly reel. The fish was soon
Tamiami Trail and Marco Island and
suddenly, as the fly came out of a
deep into my backing, and it wasn’t
flows into a bay, allowing snook,
wide slough, a large wake followed
stopping.
redfish, and many other species
it for a few feet, then accelerated. I
to come in with the tide to feed.
saw the white mouth open against
I ran behind him along the shoreline,
One day, long before the island was
the dark water, and without much
but the canal’s mangroves and
developed, I was fishing the canal
commotion, a fish slurped the fly.
palmettos presented obstacles, and
from the bank, casting a large,
ran down current, easily peeling line
there was no way around a large
heavily dressed Seaducer to the
I couldn’t really see its size, but when
mangrove I soon encountered. So
opposite mangrove shoreline.
I set the hook, it made a short run
I went in the water to my waist,
and came half out of the water,
walked downcurrent past the
The fly looked good, pushing a
shaking its head. It was the biggest
mangrove roots, and crawled back
wake just below the surface, but I
snook I had ever hooked. It turned,
on land.
58 TAIL FLY FISHING MAGAZINE
by Chico Fernandez
I kept fighting, almost turning it at
The mangrove roots had lots of
one point, but the fish straightened
barnacles and were in deeper water,
its head and continued with the
and the old snook must have known
SHORELINE SELECTION
current. I felt optimistic after
it. He ran straight for the point,
I have been fly fishing mangrove
briefly stopping it; maybe I had a
under the roots, came out on the
shorelines most of my life, and I am
chance. The battle had moved into
other side, and kept running, the
more fascinated with them now than
a more open area, and the tide had
fly line scraping against barnacles
ever. It’s almost up there with sight
dropped to a point where most of
as he ran. I stood there, watching
casting. The mangrove environment,
the mangrove roots were above the
helplessly, as he cut me off on the
the variety of vegetation, the birds,
waterline, reducing the danger of the
line’s fat belly.
the different gamefish—these spots
snook tangling my line.
snook as big. But I’m still trying.
are magical places to fish. I remember it like it was yesterday,
We came to an area where the
standing there immobile. The fish
Many anglers think of blind casting
shoreline made a point that
was well over 30 pounds, and now,
when they think of fly fishing
extended a few feet into deep water.
50 years later, I’ve never hooked a
shorelines, but if you do it right,
TAIL FLY FISHING MAGAZINE 59
you’re constantly looking for the next place to put the fly. It could be deep into a slough, beside a fallen tree, over a sunken log, or near feeding birds. During low stages of the tide, you might even find yourself sight casting to a snook or redfish. So if you’re just casually blind casting, you’re not correctly fishing a shoreline. With miles of mangrove shorelines to fish, the biggest problem is that it all looks good and fishy, and a lot of it isn’t. Some areas never seem to hold fish, and the spots that do harbor fish are dependent on a variety of factors, including the stage of the tide, water clarity, water temperature, and more. You may have a great day on a particular section of shoreline, but the next week it’s barren.
60 TAIL FLY FISHING MAGAZINE
SO HOW DO YOU SELECT A SECTION OF SHORELINE? “Generally, I avoid sections of straight shoreline,”says Captain Rob Muñoz, with whom I’ve fished countless miles of mangrove shorelines in the past few years. “Instead, I look for broken shorelines, with deep indentations and points that extend out into the open water. That type of shoreline will hold more
Water quality also makes a difference. I like off-color water. Gin-clear water is fine, too, but the fish will be more difficult to approach and more selective about the fly. (Clear water calls for longer casts.) If the water is extremely muddy, with almost no visibility, I move on. Once you’ve selected a nice area, fish it hard. Don’t just make a few casts and run to a new spot when you
fish.”
don’t immediately get a strike; you’ll
I also like a shoreline that has lots
and you can’t catch fish when your
of fallen trees and big branches in the water. Snook, redfish, and many other species love those areas. Schools of baitfish are a powerful attractor for gamefish, so I put in extra time in areas where I find them, even if I don’t see any feeding fish right away.
end up running more than fishing, fly is in the boat. Part of the fun is hunting for the area that’s holding fish. Believe me, after a lifetime of fishing, I find that there is no magic. Like sight casting, fishing shorelines requires lots of poling to cover lots of water.
Pole an area at different stages of
structure you see in deep enough
usually signifies that current
the tide, and at different times of
water should be covered with several
frequently runs there. You’re also
year. You’ll be surprised how many
casts all around it.
aware of just how deep you’re fishing,
more fish you’ll catch by following this advice.
FISHING A SHORELINE
which is harder to judge if the water “If I find a place where the current
is off-color.
splits right and left on an island or key, the area usually holds bait and
An electric motor makes constant
Don’t approach your mangrove
therefore gamefish,” Muñoz says.
noise, the pitch changing as you
shoreline with the engine. It
“Work the upcurrent side, close to the
change the speed. But it has its
spooks fish—usually the larger fish,
actual split.
place. In rivers and canal shorelines,
sometimes all the fish—and the
where the skiff may be in much
snook and reds that don’t spook are
“A mangrove point that extends way
deeper water, and often with a strong
less likely to take a fly. Instead, stop
out in front of the shoreline is a good
current, the electric is ideal.
at a distance and pole in. This also
place—better yet if there is water
gives the caster time to take a sip
flowing through it. In such places the
CONSIDER THE TIDES
of water, get ready, and make a few
fish will be facing the tide and on the
The tide controls the water depth
practice casts. When you get there
upcurrent side.”
on the shoreline, and it’s usually the
quietly, the place is undisturbed. The difference is huge.
TO POLE OR NOT TO POLE
most important factor. It’s vital to check the tide for the area you plan
The best way to work a shoreline is
to fish. But keep in mind that time of
Even if the area you selected is a
by poling. First, you can pole a skiff
year, moon phase, and wind direction
good one, there are certain places
very quietly. While doing so, you also
can also influence tides.
that are more likely to have fish. A
are feeling the bottom to see if it’s
deep slough is a great place to cast,
soft or hard, raising awareness of
When the water is too high, it
and even better if it happens to
everything that’s going on around
can flood many yards back into
have some water coming out. Any
you. A hard bottom, for example,
the mangroves, resulting in the
TAIL FLY FISHING MAGAZINE 61
bait moving back in the “woods”
Flood tide and dead low tide, which
redfish come off of structure to take
for protection and the gamefish
have little or no water movement,
a fly after several casts without a
following. No matter how close you
usually have the least feeding
strike.
cast to the edge of the flooded
activity. A great time to have lunch,
mangroves, your fly won’t be close
or move to another spot.
enough to the fish. Strikes are unlikely; generally, don’t fish a flooded shoreline.
STRUCTURE AND TEMPERATURE
You may see areas a few yards from the shoreline where water depth drops abruptly, especially during lower stages of the tide. The darker
While poling a shoreline, you’ll find
color is very noticeable. Keeping
When the tide starts to recede,
many different types of structure,
the skiff at a prudent distance, and
however, it will eventually force the
from fallen trees and branches to
preferably with a long leader, cast
baitfish out into the open, attracting
sunken logs, old fish traps, and
the fly a few feet past the darker
predators again. By mid falling tide,
other debris. All of these can attract
dropoff, and then retrieve, letting the
you’ll have periods of stronger water
gamefish, especially snook.
fly enter the dark deep water. Let the
movement, typically the most active in the shorelines.
fly settle a few seconds in the deeper Always approach these structures
water, and then retrieve.
as carefully and quietly as you do a When the tide is too low, the water
fish on the flats. A sloppy approach,
During the hottest summer days,
will be too shallow for gamefish to
especially getting too close, will spook
fish tend to look for lighter-colored
stay in or close to the mangrove, so
fish. Smaller fish will sometimes put
bottoms, where the water is cooler,
they’ll move out into open water and
up with sloppiness, but the bigger,
but during the coldest winter days,
wait for baitfish to be forced out.
wiser fish will not.
the darker bottoms will be warmer. It
This is one of the best conditions
can make a difference.
to fish the shoreline (depending on
Don’t be satisfied with one good
the particular shoreline, this could
cast, especially if the structure is in a
WATCH THE BIRDS
happen at mid or low outgoing tide).
few feet of water. Cast all around it.
