CELEBRATING 8 YEARS AS THE VOICE OF SALTWATER FLY FISHING
FLY FISHING MAGAZINE MARCH/APRIL 2021
BEHIND the LENS
SILVER BULLETS of the PACIFIC DRESSING UP your DRAG Deep Dive into SPECIES A REDFISH Crouton Pandemic PERMIT The TARPON TREE ONE YEAR Later
Fly Fishing FAQ
52 MARCH/APRIL 2021
Display until May 1, 2021
TAIL FLY FISHING MAGAZINE 1
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TAIL FLY FISHING MAGAZINE 3
Nario, 58, has guided anglers on the Christmas Island flats for many years, with his wife keeping his fly box filled by tying all of his flies. Photo: Jessica Haydahl Richardson
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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 7
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On the Cover: Jessica Haydahl Richardson provides a view of the vast Pacific Ocean during the daily commute from Kiritmati to the island’s surrounding flats, where she spent a week chasing big fish and a big dream of making a fly fishing documentary film with an all-female cast.
Editor-In-Chief: Joseph Ballarini Managing Editor: Trey Reid Acquisitions Editor: George V. Roberts Creative Director: Scott Morrison Food Editor: Kelli Prescott Travel Editor: Peter McLeod West Coast Editor: Al Quattrocchi Consulting Editor: Chico Fernandez Contributing Editors: Andy Mill, Nicky Mill Historians: Pete Barrett, Ed Mitchell Fly Tying: Nick Davis Editors-at-Large: Joe Doggett, Mark Hatter, Tom Keer, James P. Spica Jr. Copy Editor: Leila Beasley
Creative Contributors: Scott Collins Nick Davis Brent Hannafan Chico Fernandez Ben Kurth Nathaniel Linville Peter McLeod
Andy Mill John O’Hearn Jonathan Olch Greg Poland Kelli Prescott Al Quattrocchi Jocelyn Curtis-Quick
Trey Reid Jake Rennert Patrick Rhea Jessica Haydahl Richardson Ian Slater E. Donnall Thomas, Jr. Elizabeth Wallace, Ph.D.
About Tail Fly Fishing Magazine is the voice of saltwater fly fishing in a bimonthly print and digital publication. We focus on delivering high-quality content, the very best photography, destination travel, reputable commentary, and technical features from the saltwater fly fishing culture. Tail Fly Fishing Magazine began as a digital publication in 2012 and debuted as a print magazine in 2016. Combined, the digital and print versions reach readers in over 45 countries. In many places throughout the world, fly fishing has become important to both people and the environment. As a method of fishing imbued with values of stewardship and conservation, it connects people with the marine world in significant and positive ways. We, the anglers, are the last line of defense for our outdoor spaces. Tail Fly Fishing Magazine supports the arts and creativity, conservation, and organizations that trumpet this message. We’re grateful for your support and we welcome photographic and written contributions. TFFM is published six times annually, and your print subscription includes the digital version. Subscriptions are available through our website. International subscriptions are also available for most countries. Please contact our general mailbox, admin@tailflyfishing.com, with any advertising, subscription, or submission questions.
Tail Fly Fishing Magazine 2300 Alton Road Miami Beach, FL 33140 305-763-8285 tailflyfishing.com 8 TAIL FLY FISHING MAGAZINE
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TAIL FLY FISHING MAGAZINE 9
CONTENTS 14
INSIDE THE BOX: THE BONEFISH SPECIAL - Chico Fernandez After fly fishing for more than 60 years, Chico Fernandez knows a thing or two about bonefish flies. His quest to create a baitfish imitation for targeting big bonefish resulted in the Bonefish Special. Chico takes us back in time to explain the fly’s origins, and reminds us that it can still be deadly.
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GEAR GUIDE - TFFM Staff The team has put together a collection of products that will make you wish you held on to those holiday gift cards—practical items that will make your day a little easier getting to the water and once you’re on it. Some even help when you’re in the water.
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BEHIND THE LENS - Jessica Heydahl Richardson You think fly fishing for GTs, bones, and triggerfish is hard? Try capturing the action on camera—in the middle of the Pacific Ocean. Filmmaker Jessica Heydahl takes us on a ladies-only fishing adventure to Kiribati in search of elusive fish and the perfect shots for her film, Dropped in the Pacific.
It always pays to approach the last flat right at the Xflats Lodge dock before heading in for the day. You never know what you might find. Xcalak, Mexico. Photo: John Morrison 10 TAIL FLY FISHING MAGAZINE
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DEEP DIVE INTO BONEFISH SPECIES - Elizabeth Wallace, Ph.D. A bonefish isn’t just a bonefish. Elizabeth Wallace, a geneticist for the Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission, kicks off a three-part scientific series on bonefish, making her first cast into the sometimes turbid waters of how fisheries scientists determine what’s a distinct species.