When you come across birds feeding
And if the fly isn’t weighted heavily,
at the edge of mangroves, they
Lower stages of the tide are also
make sure you let it settle a few
may be feeding on the same prey as
when you’re most likely to sight cast
seconds, preferably until it’s out of
the gamefish. It could be a couple
to gamefish. It also provides the best
sight, before starting the retrieve. If
of birds or a few dozen—if they’re
chance to land a big snook since he
the water is clear with good visibility,
actively moving along the shoreline,
can’t get in the mangroves, which are
try a popper and ring the dinner bell.
they’re probably feeding. Don’t be
mostly out of water.
Many times I’ve seen a big snook or
discouraged if you don’t see fish
62 TAIL FLY FISHING MAGAZINE
crashing the bait. Stop and work
WHAT’S IN THE BOX?
these days. Solid black or black with
the area. Fish do not crash bait
Now let’s talk flies. The gamefish in
a purple head are the best, but I also
continuously; they attack for a few
the mangrove world feed mostly on
like it in tan with an orange head and
seconds or minutes, then retreat,
baitfish, shrimp, and crabs. But the
white with a red head.
then return. If the birds are high in
crab patterns are limited to certain
the trees, they’re not feeding; don’t
conditions, so that leaves baitfish
Enrico Puglisi’s baitfish patterns are
bother stopping.
and shrimp.
great in clear water because they’re
PRECISION PRESENTATION
If I know the area I’m fishing has
green, tan, or black backs. All black or
mostly snook, I use a baitfish pattern.
black with a purple head are great,
Presentation is more important than
If it has mainly redfish, I use a shrimp
too.
fly pattern. If you can make a good
pattern. But generally it has both,
presentation to a fish, especially on
with sea trout, baby tarpon, triple
Tim Borski’s Chernobyl patterns, in
the first cast, that’s magic.
tail, and others, so I carry a lot of
tan or orange, are also favorites,
flies.
while Clousers are great for going
so realistic. I like white flies with
Unlike sight casting on the flats,
deep. I prefer the classic white and
where you have little time to make
I use the same patterns on the
a cast to a fish that can come from
shoreline as I use for reds and snook
anywhere, shoreline fishing generally
on the flats. But because I’m not
Surface poppers are a great dinner
gives you time to make a cast into a
casting directly to a fish, and the fly
bell for spectacular strikes, but if the
slough or over sunken structure. But
may be farther away when a fish sees
water is clear and shallow and you
the cast usually requires accuracy. It
it, I tend to use a bit larger fly, often
don’t want to make too much noise,
also necessitates good loop control
in No. 1, and even 1/0 in the northern
use a slider—snook and baby tarpon
to deliver flies under low-hanging
Everglades, where snook and reds can
love it.
limbs, into tight spots, and way back
be bigger.
in sloughs.
chartreuse or solid black.
When fishing areas with lots of I like Seaducers in white and grizzly,
floating weeds, it’s practically
It requires practice on land and time
yellow and grizzly, chartreuse and
impossible to move the fly without
on the water. Practice casting with
grizzly, and black.
getting grass on the hook, so weed
a 10-foot leader, a bite tippet, and a
guards can be valuable. Weed guards
fly with the hook point and bend cut
Marabou Madness is my own pattern
also prevent flies from getting stuck
off. Practice short, medium, and long
and is basically a Seaducer tied with
on the mangroves. Stiff mono or
casts. Make sure the fly is turning over.
marabou. It’s probably my favorite fly
even a wire guard is easy enough for
TAIL FLY FISHING MAGAZINE 63
a fish’s powerful jaws to press down.
Anyway, it’s not all short casts.
A regular saltwater floating line,
I think it’s worth the price of a few
And these days, with more fishing
same as you’d use in the flats, is all
missed strikes to have a fly that
pressure, it’s more long casts than
you need. Longer heads are better
snags fewer mangroves and easily
short. Clear and shallow water means
for medium and long casts, while
deflects floating grass. If I’m fishing
mostly long casts. So forget the short
shorter heads are better for medium
an open flat or there aren’t floating
rod for most shoreline fishing and
to short casts. These days, I often
weeds, I’ll forego the weed guard, but
take your 9-footer.
reach for a clear floating line. Beware
I use it when I need it.
RODS, REELS, LINES, AND LEADERS
that accuracy can suffer because There are exceptions. Fishing way
it’s harder to see the line in the air.
back into the Glades, you find areas
Try using it with larger flies that are
where there’s barely room for a back
easier to see.
I often hear anglers say fly fishing
cast, and most casts are short. In
shorelines is mostly about short
these cases an 8- to 8 1/2-foot rod is
My everyday leader for shorelines
casts, so short rods and short leaders
a good tool.
runs from 10 feet to 12 feet in very
are best. Not true.
clear water. Short leaders will often A 7- or 8-weight rod will easily cast
spook fish that are lying a few feet
Mangrove shorelines aren’t straight.
all the flies you’re likely to use, plus a
off the shore.
As you move down a shoreline, you
bite tippet, yet have the backbone to
may be 50 feet away from it, but
pull out a snook. If there aren’t that
I like 30-pound fluorocarbon for bite
when a long mangrove point juts out
many obstructions, and especially
tippet. Its thinner and harder for fish
15 feet, you’re now 35 feet from the
if the reds and snook are getting
to see and produces more strikes
target. A deep slough may cut into
difficult, I will gladly go to a 6-weight.
than my old choice of 40-pound clear
the shoreline 20 feet, turning 50 feet
Besides, it’s so much fun.
monofilament. It also provides good
into 70 feet. A sunken log may rest
abrasion resistance. Its only downside
20 feet off the bank, requiring a cast
I use the lightest reel that balances
is that fluorocarbon sinks faster and
of 30 feet. It makes for challenging
the outfit comfortably in my hand.
often ruins the action with surface
yet interesting casting.
I love an outfit that feels one size
flies. In this case, a mono bite tippet
lighter than it is.
is better.
64 TAIL FLY FISHING MAGAZINE
TAIL FLY FISHING MAGAZINE 65
O’io Challenge
HAWAIIAN BONEFISH ARE DIFFERENT by E. Donnall Thomas Jr.
As I bided my time, I decided to check
those bigger yet (usually true giant
my tackle and loosen my casting arm
trevally) are ulua. The determined
Wind and current had deposited a
by sending my fly across the sand
runs my little papio produced only
layer of silt against the margin of
channel running through the reef. I
served to remind me how formidable
the ancient rock wall. After slogging
neither expected nor hoped to catch
larger trevally can be on the end of a
through the muck for several
any fish this way, since I have always
fly line.
hundred yards, the feel of firm sand
regarded blind casting to bonefish
beneath my feet was welcoming.
as equivalent to dancing with your
By the time I’d finished releasing
Low tide was still two hours away,
cousin. Nonetheless, the second cast
the fish and checking my leader
and after pushing water for another
produced a vigorous strike. Even
for abrasions, the sun had burned
half-mile, my legs told me it was
though cloud cover prevented visual
through the scud overhead, revealing
time for a break. The edge of the reef
identification, its behavior when
a complex tableau where there had
offered nowhere to sit, so leaning
hooked told me at once that the fish
been nothing but dull glare earlier.
against the support of my trekking
was a papio.