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DRESSING UP YOUR DRAG - Andy Mill Andy Mill is a champion angler, and it didn’t happen by luck. Learning the limits of your equipment is one way to minimize mishaps like breaking fish off by pulling too hard. Andy shares a training technique that he perfected with Stu Apte in the early days of big tarpon fishing.
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THE TARPON TREE - Brent Hannafan After his first piece, originally titled “Tarpon Are A**holes” (we changed the name before publication), Brent Hannafan follows up in similar fashion with an equally entertaining and informative piece about tarpon fishing—and preparing for it in an unlikely setting. Grab your fly gear and dog leash. And don’t call PETA; no dogs were harmed in the shooting of these photos. FOOD - Kelli Prescott Springtime means fresh, light flavors, and spending more time enjoying warmer days than toiling in the kitchen. But that doesn’t mean your plates have to be boring. Food Editor, Kelli Prescott, shares her latkes fried in duck fat, gravlax, and grilled tiger prawns with springy pea salad.
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VIVA LA PALOMA - Trey Reid Simplicity sometimes spawns perfection, and the simple Paloma, the national cocktail of Mexico, is as bright and fresh as the lengthening days. Managing Editor, Trey Reid, pays homage to the refreshing tequila lowball that has carried him through quarantines and closures. FLY TYING: REDFISH CROUTON - Nick Davis Redfish aren’t known to be a particularly finicky species, but if you’ve ever fished for them, you know they certainly can be. Nick ties up a beauty called the Redfish Crouton. It looks too tasty to throw into murky waters. Do it anyway.
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FLY FISHING FAQs - Nathaniel Linville Some anglers talk the talk, but this guy walks the walk. Nathaniel Linville has caught a world-record permit, so we’re all ears when he answers some of fly fishing’s most frequently asked questions. He delves into “crooked math” on the flats, preparing for success, and how IGFA-compliant leaders will make you a better angler.
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SILVER BULLETS OF THE PACIFIC - Al Quattrocchi Catalina Island is a popular weekend destination off the coast of Southern California, but Al Quattrocchi knows it’s also a hot spot for teasing up Pacific bonito and casting crease flies and poppers into surface frenzies. Brace yourself, because these fish punch out of their weight class.
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WHERE TO GO NEXT? - Peter McLeod Travel Editor, Peter McLeod, has traveled for a living for the last 30 years, making him possibly the most eager of fly anglers awaiting the pandemic’s end. But travel restrictions pinned down our travel guru long enough for us to pin down his insights on two fairly accessible destinations—Mexico and Belize.
PANDEMIC PERMIT - Jonathan Olch The past year of coronavirus restrictions didn’t allow Jonathan Olch to travel the world in his ongoing search for permit, but that doesn’t man he stopped thinking about them—or sharing valuable insights from a lifetime of chasing the black-tailed devils. UNDERTOW - E. Donnall Thomas Jr. No offense to our brethren who spend countless hours at the vise, but Don Thomas argues that an ugly fly in the water will catch more fish than a beautiful fly in the box. When it comes to saltwater fly selection, maybe matching the hatch isn’t as important as Darwinism.
TAIL FLY FISHING MAGAZINE 11
— from the editor
pause THE ALLURE OF THE NEW has unlimited persuasive power, but it’s not a one-size-fits-all proposition. Most are unwilling to forgo comfort and familiarity in exchange for the new, and with excellent reason—status quo has worked for them. For the angler, the prospect of a new fly, a new rod, a new reel, or even a new destination, creates boundless excitement, but beneath it remains the tempered drag of uncertainty. AFTER 2020, and even looking forward into the current year, things are no longer routine. This disruption of norms represents an opportunity to cast an entirely different light on our expectations of spring’s renewal. We stand at the proverbial fork in the road, a time to either reassemble the old ways and get back to where we once were, or venture out into the new and unknown to create or discover. Which path to take this spring? AS A PUBLISHER, I must continue exploring, otherwise TFFM would stagnate and wither. But at the same time, the great pause of 2020 has put in focus the importance or lack of importance of several things. Many traditions and typical ways have been lost, possibly forever, which may not be a bad thing. GROWING FOOD AND COOKING AT HOME was something I did regularly in my youth. Since the pause, dining in and using foods and herbs from the garden has become our daily routine. Having ample time to tie flies was another item that had virtually vanished because of life’s time constraints. With our fishery closed for two months, I tied lots of flies. I now remember that having a wide selection of well-tied flies, ready on a moment’s notice, is the only way. The pause also allowed time to reevaluate gear and replace
Photo: Scott Morrison 12 TAIL FLY FISHING MAGAZINE
line or backing on many out-of-service favorites, some of which were out of service because they needed new line or backing. THE CONFIDENCE OF BEING PREPARED has resulted in more relaxed time on the water, which has infiltrated my casting, as well. While I haven’t abandoned all of my old practices (only a few actually), my message from the pause is to slow down and enjoy the process—not just in fishing, in everything. SO WHICH PATH THIS SPRING? My path will be the same one that many will choose, somewhere between the forks in the road, striking a healthy balance between the certainty of the constant and the excitement of change. IN THAT SPIRIT, we have a terrific mix of past and new contributors for March. We welcome the newest contributors: Elizabeth Wallace, a geneticist with the Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission; photographer Jessica Haydahl Richardson, whose film Dropped in the Pacific will be featured in this year’s Fly Fishing Film Tour; SoCal surf-fly guru Al Quattrocchi; and permit world-record holder Nathaniel Linville. Regular contributors Andy Mill, Chico Fernandez, and Jon Olch return, and Trey Reid steps in as the managing editor. AS WE SAY with each issue, this one is better than the last. I hope you agree. Sincerely,
Joseph Ballarini, Editor-in-Chief
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
Seven Mile Fly Shop 1638 Overseas Highway Marathon, FL 33050 (305) 440-3406 sevenmileflyshop.com The Angling Company 333 Simonton St Key West, FL 33040 305-292-6306 anglingcompany.com The Tide 26 Grouper Hole Drive Boca Grande, FL 33921 941-964-2417
COLORADO
GEORGIA
Front Range Anglers 2344 Pearl Street Boulder, CO 80302 303-494-1375 frontrangeanglers.com
Cohutta Fishing Company 39 S. Public Square Cartersville, GA 30120 770-606-1100 cohuttafishingco.com
CONNECTICUT
ORVIS Atlanta Buckhead Square 3255 Peachtree Rd NE Atlanta, GA 30305 404-841-0093 Orvis.com
The Compleat Angler 541 Boston Post Road Darien, CT 06820 203-655-9400 compleatangleronline.com FLORIDA 239 Flies 3431 Bonito Beach Rd SW Unit #205 Bonito Springs, FL 34134 (239) 908-3513 239flies.com Forgotten Coast Fly Company 123 Commerce Street Apalachicola, FL 32320 850-653-1024 forgottencoastflycompany. com
The Fish Hawk 764 Miami Cir NE #126 Atlanta, GA 30305 404-237-3473 thefishhawk.com LOUISIANA Marsh & Bayou Outfitters 2600 Florida St Suite 3 Mandeville, LA 70448 985-869-7335 marshandbayououtfitters.com ORVIS Baton Rouge Perkins Rowe, Bldg. H 7601 Bluebonnet Blvd., Ste. 140 Baton Rouge LA 70810 225-757-7286 Orvis.com
NORTH CAROLINA Madison River Fly Fishing Outfitters 20910 Torrence Chapel Rd D5 Cornelius, NC 28031 704-896-3660 carolinaflyfishing.com OBX on the Fly 107 Sir Walter Raleigh St Manteo, NC 27954 obxonthefly.com RHODE ISLAND The Saltwater Edge 1037 Aquidneck Ave Middletown, RI 02842 866-793-6733 saltwateredge.com SOUTH CAROLINA Bay Street Outfitters 825 Bay Street Beaufort, SC 29902 843-524-5250 baystreetoutfitters.com ORVIS Charleston 535 King St, Charleston, SC 29403 (854) 999-4985 Orvis.com Southern Drawl Outfitters 1533 Fording Island Rd Hilton Head Island, SC 29926 843-705-6010 southerndrawloutfitters.com TEXAS Bayou City Angler 3641 Westheimer Rd Suite A Houston, TX 77027 832-831-3104 bayoucityangler.com
MARYLAND
Gordy & Sons Outfitters 22 Waugh Drive Houston, TX 77007 713-333-3474 gordyandsons.com
Mangrove Outfitters 4111 Tamiami Trail E Naples, FL 34112 239-793-3370 mangroveoutfitters.com
Alltackle 2062 Somerville Rd Annapolis, MD 21401 888-810-7283 alltackle.com
ORVIS Austin 10000 Research Blvd - B04B Austin TX 78759 512-795-8004 Orvis.com
Ole Florida Fly Shop 6353 N. Federal Hwy Boca Raton, FL 33487 561-995-1929 olefloridaflyshop.com
MASSACHUSETTS
ORVIS Houston 5727 Westheimer - Suite A Houston TX 77057 713-783-2111 Orvis.com