Coral heads dotted the bottom, while
pole was the best I could do. I had
breakers shattered into countless
yet to start fishing—morning clouds
Multiple species of trevally inhabit
fragments as they swept across
off the mountains still obscured the
inshore Hawaiian waters, and local
the reef. A turtle head bobbed up
sun, and there was too much water
vernacular classifies them by size
in the channel, and moments later
on the flat to reveal tailing fish. None
rather than species. The panfish-
its owner glided by gracefully. I
of this came as a surprise. Exertion
sized specimens like the one on the
welcomed a shark’s dorsal fin as a
and downtime are two essential
end of my line are papio; bigger
sign of an active flat, even though
components of the Hawaiian flats-
ones below the 15-pound range
the blacktip was big enough to make
fishing experience.
(usually bluefin trevally) are omilu;
me keep track of its location. After
66 TAIL FLY FISHING MAGAZINE
identifying a stable coral head, I
edge of the channel. Confident of its
With luck, it would run inshore onto
posted up on top of it and began to
course, I picked a patch of bare white
the sand, in which case I’d stand
study the sand channel in front of
sand 20 feet ahead of it, dropped
an excellent chance of landing it.
me for bonefish working against the
the fly in its center, and let it settle.
Instead, the fish did the next-best
last of the ebb.
As the fish approached, I gave it a
thing and ran straight down the sand
timid twitch with my line hand, and
channel toward the coral reef. Having
Suddenly, there was the fish—an
the bone turned and pounced. My
broken off my share of bonefish in
o’io, the delightfully consonant-free
strip set came up against soft but
these circumstances over the years,
Hawaiian name for bonefish. The use
solid resistance, and the explosion
it was time for me to abandon
of the singular form is deliberate,
that followed shattered the flat’s
convention and fight the fish with
for in contrast to their counterparts
tranquility.
a counterintuitive technique my
elsewhere, Hawaiian bones are
friends and I developed for just this
usually solitary. Even at low tide, the
As my line cut a hissing arc through
situation.
water was deep enough that I might
the water, I faced two crucial tasks.
have had trouble spotting it when
The first was to coax the loops of
Let me introduce our “Run and Gun”
I began to fish these waters years
line floating at my feet through the
method with a thought experiment.
earlier, but now its broad shoulders
guides without throwing a half hitch
Pick up a piece of 2-pound tippet
seemed obvious against the light
around the rod butt. The second was
between the thumb and forefinger
background even though it was well
to tighten my drag to the exact spot
of one hand. Now try to break it
beyond casting range.
that would provide the maximum
without using your other hand. It
pressure my leader would tolerate.
can’t be done, because breaking a line
The fish was cruising methodically
With those obligations accomplished,
requires that it be taut, and that in
along the coral that marked the
the rest was up to the fish.
turn requires resistance from both
TAIL FLY FISHING MAGAZINE 67
ends. Fish break off on coral because
contact with the soft, vital resistance
tension from the drag provides
of the fish.
something to pull against. Take that
OYEZ, OYEZ, O’IO It was my longbow rather than my fly rod that first brought me to the
resistance away and strange things
When the line stopped running, I began
start to happen.
Islands four decades earlier. The
to follow it through the coral heads like
ocean flats I passed every day looked
Hansel and Gretel following their trail When it became obvious that
inviting but formidable. When I asked
of breadcrumbs through the forest,
the fish was going to reach the
our local Hawaiian friends about
repeatedly bending down and picking
coral, I backed my drag off nearly
bonefish, they assured me they were
the line free from the coral’s grasp. I
to freespool, palming the reel
present but in water too deep to
finally reached an open sandy area,
just enough to prevent backlash.
fish with a fly. I believed them longer
and there was the fish, which I landed
A hundred yards of backing
than I should have. Then one day I
easily after one more run. It hadn’t
disappeared in less time than it
was snorkeling just outside the reef
stopped because my drag pressured
takes to tell. I repeatedly felt the
when a pair of long, silver shapes
him, but because it had just completed
line touch resistance from coral,
glided by looking just like bonefish—
an Olympic-class sprint and didn’t have
but it didn’t break, and I never lost
only bigger. It marked the end of my
any gas left in the tank.
indifference.
68 TAIL FLY FISHING MAGAZINE
By that time I’d had a considerable amount of experience with bonefish elsewhere, from the Caribbean to Christmas Island. The first day I girded up my loins and set off across a Hawaiian flat with my fly rod, I realized that I was facing a different environment. The water was deeper than what I was accustomed to, and I had trouble seeing fish. But after a couple of frustrating days, I spotted a big o’io cruising toward me, and when I dropped a crab pattern in front of its nose, it picked it up. The 10-pound fish was hooked, and as backing evaporated from my reel, so was I, even though the day’s score wound up 1-0 in favor of the bonefish. The longer I kept at it, the more I realized how many ways these fish and their pursuit differed from what I already knew, beginning with the biology. Bonefish taxonomy has gone through an upheaval recently as scientists recognized the familiar Atlantic Albula vulpes actually includes four distinct species, with another half dozen in the Pacific, two of which, A. glossodonta, commonly known as the round jaw, and A. virigata, the sharp jaw, inhabit Hawaiian waters. While the two are actually quite easy to distinguish based on the ventral contour of the jaw, the distinction is largely academic since there is no difference between them on the end of a line. Since the sharp jaw prefers deeper water, however, the round jaw predominates on the flats. On average it is the slightly larger of the two, although Pacific bones of any given length weigh a bit more than their Atlantic counterparts. Except for certain parts of the
TAIL FLY FISHING MAGAZINE 69
Bahamas, in all the waters I’d fished previously a 5-pound bone was a nice fish, an 8-pounder exceptional, and anything in double digits the fish of a trip if not a lifetime. In Hawaii, one can advance that arbitrary scale one full stop. While I’m not going to make any claims about 20-pound bonefish until I’ve seen one weighed on a reliable scale, I’ve hooked and lost a few that would have come close. In the Caribbean, a well-presented fly can reasonably be expected to draw a strike, but here stubborn refusals are the rule rather than the exception. I find nothing more frustrating than watching a double-digit bone follow a fly right up to my rod tip until I run out of line to strip—a regular occurrence on Hawaiian flats. While this sounds like the kind of problem that the right fly should be able to solve, it turns out to be a bit more complicated. My Hawaiian fishing partners and I tie our own flies, and we have exhausted hours of time and mountains of material searching for a pattern that will reliably turn refusals into strikes. Had we found such a panacea, I would now be describing it. One keeps at it because of the days when good casts do produce strikes, for reasons known only to the fish. The issue reminds me of calling elk into bow range. If the bull is in the right mood, almost any noise that sounds remotely like an elk can bring him stomping into your lap—but if he isn’t, the best calling in the world won’t budge him. Hence my admittedly cynical conclusion about the way Hawaiian bonefish respond to flies: On the good days, they’ll hit anything, and on the bad days, they won’t hit anything. You still must tie something to your
70 TAIL FLY FISHING MAGAZINE
leader, and starting out big usually
important than choice of flies, and
helps. In most situations, I overlook
once again, it’s different. Despite
the size 6s and 8s that serve me well
the problem of refusals, I’ve seldom
elsewhere, although I always carry a
seen convincing evidence of leader-
few in case of repeated refusals on
shyness. Because of the size of the
larger flies. While the sampling data
fish and abundance of underwater
suggest that round jaws favor crabs
obstructions, I routinely begin with
in their diet, my usual starting point
a 10-kilogram tippet, although I’m
is a large shrimp imitation. Because
always ready to go lighter if the fish
of the water depth, I like weighted
seem unusually spooky. Elsewhere,
eyes so the fly will sink quickly to the
I was often happy with 7-weight
fish. But I also carry smaller, lighter
gear and never fished with anything
flies for those exceptionally calm
heavier than an 8-weight unless
mornings when the water looks like
there was a possibility of running
glass and the plop of a heavy fly will
into something bigger than bonefish.
blow fish right off the flats. Since
Hawaiian bones are so big and
I occasionally find fish tailing right
powerful that I consider a 9-weight
on top of the coral, I carry a few
minimal, and I always overline my rod
“weedless” patterns as well.
by at least one weight for improved control in wind. Standard bonefish
I always change flies after two
hooks just aren’t strong enough, as
consecutive refusals. Something
my souvenir collection of broken flies
smaller, something brighter, a
attests. I now address that problem
different color—there’s not a lot of
with Gamakatsu SC17 tarpon hooks
science involved. Even though my
with barbs crimped down.
friends dismiss the idea, I have had Merkin-style crab patterns turn my
While I had dealt with wind elsewhere
day around more than once.
and could handle it reasonably well, the easterly trades start at 15 knots
Choice of tackle is likely more
Don’s Aloha Shrimp
Hook: Gamakatsu SC 17 Thread: Orange
Tail: Orange silicone legs Body: Orange thread
Hackle: Dense red fox fur
Legs: Tan and black silicone
Eyes: Silver or black bead chain
and rise considerably from there.