Florida Keys Outfitters 81219 Overseas Highway Islamorada, FL 33036 305-664-5432 floridakeysoutfitters.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 ORVIS Sandestin 625 Grand Boulevard Ste 101 Sandestin, FL 32550 850-650-2174 Orvis.com
The Bear’s Den 34 Robert W. Boyden Rd Taunton, MA 02780 508-977-0700 bearsden.com MONTANA Frontier Anglers 680 N. Montana St Dillion, MT 59725 406-683-5276 frontieranglers.com NEW YORK River Bay Outfitters 980 Church St Baldwin, NY 11510 516-415-7748 riverbayoutfitters.com
ORVIS Plano Preston Towne Crossing 2412 Preston Road Suite 200 Plano, TX 75093 972-596-7529 Orvis.com ORVIS San Antonio 7427 San Pedro Ave. Suite 104 San Antonio, TX 78216 210-812-3017 Orvis.com
Swan Point Landing 1723 Cherry Street Suite 4 Rockport, TX 78382 361-729-7926 swanpointlandingflyshop.net Tailwaters Fly Fishing Co. 1933 E. Levee St Dallas, TX 75207 888-824-5420 tailwatersflyfishing.com UTAH Fishwest 47 West 10600 South Sandy, UT 84070 fishwest.com 801-617-1225 WASHINGTON Peninsula Outfitters 19740 7th Ave NE, Suite 110 Poulsbo, WA 98370 360-394-1599 peninsulaoutfitters.com The Avid Angler 17171 Bothell Way NE #A272 Lake Forest Park, WA 98155 206-362-4030 avidangler.com WYOMING Lander Fly Shop 305 Main Street Lander, WY 82520 307-438-3439 landerflyshop.com Retail Chains: Barnes & Noble—630 retail locations in the USA Books-A-Million—260 stores in 32 states Bass Pro Shops—95 locations in the USA Dick’s Sporting Goods (select locations)—over 700 stores in the USA Field & Stream Stores—35 locations in the USA
R E T A I L E R S C A R R Y T A I L
Indigo Books—over 200 stores under various banners BAHAMAS Blackfly Lodge Schooner Bay Abaco, Bahamas 904-997-2220 blackflylodge.com CANADA Drift Outfitters & Fly Shop 199 Queen St. East Toronto Ontario M5A-1S2 647-347-7370 Driftoutfitters.com
Sportsman’s Finest 12434 Bee Cave Road Austin, TX 78738 512-263-1888 sportsmansfinest.com
TAIL FLY FISHING MAGAZINE 13
THE BONEFISH SPECIAL by Chico Fernandez
I had plenty of bonefishing
I was also motivated by stories from
The same fish could look different in
experience in Cuba, the Bahamas,
several bonefishing guides who had
white sand and dark turtle grass.
and the Florida Keys, but I was always
looked at the stomach contents of
looking for a better fly. So one day in
a few big bonefish, finding small
I decided the fly would be mostly
the summer of 1968 I decided to tie
snapper (mainly schoolmaster
translucent white, with some yellow,
a fly for the big bonefish that were
snapper), a variety of mojarra, small
and showing vertical bands. And it
so plentiful those days, especially
pinfish, and other species. It looked
would be more impressionistic than
in the upper Keys and Biscayne Bay.
like large bonefish were often looking
realistic.
And now, more than 50 years later, I
for a big mouthful. So my new
look back and ask myself, Was the fly
pattern would imitate a juvenile fish.
successful?
I took a No. 2 Mustad 34007 hook and inverted it in the vise, as I did
I wanted to examine, first hand, what
with most bonefish flies (and also
I thought I could tie a different
I was going to imitate. So using my
some redfish flies). I started by
and better bonefish fly. Earlier that
small cast net in the flats during
wrapping yellow thread on the hook
year I discovered a way to tie a new
the higher stages of the tide, I took
shank. After a few tries I settled
body for a glass minnow imitation,
several samples of juvenile fish.
on a gold Mylar under-wrap for the
wrapping quarter-inch Mylar on the
body, and then wrapped that with
hook shank and then wrapping 30- or
I found that most of the fish
30-pound yellow monofilament. Now
40-pound-test monofilament line
were white, silver, and somewhat
the fly would have some yellow and
over the Mylar. The mono allowed
translucent; some had vertical
translucency. For wings, I selected
light to come through, giving a very
bands. The schoolmasters had lots
white kip tail. To add vertical bands,
lifelike look to both shrimp and
of yellow, and some fish had yellow
I tied two thin grizzly saddle hackles
baitfish patterns. As a bonus, the
fins. I knew that coloration changed
on top of the wings.
body was practically indestructible.
a lot depending on the environment.
14 TAIL FLY FISHING MAGAZINE
In those days most tiers would’ve
species. So this special fly needed a
bottoms like turtle grass. It has
added the grizzly feather on the side
universal name, and I had it within
worked well, but somehow I seldom
of the kip tail wings, arguing it was
minutes: the Bonefish Special.
use it. Maybe I should use it more.
more realistic. But I felt like the fly
It remained to be seen if the bonefish
would swim more naturally with the
liked it as much as I did.
This is one of those old fly patterns
feather on top. And since I designed
I first tested the fly during a low
that has gone out of fashion these
the fly to fish in very shallow water,
incoming tide on one of the many
days. But try one in shallow water
for tailing and cruising fish, the fly
flats south of Miami in Biscayne Bay.
with a light sandy bottom, and
was unweighted. I finished the fly
Bonefish were pushing wakes into
you’ll find it’s still in style with the
with the yellow thread for the head.
the flat, the water only a few inches
bonefish.
deep and rising. Tails were all over I looked at the fly and wasn’t
the place.
impressed. It looked somehow
And because the fly is so light and delicate, it works best when tied
incomplete and bland—just another
The fly was light and easy to cast,
to a light tippet such as 10-pound
streamer. Still, I decided to try it.
and landed delicately on the water.
test. My favorite hook size is a 4, but
Even when it landed only a few inches
occasionally I’ll use a 2.
For the next couple of months I
from a tailing fish, the bonefish were
fished the fly in the Keys, plus a week
unaware of the fly until I started
in the Bahamas. The results were
moving it. Then they would rush to
mixed; I took a few bonefish and had
it and take it. I landed several nice-
Even though I’ve taken several
a few refusals.
sized bonefish before the tide got too
double-digit bonefish, including a
high to see tails. I fell in love with the
12-pounder, it really wasn’t successful
Bonefish Special.
in its original intent of taking big
I looked closely at the fly again, and I couldn’t make up my mind what it
So, was the fly successful?
bonefish. Today there are many large,
needed. So I put it away and forgot
Since then, I’ve taken hundreds of
weighted flies that do much better at
about it.
bonefish with it, not just in Miami
taking big bonefish around the upper
and the Keys, but in most of the
Keys and Miami. But in shallow water
A few days later I envisioned the fly.
Bahamas, Belize, Mexico, and many
on calm days, it can still be deadly.
I sat on the bench again and started
other places. Maybe someday I’ll
another version—this time with
catch one with it in Cuba.
black thread. But before I made the
And my love affair with the Bonefish Special still burns passionately after
body, I had the idea to add an orange
Now let’s talk about the Bonefish
all these years, partly because it’s
marabou tail for more action. Then I
Special today.
a great fly in the right conditions,
tied the body with yellow mono over
but mostly because tying one on
Mylar, and the white kip tail wings
Since the fly is so light and
my tippet reminds me of those
with the grizzly feather on top. I
aerodynamic, usually dressed very
wonderful fishing days so many years
finished it with the black thread. This
sparsely, it is ideal to use with today’s
ago. And what can I tell you? I’m
time, I had a completely different fly,
light 5- or 6-weight outfits. On a
sentimental for good memories.
somehow more attractive. I didn’t
7-weight you wouldn’t even know
make any changes. It looked right,
the fly was there. You can make
TFFM Consulting Editor, Chico
and I loved it from the start.
casts with it in windy conditions that
Fernandez, has been fly fishing for
you couldn’t make with most other
more than 60 years. He’s the author
bonefish flies.
of three books and has made several
I wanted to give it a name right then and there. It didn’t imitate the
instructional videos, including
mostly yellow juvenile schoolmaster
A rarely tied variation of the Bonefish
Fly-Fishing for Bonefish (Stackpole
snapper, or the mostly white and
Special is one tied with brown wings
Books) and The Art of Fly Casting.