TAIL FLY FISHING MAGAZINE 71
Despite the casting challenges they
For me, the allure of Hawaiian flats
Bothersome as that may seem,
create, they can also be an angler’s
is derived from two factors: the
attempts to impose outside values
friend. Since wind rather than tide
satisfaction of meeting challenges
upon local indigenous communities
usually determines the direction of
and big bonefish. As they exceed a
seldom end well for anyone. While
current flow, mornings usually allow
weight of around 8 pounds, bones
fly rod anglers have a role to play
you to cast downwind to fish feeding
become qualitatively different fish,
in discussions of wiser fisheries
toward you with the sunlight at your
faster and more powerful than
management, such decisions
back. Furthermore, some surface
anything else inhabiting inshore
ultimately belong to those who
chop makes the fish less likely to
waters. Even when I’m lucky enough
live there. While we may consider a
spook.
to find one in open water surrounded
bonefish more valuable in the water
by nothing but sand, I seldom feel
than in a poke bowl, that realization
All of Hawaii’s major islands have
in control of the fight. Catching a
is best arrived at locally.
bonefish. Oahu’s are the most
number of 3-pound fish under ideal
extensive, offering lots of good
conditions in the Caribbean is lots
No doubt my own attitudes have
water and terrain that’s easier to
of fun and I would never disparage
been shaped by the years I spent
fish than much of
providing medical
what I’ve described. A
care to native
number of good guides
communities
operate there. While
in Montana,
I have always been
but I cannot
a DIY outdoorsman,
overemphasize
engaging a guide with
the importance of
a boat can certainly
respecting local
extend your range and
sensibilities. If I find
be a tremendous help
local families at a
to anglers new to the
spot I meant to fish,
islands.
I go somewhere else. I avoid culturally sensitive sites
CHALLENGE ACCEPTED
like fishponds and heiaus unless
Perhaps the time has come to ask
the experience, but bowhunting
accompanied by native friends.
the essential question: Why bother
dangerous game is the only activity
When visiting anglers ignore these
with all these difficulties when
I know that approaches the
simple principles, resentment and
there are so many easier places to
excitement level of hooking a double-
antagonism invariably result, all of
pursue bonefish? There are certainly
digit bonefish next to a Hawaiian
which could easily lead to reaction
elements of classical Caribbean
reef.
like recent developments in the
flats angling that I miss in Hawaii—
Bahamas. Supporting creation of a
skinny water, schools of tailing fish,
This piece would not be complete
nonresident saltwater fishing license
a high ratio of hook-ups to casts,
without a few environmental and
with revenues earmarked for a
other “Grand Slam” species, and
cultural observations. While the
worthy local cause makes a lot more
conch fritters, among others. This
islands are indeed the great mid-
sense.
is graduate-school flats fishing that
Pacific melting pot, the native
can be frustrating for novices. I have
Hawaiian community remains robust
With that editorializing behind us, it’s
hosted visiting friends who have
and vibrant. O’io play an important
time to gear up strong, perfect your
given up after spending a day or two
role in traditional Hawaiian culture
double-haul, and go tackle one of the
unable to see fish or manage a fly
and cuisine, and some locals still
most challenging and rewarding fish
line in constant wind.
net them for subsistence use.
in the sea.
72 TAIL FLY FISHING MAGAZINE
A fly fisherman’s obsession, sight-fishing Southern California’s shallow surf for the elusive corbina. by Al Quattrocchi
This long-anticipated, 116 page, full color book on one of California’s most misunderstood shallow surf species is now available. Corbina inhabit the shallow surf in the early summer months along California’s most pristine beaches. They can be one of California’s most difficult species to catch on fly and most highly-prized saltwater trophy for any saltwater fly angler.
Order your copy online at:
love2flyfishmedia.com Only $24.95 / softbound. Published by Love2FlyFish Media, 2020 TAIL FLY FISHING MAGAZINE 73
Uisge Beatha:
Single Malts and Blended Whiskies of Scotland by Mark White
Scotland regards itself as the home of whisky, and 90 percent of that whisky is shipped around the world. Nevertheless, whisky’s beginnings were humble. It is pretty much accepted wisdom that the Irish were the first makers of whisky in the sixth century AD; when the monks headed to Scotland to convert their pagan neighbors to
74 TAIL FLY FISHING MAGAZINE
Christianity, they took the secrets of
Regardless of its origin, today’s
whisky making with them. Although
whisky is made within very strict
they had no real interest in this new
confines. For a whisky to qualify as
religion, the Scots were certainly
a Scotch whisky it must be made
interested in the art of distillation.
in Scotland. It must be aged in oak casks for a minimum of three years
Scots, however, claim they had
and a day; single-malt whiskies are
already developed the secrets of
generally aged much longer—up to
making whisky long before the Irish
20 years.
missionaries arrived. Ancient cattle drovers, they say, would boil up their
Some view whisky as nothing more
porridge wherever they went. Any
than distilled beer—the fermentation
leftovers would be boiled again and
of barley, water, and yeast. Others,
again, giving rise to a whisky-like
though, consider whisky to be
brew.
something much more—in Scots Gaelic, uisge beatha: the water of
To this very day a discussion of the
life.
true origins of whisky results in a lively conversation between the Scots
Not all Scottish whiskies are the
and the Irish.
same. There are 120 distilleries in four main whisky-producing
regions, and each region has its own
The final flavor of a whisky is
the whisky-producing regions, and
personality. (Speyside and the islands
determined more by the equipment
these whiskies vary widely. You might
are not officially recognized whisky-
and the methods used to produce it
detect a slight whiff of smokiness
producing regions in their own
than by where it is produced; still,
with a sweet start and a dry finish.
right. They are actually considered
a geographical overview may be
Some are lighter-bodied with a spicy
a subdivision of the Highlands. For
helpful.
character and a dry finish. Some may
the purposes of this article, however, we will consider them separately.)
even have a trace of saltiness. The Highlands is the largest of all
TAIL FLY FISHING MAGAZINE 75
If you are looking for a rich, sherry-
Campbeltown single malts are very
Scottish malt whisky from the
flavored malt or one with more
distinctive. They tend to be full-
Glenmore distilleries in Inverness.
complex, light, floral tones, then
bodied and are renowned for their
Falling short of his goal to reach the
those from the Speyside region
depth of flavor and for their slightly
South Pole, he sailed back to England,
may be your choice. These malts
salty finish. You may even pick up a
leaving three cases of whisky buried
are essentially sweet whiskies,
hint of peat similar to that found in
in the ice at his expedition hut.
although some can have a little
the Islay malts.