silver mojarra. The fly had the
instead of white. I sometimes tie
coloration of several flats fish
them to fish for bones around dark
TAIL FLY FISHING MAGAZINE 15
GEAR Seventy2 Pro Survival System After the year we just experienced, there’s never been a better time to invest in security. The Seventy2 Pro Survival System by Uncharted Supply Company is a survival kit that contains food and water plus everything else two adults would need to endure harsh conditions for 72 hours. Given that things are not as they were, we feel being prepared for anything is no longer overdoing it. There is also a one-person Seventy2 Survival system, but if you have the space and the need, we recommend the two-person Pro kit. If nothing more, a solo user gets 144 hours. (unchartedsupplyco.com) $595
RCI Optics 2nd Light Midnight Gunmetal / Copper Sunrise Gold Mirror H780 RCI is a Florida-based company that manufactures quality optics that boast UV protection as well as infrared protection. Their theory is that infrared light can cause the anterior chamber of the eye to heat up, and therefore dry out faster than when wearing other lenses. Without getting into that debate, the color of the Copper Sunrise lens is perfect for tannic water and seeing tarpon lumber about in low morning light in the backcountry this spring. (rcioptics.com) $295 16 TAIL FLY FISHING MAGAZINE
GUIDE GoPro Large Tube Mount If you have ever struggled with getting the shot and keeping everything organized (and not in the water) amid the chaos that ensues when a big fish is hooked, this is a possible solution. You no longer have to use a zip-tie to secure your floating handle to your poling platform or your craft’s grab rails. The GoPro large tube mount fits most poling platforms and most hand rails. It even fits on the roll bars of a Jeep. Wherever you put it, count on it helping you capture unique perspectives of your spring fishing adventures. (gopro.com) $39
Simms Dry Creek Simple Pack - 25L Planning on doing some wading, or do you just need a good functional dry bag? Either way, the Dry Creek Pack in 25-liter size is perfect for most situations. Waterproof zipper on the outer pouch gives access to small items like phones, flies, and snacks. The larger storage compartment is surprisingly accommodating for more than you might expect. Nice details, like the padding in the straps, make it a fairly comfortable backpack for a day trip. (simmsfishing.com) $139.95
TAIL FLY FISHING MAGAZINE 17
GEAR GoPro Zeus Mini Whether stringing up fly rods in predawn darkness, lighting up dark boat hatches, or a late-night tying session, GoPro’s Zeus Mini is as versatile as it is powerful. Waterproof down to 33 feet and mountable with a clip or magnets (it firmly sticks to anything metal in your boat), the Zeus Mini can shed light on any situation. Once in place, a strong 360-degree swivel allows you to choose the angle of illumination. With four brightness settings ranging from 20 to 200 lumens and a rechargeable battery that lasts up to six hours, it can handle anything you throw at it. (gopro.com.) $69.99
Lacrosse Alpha Muddy Mid As anglers we spend a lot of time in wet places—boat launches, riverbanks, marinas, wet grass, rainy days. That’s not going to change. Built with the premium, waterproof rubber and neoprene interior Lacrosse is known for, the Alpha Muddy Mid is perfect for anglers on the go. They slip on and off easily, making them perfect for throwing on while launching the boat and then tossing in a hatch until you get back. They’re also every bit as comfortable as they are durable. After a day of fishing you’ll want to wear them while walking the dog, finishing up the day’s chores, or bellying up to the bar. (lacrossefootwear.com) $110 18 TAIL FLY FISHING MAGAZINE
GUIDE Garmin inReach Mini The Garmin inReach Mini is a compact satellite communicator that sets the standard for lightweight offshore or backcountry communication. At 3.5 ounces it’s the lightest two-way satellite communicator on the market. Its two-way messaging is very reliable, and the SOS signal is constantly checked by Garmin’s search-and-rescue monitoring center (subscription required). Throw in weather reports, route-tracking, location, and altitude display, and the inReach Mini is a powerful tool whether you’re deep in the Everglades or need a reliable backup for your phone in the boat. (garmin.com) $349.99 + Subscription Plan
Trayvax Original 2.0 Wallet Wallets are highly personalized items. If your concept of a wallet is something simple, durable, protective, and small, the Trayvax Original 2.0 wallet fits the bill. While its price and size are diminutive, its function is not. It fits just the right amount of cards, has a builtin cash clip, pry bar, and bottle opener, and fits easily into your front pocket. It has built-in RFID protection and will likely outlast you. It’s sourced and built in the US, and patinas with time, making it more of an heirloom with each use. (.trayvax.com) $34.99 TAIL FLY FISHING MAGAZINE 19
GEAR Sea Frogs Underwater Housing Underwater photography equipment doesn’t have to be the price of a used car. If you’re searching for a solid housing that allows you to use your mirrorless or DSLR kit, provides more protection than the zip-seal bag variety, and doesn’t bankrupt you, check out the Sea Frogs line of underwater housings. They make housings for several brands, ranging from Canon to Olympus to Fujifilm, and average in price from $400-$700. You’ll pay a bit more for different ports depending on your needs. We’ve found them to be impressively beefy and well manufactured. The set up and trial run took a bit of getting used to, but after a few runs the operation became second nature. The feedback provided by the buttons, dials and shutter release is affirmative and pleasing. If you’re interested in underwater photography, this is a great place to start. (seafrogs.com) $400-$700
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GUIDE Buzbe Colony 28 Modular Tackle Box While storage and organization seem a Sisyphean task, this little gem might help. It’s designed for both traditional lures and fly storage, but what makes this box unique is the ability to adjust its modular units. They’re like Lego blocks on the bottom and snap into place. It feels a bit like Tetris trying to get the configuration right, but once they’re set, you get durable and dry storage both on and off the boat. It’s a bit heavy, but that’s the tradeoff for heavy-duty construction, industrial-grade plastic, and thick rubber gaskets. Built to last and about the size of a standard laptop at 14 x 9 inches. (buzbe.com) $39.95
AxisGO Waterproof Casing for iPhone The optics improvements in modern smartphones have made them the camera of choice for outings and everyday use on the skiff. After losing phones to salt water for years, we discovered the AxisGO casing for iPhone, which has been a true game changer. Protects the phone from water damage while allowing full functionality. Has limited accessories but there’s a 6-inch dome available to up your photo game when landing and releasing fish. (aquatech.net) $199
TAIL FLY FISHING MAGAZINE 21
behind th Story and photos by Jessica Haydahl Richardson I clicked the stainless steel carabiner onto my Fishpond waist strap. “Bertha,” as I affectionately called my 24-inch inflatable raft, wasn’t about to float off. She was my water mule, tethered with 4 feet of line. Bertha carried a waterproof backpack with a camera,
22 TAIL FLY FISHING MAGAZINE
water bottle and granola bars. An underwater camera rested in her bow as she dutifully followed me across Christmas Island’s coral flats. Two additional cameras hung from my
and methodical. High winds made conversation nearly impossible. Jenny is a fly fishing outfitter and guide from Montana’s Bitterroot Valley. She broke down barriers
chest and hip.