Over 100 years later two cases
peaty character with a slight whiff of smoke.
were uncovered by the New Zealand These whisky regions may be known
Antarctic Heritage Trust. Master
for their single malts, but most of
Blender Richard Paterson carefully
The islands—Mull, Skye, Orkney,
their output becomes blended whisky
and painstakingly analyzed this
Arran, Jura, and Lewis—produce
as well, with only about five percent
whisky over a period of several
malts that have a coastal feel to
of distilleries’ volume being bottled
months, recreating the original blend.
them. They are slightly more peaty
and sold as their own single malts;
than most Highland malts and
the remaining 95 percent heads
Scotland may be considered the
generally softer and sweeter than
to the blending industry, where
home of whisky, but Scotch is being
their cousins from Islay.
it’s blended with at least 50 other
made in other countries as well—
whiskies. Master blenders oversee
including Ireland, the United States,
If a smoky, dry malt is your
the combination of grain whiskies
Canada, and Japan, which imports
preference, then consider whiskies
with single blended malts. Almost all
Scotch malt whisky to mix with
from Islay. These are the strongest
whiskies, even single malts, have to
Japanese spirit blends—resulting in
flavored of all the Scottish whiskies
be blended before they are bottled.
a completely different kind of brew.
and tend to be dry and peaty. They
It’s doubtful foreign producers can
are renowned for their strong peaty
Blended whiskies haven’t always
unseat Scotland from its whisky
smokiness, which comes from the
received all the credit they deserve.
throne; Scotland has hundreds of
peat fuel used to dry the barley. For
After all, the strength of the whisky
years of recipes and tradition on her
the novice, the malts from Bowmore
industry has been built on the back
closest rivals.
Distillery have a lighter peaty finish
of blended whiskies, which would
and may be more enjoyable than the
not have been possible before
So much whisky abounds—single
stronger varieties.
the invention of the continuous
malt and blended, domestic and
still, patented by Aeneas Coffey in
foreign—that serious whisky tasting
The Lowland region lies south of an
1830. Known as the “Coffey still,”
can be as much an adventure for the
imaginary line drawn from Greenock
it was able to produce whisky more
connoisseur as for the novice. When
on the west coast of Scotland to
efficiently than the traditional pot
you’re in the market for a whisky,
Dundee in the east. Most of the
stills. This milder grain whisky was
consider the region that produced
malts produced in this region are
blended with the fiery single malts
it—but only as a starting point. It is
used in blended whiskies, but there
already in existence, creating a
better to have fewer preconceived
are a few single malts available.
new, popular type of Scotch that
notions about whisky to ensure
They are light in color and have a
eventually made Scotland’s whisky
that you don’t miss out on some
dry finish—an influence from the
industry the toast of the world.
surprising treasures. Savor a dram
malt itself since peat is not used in
knowing that you are drinking in
their production. You may also find a
Probably the most noted blended
Scotland’s rich whisky heritage with
certain sweet fruitiness to the flavor.
whisky is that of Sir Ernest
every sip. Slàinte mhath!
They are mellower than those from
Shackleton. Born in Ireland and
the neighboring Highlands and can
educated in London, Shackleton led
Mark White lives on the South Coast
be appreciated by experienced malt
the British expedition to Antarctica
of Massachusetts, where he works as
drinkers as well as those new to malt
in 1907. Along with his supplies he
a physician assistant in the field of
whisky.
brought 25 crates of Mackinlay’s
neurosurgery.
76 TAIL FLY FISHING MAGAZINE
TAIL FLY FISHING MAGAZINE 77
Roosters of Mags Bay
by Andy Mill
Having wrapped up an aggravating
The Compass Rose is a 157-footer that
George is a longtime friend of Paul
tarpon season, I was eager to get
carries a 42-foot Game Fisher and two
Dixon, who also was negotiating
back into the high country to clear
Chittum flats skiffs. These would be
his life to join us. George and Rudy
my head with some terra firma.
our home and vessels for exploring
would be our infantry in the bay
Soon after arriving in Aspen, I
an area that’s never been targeted
prior to our arrival. They know
received a text from a good friend,
with flats skiffs. My mind blew up. I’d
Magdalena Bay well, having fished
Richie Andrews, informing me he
heard of and seen others successfully
it the past seven years, guiding the
was scrambling for some intel on a
free cast flies to striped marlin
winter months for marlin. Better
possible recon trip to Magdalena Bay,
there. Other possibilities would be big
known as Los Locos, a hard-earned
Mexico.
roosterfish, cubera snapper, yellowtail,
moniker, they’ve chiseled their way
and a plethora of other fish beyond
in as prominent guides in this highly
Richie is committed to the
my experience but available in that
sought-after fishery.
preservation of many of the world’s
part of Baja California. But the abyss
gamefish and their habitat. He
of questions was deep: when, where,
A few days later I received their
was the past chair of the Billfish
tides, fly patterns....
photos of a handheld sardine and a nice roosterfish. Hell yeah!
Foundation and currently serves on the boards of the Guy Harvey Ocean
I resoundingly responded, I’m in! After clearing customs,
Foundation and the Bonefish & Tarpon Trust. His boat, the Compass
The success of any trip depends on
Rose, is often used for research and
how well it’s been researched and
science to help preserve the ocean’s
by whom. The road to hell is paved
resources.
with good intentions, and it’s been navigated by many. But we had two warriors in our trench, George DeMallow and Rudy Babikian.
78 TAIL FLY FISHING FISHING MAGAZINE MAGAZINE
Richie, Paul, John
TAIL FLY FISHING MAGAZINE 79
Alpanalp, and I were barreling north
transit. The two-lane road became
would be La Paz, Constitución, and
out of Cabo San Lucas. The five-hour
three as the flashed headlights of
then west to Puerto San Carlos,
ride had all our brains filled with
chasing vehicles beckoned the lead
located near the upper part of
speculation, giddy about what could
car to slide aside so the trailing car or
Magdalena Bay. After passing La Paz
be. We all owned the wisdom and
truck could pass, even with oncoming
with the shimmering Sea of Cortez
experience of great trips gone by,
traffic. This poetic dance of steel was
in the distance, we stopped at a
and now we were on the chase for
followed by gracious waves from all.
roadside open-air taco and coffee
another.
Just as I remembered on the German
place that was busy and full of
autobahn 40 years ago.
warmth and care for their traveling
During my previous encounters with
patrons. A large communal coffee pot
Baja, I’d always enjoyed the contrast
As the hours rolled on, I felt layers
was within reach. The air was thick
of colors. The desert’s brown against
of my international travel and life’s
with fast-paced Spanish and aromas
the green grass, wars waged between
anxiety drain out of me, similar to
of sizzling meat on the grill.
water and heat and the omnipresent
the results of a pre-surgery drip. We
cacti reaching for the sun.
were a band of brothers going over
We were quickly handed tacos,
the horizon, filled with the rarified
burritos, cups of human jet fuel, and
My eyes took it in as we raced onward
air of innocence common only to the
were back in the racing van.
at the mercy of our commuter van’s
young or adventurous.
heavy-footed driver. I was fascinated by the awareness of everyone in
80 TAIL FLY FISHING MAGAZINE
Darkness was soon upon us, and Our checkpoints on this passage
we eventually made it to the pier
The anticipation of an anglers’ quest started to swell in my gut. We were remote, far from any lodge or other boats, and we knew we were in the presence of potential greatness. in San Carlos, where the Compass
for the evening. In the morning
content with my quiet relationship
Rose’s inflatable raft would gather
we would motor two hours to the
with these existential things that
us. As we walked down the pier,
southernmost part of the bay. It was
soon became my friends. I’ve often
we were consumed by the reality
early when our anchor was retrieved,
gravitated to a space void of words.
before our eyes—commercial boats
and we began our journey parallel to
Voices have a tendency to invade and
with large seine nets on their back
the bay’s western mountainous leg.
steal the invaluable jewel of silence.
I was ignorant of this area’s profound
In the mid-19th century, French,
decks secured bow to stern along the dock’s entire length.
history, but knew I was in the
Dutch, and Russian whaling ships
We spoke of the tonnage of yellowfin
presence of a superpower. When it
fired their harpoons into gray whales
tuna and their nets’ bycatch. Later,
hits you, you know immediately to
that used this area as their winter
George and Rudy would speak of
shut down, stand back, look, and
home. The more recent villains are
horrors they’ve witnessed, helicopters
listen. You know it’s there somewhere;
the commercial netters, who at times
and circling boats depleting the area
you just have to locate it. I knew there
target Spanish sardines, a component
of its piscatorial gold. I’m guilty of
were ghosts among us.
paramount to the sustainability of this resource and its gamefish. I find
loving tuna, too. In a restaurant you’re not conscious of the killing
I hung out on the upper deck of our
it beyond criminal that a legal system
fields and the war machines.
ship. The rumble of its motors and
would endorse the slaughter of fish
the movement it created had me
for fertilizer.
We boarded the Compass Rose
spellbound with minimal thought,
TAIL FLY FISHING MAGAZINE 81
All the birds that had been perched on the beach were now in flight, fighting for a hole to dive into the water for a quick meal—swooping, diving, crashing, watery explosions everywhere. The engine’s guttural groaning
shallow bar where Rudy said they’d
a few seagulls gliding along and
slowed, as did our momentum.
be. They? Roosters!
crashing into the sea. Rudy closed
The clunking sound of the anchor’s
toward a shallow sand bar and soon
chain signaled its deployment. The
This was the area where he and
was poling in 4 feet of water. I was
anticipation of an anglers’ quest
George found them the previous week
on the bow with my line strung
started to swell in my gut. We were
of their reconnaissance. Paul saw the
out. I saw three big fish in front of
remote, far from any lodge or other
birds diving first.
me, sliding to the right—big, long
boats, and we knew we were in the
shadows at first, but then I saw their
presence of potential greatness. I
The crew was now lifting the
identifying stripes, distinctive combs
strung up a 10-weight rod. I was a
Chittums off the back deck with
jutting from their backs. Roosters!
little presumptuous with a floating
the davit and lowering them to the
line, but I was told we might be doing
water’s surface. We were scrambling
I cast out and started a two-handed
some bait-and-switch with hookless
to get in the skiffs and over to the
retrieve. The lead behemoth raced
plugs. So the floater it would be.
activity. I’d be fishing with Richie and
my fly down with an open mouth.
guide Rudy.
Here he comes…. No! The fish turned
Paul and I leaned over the ship’s gunnel, looking in the direction of a
82 TAIL FLY FISHING MAGAZINE
4 inches from my fly. For a second, As we motored closer, we could see
though, I was in the game. I just
TAIL FLY FISHING MAGAZINE 83
witnessed a dream fish deny my bug
flying fish with frigate birds flying
casting. It had been abused from all
20 feet from the boat.
low, grabbing them mid-flight.
my years of slamming into slalom
We continued poling for a while with
The scene was incredible. In my four
help it some, but I was far from
no more shots or signs of fish. Rudy
decades of ocean fishing, I’d never
relief. I’m a fly fisher, but I’m more
moved around the point and looked
seen such a display of fish and birds.
of a fisher. I have enjoyed catching
out toward the mouth. The point was
Then the bombs began exploding—
fish through every possible avenue
a sandbar that was 10 feet above
not everywhere, but there … and
throughout my life, and now was
water and had as many seagulls on
there…. This was a different animal.
no exception. A fly-caught rooster
it as I’ve ever seen; any estimation
Now we could see the fingered combs
could wait; at this moment I needed
would be off by thousands. Once
of roosters slashing the surface,
some iron to throw. We ran over
we rounded the corner, we motored
chasing down the flying fish. Flying
to the mothership and grabbed a
toward a large open area and started
fish, with frigates above and roosters
spinning rod and a sardine-looking
looking for active birds. There was
below—death was imminent.
jig. I caught a good one an hour later.
poles as a skier. Cortisone injections
nothing to see for a few hours until
It was just as beautiful in my hands
Rudy yelled, “There they are, the
With long sardine flies tied to
as I had imagined. The combs were
other side of the bar!”
our leaders, we started throwing
in my face, flapping with the wind.
forehand and backhand casts
Its heavy body and stripes were
We saw a maelstrom in the sky
to racing, swerving fish. To the
stunning. I had heard and read about
and were immediately up on plane,
boat’s left. To its right. Over and
these fish for years, and they are
racing around the point toward a
over. It proved fruitless. The fish
everything people said they were.
sky filled with thousands of seagulls.
were impossible to intercept with
Now I wanted one on the fly.
All the birds that had been perched
accuracy. They were too quick, too
on the beach were now in flight,
fast. We tried blind casting, quickly
As the wind picked up, we started to
fighting for a hole to dive into the
double-hand stripping it back—
target the large, dark balls of jacks
water for a quick meal—swooping,
nothing. Then it was over.
that were moving around us. We
diving, crashing, watery explosions everywhere.
started picking off 12- to 20-pound But then … over there, yes! Frigates
jacks here and there. Richie, Rudy,
and combs, exploding bombs again.
and I had a blast chasing the schools
Looking closer, the crashing was also
On this stage of the incoming tide, it
and were hoping for another shot at
caused by an underwater chase.
was mayhem. I was riveted.
a rooster, but it never came.
running down and eating sardines.
I wanted a rooster, but my right
We speculated on the next day’s
Then, ahead of the school, we saw
elbow was on fire from all the
conditions as the wind howled. We
Enormous schools of jacks were
84 TAIL FLY FISHING MAGAZINE
agreed it would be prudent to get
then gunning the panga forward,
around us, and we were confident
some local guides and their larger
racing the next set. In and around we
we could successfully get a fly into
pangas to handle the rougher sea
went; sometimes he threw the motor
one of their faces. Paul and Rudy tied
that was forecast. George made the
in reverse, then forward again. At one
up some beautiful Joe Blados Crease
call.
point I asked him how many pangas
Flies. I was hoping my elbow could
were on the bottom here. He just
handle casting the smaller and more
smiled. Bless local knowledge.
aerodynamic bug for a length of time.
Early the following morning, two pangas were off our stern. The winds
Like the others, I was committed to
were a solid 20-plus with a sea too
After arriving on the spot, we were
compromising for the skiffs. These
still dodging big swells. We were
vessels and their two captains would
throwing a large hookless plug,
It was on. The sky was raining birds.
save our remaining five days. They
hoping to tease something out of
We raced to the low-flying frigates,
were two brothers, Gabino and
the rocks so we could present a fly.
which had roosters blasting flying
Octavo Mendivil, who years
The water churned violently, with
fish under them. Behind the roosters
ago stopped commercial fishing and
seals diving and swimming and
were large schools of jacks that
now run eco-tours during the whaling
laughing at my inner fear. The visual
churned the surface, the yellow-
and marlin months. The two locals
was stunning—a high rocky face
bellied bullies ripping through the
influenced 23 of their friends to do
leading up to the lighthouse standing
sardines. We held our casts; we
the same; they were sick of watching
sentinel over the bay. The white-
wanted the fish with a dorsal fin
the slow destruction of their home
walled building looked like a church. I
of seven fingers. We kept trying
waters. Gabino befriended Rudy
wondered how anyone could reach it,
to intercept the outer edge of the
and George the first night they
let alone build it.
schools by circumventing the diving
arrived seven years ago, and they immediately became great friends.
catching a rooster on the fly.
gulls. The fish paid no attention to our dancing plug, so we ventured back
Soon we were in position, and I was
Gabino wanted to take a look at the
inside. If what we saw yesterday was
on the bow with the Crease Fly in my
rocky beach near the outer mouth
tidal, then we had a few hours before
hand. They were coming. Fish with
of the bay. There we could again
the magic would begin.