by becoming the Bitterroot’s first female outfitter and guide, proving
I was following Jenny West and our local guide Elu. Every step was slow
herself over the decades as one of the area’s best. She’s athletic—quiet
he lens
TAIL FLY FISHING MAGAZINE 23
and patient until her competitive
nailing her targets every time Elu
20-foot, V-hulled boat reminded
nature kicks in.
called out directions and distances.
me that we weren’t alone out here,
This was her first saltwater fly
The warm, thigh-deep water
the constant feeling of how small a
fishing adventure, but she had
shimmered yellow in the late-day
person seems in a massive ocean.
already caught lots of different
sun. I looked over my shoulder and
Dark clouds formed behind us in the
Christmas Island species. And she
saw nothing but miles of water. In
distance. Another crazy monsoon
came ready to fish on this windy day,
front of us, the silhouette of our
downpour was about to soak us.
a comforting thought to balance
24 TAIL FLY FISHING MAGAZINE
Strong winds and endless rain had
The continuous storms, churning the
hammered us all week. Anxiety set in.
water and hampering our visibility,
Cameras don’t mix well with rain and
were so fierce the previous day
salt water, and worse yet, with the
that we had to abandon the flats. I
gear stowed for protection, I’d be like
was running out of time to get the
Bertha, just along for the ride.
images I wanted.
Let’s go somewhere warm The idea to fly fish Christmas Island was spawned on a cold winter night in Montana. Over fly tying and beer, four ladies from the Bitterroot Valley decided to go fish somewhere warm.
TAIL FLY FISHING MAGAZINE 25
Our group leader, Peg Miskin, yelled,
massive giant trevally, and colorful
Slice of life
“Christmas Island!”
triggerfish make it a dream fly fishing
I wanted to capture all elements of
destination. We gathered seven
the trip—fish, people, and scenery,
Kiritimati sounds a lot like
women to take on the challenge.
with a sharp focus on the ladies
“Christmas” when the “ti”
Ranging in age from 35 to 68 years,
fly fishing. Every morning, I took
combination is correctly pronounced
we came from different areas,
my cameras outside early to begin
like an “s” sound. It’s the largest
backgrounds, and levels of fly fishing
defogging. The hot, humid air
coral atoll in the South Pacific, part
experience, but our common goal was
engulfed my gear, sending thick
of a chain of islands making up the
to make this adventure our own.
droplets of dew running down the
Republic of Kiribati. Plentiful bonefish,
26 TAIL FLY FISHING MAGAZINE
sides of my lenses.
One of my favorite parts of the day
my 70-200 mm lens while the truck
chickens scurried around the houses
was the truck ride between the lodge
jolted back and forth over potholes.
looking for food. The evening ride
and the dock. There were wooden
Kids hung out in sandy yards before
back to the lodge revealed a vibrant
benches on both sides of the bed to
school while their parents cooked
community—kids now out of school
hold us and our gear, and a plywood
over open fires or swept sandy floors
swam around the dock or played soccer.
roof with thin cord loops that held fly
with homemade brooms. Christmas
Motorcycles cruised the streets. People
rods. We bounced around in unison as
Island homes are primarily elevated
relaxed in hammocks outside their
the driver navigated rutted streets.
living quarters with thatched roofs,
homes. I feverishly photographed all of
The morning drive allowed me to
surrounded by yards with palm trees
it from the bench seat in the truck bed.