combs were blowing up in front of us
target roosters. Getting there was
with the frigates above them. I made
an eyeopener. Ten- to 15-foot waves
We were all sitting around the fly-
a long cast at 10 o’clock and began a
were breaking over shallow bars.
tying table the previous evening. The
two-handed strip. A large striped fish
I was amazed at how well Gabino
air was electric with excitement. I
instantly inhaled my bug.
negotiated this daunting sea—
had caught a rooster with iron, but
pausing, waiting for the set to clear,
we knew there were a lot of fish
I paid close attention, clearing my
TAIL FLY FISHING MAGAZINE 85
line, and once the fish was on the
told him to net it instead. I lifted and
beyond imagination. It was filled
reel, the yelling began. I couldn’t
held his head steady. The fish dove
with the wonders of nature above
believe I had one on, and it looked
under the boat, and I walked my line
and below the ocean’s surface. I’d
very large when it bit. Before we
around the bow. We were short of
never seen a bird sanctuary of this
knew it, the rooster was well into my
words, excited that we had one of
magnitude. Mexico’s Magdalena Bay
backing, and I told Gabino to go after
the bigger roosters close to capture.
and the outlying blue water is one
it. Reeling as fast I could, I wanted
Now I had the fish sideways on the
of the world’s great fisheries. It’s
to get the fat part of my fly line in
surface. George put the big net in the
imperative that close governmental
my hands before I started leaning
water, and I guided the fish headfirst
management, protection, and
on this fish. When we were closer, I
into it. He barely fit. With the tail
enforcement is in place; otherwise,
started pulling. With 20-pound tippet,
hanging over the outer edge, George
like many other fragile resources,
I knew I could apply a lot of pressure,
lifted it into the boat.
the Mags Bay fishery could someday
but I knew this fish wouldn’t demand
evaporate.
it. I got the fish within 30 feet of
We were elated. The roosterfish was
the boat and it took off with force,
a whopper. It was magnificent, its
More information on fishing
pulling string off my reel, again well
beauty beyond description. It was a
and diving at Magdalena Bay is
into my backing. I stayed on Gabino
fish of a lifetime.
available by contacting George
to keep me close with the boat. I
Vandercook at 917-239-8521 or Rudy
lifted, pulled, and tried to hold this
Over the next three days we chased
Babikian at 207-415-6877. Check
hefty fish, and soon I saw it higher in
crazy whirlpools of birds and fish
out loslocosfishing.com or follow
the water column. The fish took off
and caught a handful of beauties.
on Instagram: @loslocosmagbay.
again, but the run was much shorter
Catching roosterfish isn’t a numbers
For local guiding services, contact
than before. I knew we’d have him
game. They’re a highly difficult
Gabriel Gabino Zarabia Mendivil at
soon.
gamefish that demand respect.
613-118-1664 or 613-136-0467.
I was awed every day. My close George was going to grab it, but I
86 TAIL FLY FISHING MAGAZINE
friends and I experienced a week
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TAIL FLY FISHING MAGAZINE 87
WAIT FOR
WEIGHT By Joe Doggett
88 TAIL FLY FISHING MAGAZINE
One of the most galling blunders
almost certainly squandered your
And not much in my game has
in all of angling is to yank the fly
chance. The affrighted fish scoots
changed during the past half-
from a big fish doing its suicidal
across the flat, and if the bottom is
century. (Well, maybe the hairline
best to get caught. In the sweat-
really shallow and the brute is really
and waistline have changed.) I
stained, tear-smeared logbook titled
big, you can mark the line of flight by
blame the recurring misfires on the
Rookie Mistakes, this self-inflicted
billowing puffs of sand or marl—most
cross-pollination of all those casting
catastrophe surely rates near the top
vexing. Comments and critiques from
reels.
of the list.
the rear of the skiff usually result in a reddening of the neck. A few choice
The trout angler attuned to wading
Despite being a flagrant foul, we all
epithets might help, but there is no
streams is similarly suckered. When
do it—some more than others, but
escaping a pair of XXL goat ears.
that size-12 Adams disappears in a
we all do it.
Strip or no strip, frantically lifting
lusty swirl, you are schooled to lift
the low tip on the strike is a major
the tip of the light rod. You do not
mistake.
pull back hard with the stripping
I run with a pack of world-traveled anglers—real pros. And I will agree
hand—not with 6X. Or even 4X.
to have my earlobes cruelly pinched
One of my longtime angling
Same thing when high-sticking with
off by fiddler crabs if I have not
companions made an astute
a nymph on a short line: Flick the
witnessed each one of them jerk the
observation: He concluded that old
elevated tip back as the wily brown
fly, snatching
turns down, and the
defeat from the
hook is planted in
jaws of victory.
the hinge of the jaw.
It’s funny when
This is an excellent
it happens to the
technique when a
other guy. I do it
river runs through
with frustrating
it, but not so good
consistency.
where the tide sweeps across it. In
Sight casting or surface fishing—
habits die hard. The all-around angler
fact, it is a disaster on a large fish
makes no difference. When a good
with an ingrained history of plug
with a hard mouth. A salty tarpon
fish is visible and closing on the fly,
casting has a muscle memory of
guide will start barking the instant
the temptation to overreact between
yanking the rod up—the old Cross his
that tip starts going up.
bulging eyes and boiling water can be
eyes! or, if you prefer, the old Texas
The high stick combined with a
overwhelming. This especially is true
clean and jerk.
hair trigger usually result in flailing
on a slow day.
failure as the line waffles back. I have a black-and-white sequence of
The weight-forward floater tearing
Using the line hand for a proper strip
me in the mid ‘70s demonstrating
from the surface probably boogered
strike might salvage a swing and
this classic gaffe. The two 8x10 Tri-X
the fish. But one desperate option
miss. Extending the low tip slightly
newspaper prints are a bit grainy,
remains: By using the airborne
below the surface adds style points
and one is a tad soft, but the old
momentum, the scrambling angler
and improves the contact. Either
Canon caught me lifting with gusto,
can execute a quick follow-up
way, the aggressive pull keeps the
yanking the fly from a swirling baby
and drive the loop forward. The
floating line and tapered leader on
tarpon. The ham-handed display
precise length of line and leader
the water. If the jacked-up fish fails
occurred in a discharge canal off the
is whizzing around with speed
to feel the fly, the strip might be
Houston Ship Channel, of all places.
and energy, waiting to be utilized.
construed as a dash for escape and
My expression of shock and dismay is
Maybe, despite the commotion, the
encourage a follow-up grab; if you
plainly evident.
agitated predator will wheel back
“burn his lip,” however, you have
for another shot. Maybe an unseen
TAIL FLY FISHING MAGAZINE 89
schoolmate will rush forward. There
If that aged chant seems a bit stuffy,
Sound familiar? Add a dash of salt.
is absolutely nothing to lose with a
maybe try “Make America great
Allow the line to come tight and keep
prompt presentation.
again!” If that sticks in your craw, try
the tip low and seal the deal with a
“Dick Dale, King of the Surf Guitar!”
smart strip.
Today we have an array of excellent
If that sounds too long, maybe
polarized optics available—and
“DickDaleKingoftheSurfGuitar!”
perhaps sometimes seeing so much
Another potential drawback of a high-tip miss is the accelerated loop
may not be such a good thing. There
I have never been able to follow a
of incoming line. This is especially
is something to be said for blind
muttered script, but I do admire the
true when a mutinous crosswind
faith. In other words, the panic of
discipline.
factors into the equation. More than
surprise might give you a better chance of hooking it.
one ducking quick-draw artist has Nash Buckingham, the great shooting
been impaled by a streamer hook.
writer from a century ago, stressed
(Consider yourself fortunate to be fly
We all covet the thrill of sight
the need for “deliberation” amid the
fishing: Imagine the vicious jerk of a
casting. But a positive aspect of blind
whirring commotion of a covey rise
short-arc casting rod as it launches
casting is that you do not have a
over a pointing dog. You have time.
a heavy “dogwalker” plug with two
clue until the line draws tight. The
Remember, we are talking about
or three flashing sets of gang hooks
striking fish does the work for you.
upland quail with profiles like Royal
straight back into the skiff.)
Not bad when you think about it.
Riviera pears, not windswept teal
As river traditions go, the old British
flaring like shards of shrapnel over
When I was growing up in the late
salmon anglers swinging a fly on a
the decoys.
‘50s and early ‘60s, outdoor writers
line quartering downstream would
stressed the need for a fast strike
say “God save the Queen!” before
And the huddled bobwhites are out
when fishing for certain species.
lifting the rod against a boil or a
front and close, launching from
Rainbow trout in moving water and
tug. The delay against the growing
a dead start—take the valuable
“baby” tarpon in mangroves come to
current tension allows the fish to
moments to plant your feet, properly
mind.
grab and turn before feeling the
mount the classic Parker DHE
steel. This hard-won wisdom can, in
20-gauge, and select a bird for a
varying degrees, apply on the flats.
smooth swing.
90 TAIL FLY FISHING MAGAZINE
I disagree.
First off, a lot of those quick boils
I experimented several times,
Of course, nothing in angling is
and splashes are created by short
using poppers with snipped hooks
absolute. A slight delay might forfeit
strikers, fish turning away in the last
and allowing fish to grab with no
the occasional strike. But in the
millisecond. This point-blank rejection
resistance. Typically, the line would
sum of a day, or a year, or a career,
is a fine example of “Good from afar,
slant down and away in the murky
I remain convinced that a bit of
but far from good.”
green before the rejected popper
“deliberation” results in a higher
would float back to the surface.
percentage of solid hooksets in or
If you want to feel like a real chump,
Granted, a largemouth bass is not a
near the corner of the jaw.
rip the rod back while the fly is still
redfish, and a redfish is not a snook,
This drill when sight casting or
visible. All nine-tenths of the law
and a snook is not a tarpon—but
surface fishing can be maddingly
of possession go to you while the
the dynamics of a surface strike are
difficult to follow, as many honest
startled fish wonders what the hell
similar. And among A-list predators,
anglers will concede, but the formula
happened.
the impulse to hang on is universal.
is simple: Wait for weight.
Worth a mention: These were hard A determined fish that grabs
plastic poppers, fake to grizzled lips;
something on or near the surface
fuzzy deer-hair bugs probably would
is reluctant to let go; it has made
have been swallowed. Naturally,
a commitment in aggression and
true to form, I yanked the hookless
energy to elevate and eat, even
poppers from several sudden strikes.
sucking alien air in the process.
I can’t help it. I’m fast on the
It is keen to clamp down on the
draw. Over the years, people have
presumed prey.
commented on my reflexes, but my celebrated hand-to-eye coordination
I once had access to a private pond
often gets trumped by an overload of
near my home in Houston. The small
adrenaline.
lake was rich with healthy bass; a short afternoon session during late spring or summer might yield two dozen fish on a fly rod popping bug.
TAIL FLY FISHING MAGAZINE 91
THE UNDERTOW
September
by George Roberts
A beach in Plymouth, Massachusetts,
I had a website then and a fairly
Time passed and the small window
had been fishing exceptionally well
extensive mailing list. But I wasn’t
closed, with no takers. I was thinking
in the fall for the past few years. The
going to offer this to just anyone,
I had played it too conservatively
previous season, Bill Hassan figured
especially anglers within easy driving
with the promotion. I sent a few
that we’d fished there 28 days
distance or ones who would pay
more effusive emails, made some
between September and October,
this year, and then next year rent a
desperate calls—a couple of bites, but
landing dozens of striped bass, some
house themselves, bringing their own
nothing.
of which measured nearly 40 inches
friends to take over the beach during
on my rod. We had become regulars
prime time. I wanted trusted clients
at Riptides Grill & Bar.
from afar. If they flew in I could pick them up at Logan or Providence.
I was in my late thirties, a fishing
Then it happened. Saturday was move-in day, but I didn’t move in. I had my fishing gear
bum without a trust fund. But I had
I did a mailing—a straightforward
in the back of my Isuzu Trooper, but
an idea. I’d rent a house near the
letter, no photos. I was selling the
that was about it. No bag of clothes.
beach for two weeks in the thick of
steak rather than the sizzle.
Just my sleeping bag.
anglers for three days each. If it
I pitched it to Gary over the phone.
The small parking lot above the
wasn’t happening out front, we’d
Gary was a commercial pilot from
beach was empty. A couple of people
drive the coast, looking for birds.
Vermont. He had bought a bunch
were walking their dogs along the
This would not be a luxury-vacation
of stuff from my website, and I had
shoreline, but there was no one with
package. There’d be no champagne
done some custom tying for one of his
a fishing rod. Just me.
between tides, no shore lunch, and
trips. He really liked my interpretation
dinner would be at Riptides, where
of Borski’s Bonefish Short; he couldn’t
There was some bait in the water,
pub food ruled the menu. This would
reach Borski to buy originals.
peanut bunker, but not the glut of
it. I could fit three groups of three
be about the fishing.
previous years. “I’ve caught some of the biggest bass
In May I found the house. It was a
I’ve taken right off this beach with a
An hour and a half of casting
three-bedroom ranch that sat two
floating line and a hair-headed fly,” I
produced a single fish, a 20-inch
streets up from the beach. It was
told Gary. “I don’t want to oversell it,
schoolie. Not a fish anyone would
owned by a retired Boston firefighter
but this is world-class fishing.”
cross the country for. Not a fish you
and his wife. It was nothing special,
could make a living from.
no rose-clad cottage with an ocean
Gary was very interested and
view, but it would do. We’d only be
thought he might book a week for
At Riptides, Dail put a beer in front
using it to sleep. Each angler would
himself. The money would be great,
of me. “Where are your friends
have his own room. I’d zip into a
I thought. I was talking on a fitness
tonight?”
sleeping bag on the sofa. There was a
forum with a woman named Lori.
fireplace. And the offseason rate was
Things were getting interesting, and
“They didn’t come,” I said. “The
good. I gave the firefighter a check
I was thinking about flying down to
fishing’s off.”
for the entire amount.
Atlanta to meet her. Gary’s check would cover that.
92 TAIL FLY FISHING MAGAZINE
“Dail, can you put something else
on?” said a guy down the end of the
up. While the nation reeled over
Bill and Sheila had stayed there one
bar, motioning to the television.
the terrorist attacks, my worries
night, and Bill had left the money
were closer to home. My father was
to help with expenses. No fish, Bill’s
going to the bank every day. Why?
email had said.
“There is nothing else,” Dail said.
He always kept his spending cash in Even though there was no one else
the pocket of a coat hanging in his
That was before my father’s death,
in the house, I slept on the sofa that
closet. When I went through all the
my marriage to Lori, nursing school,
night. I was already planning to get
pockets of all of his coats, I found
hospital jobs, house and mortgage,
out of there at the end of two weeks
nearly $1,500. I’d also found a couple
graduate programs, and the small
without having to make a bed or
of cans of dog food in the pantry.
office I occupy today in an outpatient
wash a dish.
The thing was, we didn’t have a dog.
clinic, as far from that beach as you can imagine, if only about 30 miles.
Just after sunrise, I stopped at the
When I did go back to the beach
beach before heading home. It was
house, later that week, there was
I still stop by the beach once in a
pristine, but nothing moving. I didn’t
$150 sitting on the kitchen table
while in September, and sometimes
even put my waders on.
next to the unopened bottle of
I string a rod and walk down to the
Cruzan Single Barrel I had bought
water. But the fishing has never been
for the clients I’d been expecting.
the same.
It was just as well no one had signed
TAIL FLY FISHING MAGAZINE 93
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