capture island life as it unfolded before
and discarded coconuts. Dogs, pigs, and
TAIL FLY FISHING MAGAZINE 27
28 TAIL FLY FISHING MAGAZINE
Creeping anxiety Back on the coral flat with Jenny and Elu, the rolling storms seemed unending. I saw lightning hit the treetops on the main island. The shimmering aquamarine water slowly turned dark gray, and a foreboding tension arose at the thought of being left alone out here. Bertha bobbed in the growing waves, her bowline tugging at my hip and reminding me to pay attention. Jenny and Elu had gotten about 30 feet ahead of me. Feeling a sense of panic, I hustled to catch up. My anxiety, however, stemmed from more than the billowing dark clouds. Seven days into our eight-day trip, I was feeling the pressure and stress of what photographers call “bad fish luck.” After multiple days of slow fishing, the exhausting combination of walking through sun, wind, rain, and water while lugging my gear was wearing on me—mentally, physically, and emotionally. Frustration swirled through my mind. I wasn’t capturing the photos and videos that I wanted for a short film featuring women anglers. I also needed photos for a magazine story and sponsors. I pride myself on my commitment to a shoot, but nothing was going according to plan. Each passing day brought the realization that I was running out of time.
Change of luck It was 3:45 p.m., and our boat would soon be back to pick us up. The other ladies had been catching lots of fish of different species, but every time I switched up anglers to follow for half a day, the fishing would shut down, as if the fish knew my cameras were ready. I pleaded internally for one
more fish, although there were signs
But my excitement vanished as
my luck was slowly changing. I had
quickly as it started. So far, I had only
gotten some shots of Jenny with nice
captured images of bonefish. “We
bonefish earlier in the day, as well
need a triggerfish, Jenny,” I said. To
as some good casting and landscape
round out the film and still images,
shots.
we desperately needed a triggerfish. Giant trevally had been nowhere to
“Thirty feet at 11 o’clock,” Elu suddenly
be seen during our trip, and weird
shouted, pointing a spare rod.
weather patterns and high winds had plagued us daily. Jenny had cast
Jenny picked up her line and cast
to several triggerfish over the past
precisely to the spot. The guide
couple of days but just couldn’t seem
motioned with his hand for Jenny to
to connect. She looked at me and
start stripping the line. I was standing
smiled. “Don’t worry, Jess,” she said.
3 feet behind them and could see the
“We will have another shot at one.”
shadow of the bonefish shifting in the water. The fish homed in on her fly,
We kept walking down the flats,
coming in hot at 20 feet, 15 feet, 10
the wall of rain now engulfing
feet. Looking through the viewfinder, I
us. I stuffed cameras inside my
watched the action and snapped shots,
waterproof pack on Bertha, now
waiting for the strip-set image, which
thrashing up and down in the
is always a dynamic photo.
waves and wind. I thought I saw lightning, but Elu seemed amused
Elu motioned for Jenny to stop.
and unconcerned. I hoped he was
I snapped a couple more images
right. I had gotten accustomed to
through a 16-35 mm wide-angle lens
this routine and expected the storm
before turning the camera into video
to pass as quickly as the previous
mode. Jenny and Elu were focused
squalls during our trip. Photography
on the now motionless fly, waiting to
conditions had been challenging.
see what the fish would do next. The
Water persistently ran down my
bonefish attacked her fly and took
lenses, and I had to constantly
off. The line went tight as Jenny strip
shield my cameras from ocean spray.
set and yelled out in excitement. She
Relentless sun caused my underwater
grinned as she played the fish for
camera to fog up, the humidity
a bit before Elu grabbed the leader
making it impossible to outrun
and motioned for Jenny to grab the
condensation.
bonefish’s tail. Walking behind anglers all day and Having fished and photographed
watching other people fish isn’t easy.
with me for a couple of years, Jenny
Not having the rod in my own hands
knows the drill to help me capture
was torture. This trip was testing
good photos. I steadily snapped
my patience, and while fixated on
images, repeating the fish-out-of-
storytelling through film and still
the-water, fish-back-in-the-water,
images, I wasn’t taking time to
angle-it-toward-me program, and
appreciate a special trip with a group
then grabbed my Outex underwater
of amazing women.
camera for a release shot. There were high fives all around.
TAIL FLY FISHING MAGAZINE 29
Pulling the triggerfish
saying to Jenny. With the sun now
Elu moved Jenny to a more favorable
in our faces, I could barely make out
casting position and instructed her
The boat would be coming for us any
the shape of a triggerfish. My heart
to cast again. The golden hour had
minute now. I pleaded for one more
began to race.
arrived, light illuminating Jenny
fish and wished I had a sacrificial
from the front. Rich tones lit up
beer to pour into the ocean and
The fish didn’t seem to notice us.
the shimmering blue water. Water
appease the fish gods. Elu motioned
Steadying my camera against my
droplets danced off the line with
us forward as the sun slowly
pounding chest, with a 70-200 mm
Jenny’s false cast before she sent the
cracked the clouds. The light was
zoom lens and the camera set to
fly 35 feet and precisely dropped it in
spectacular. I unpacked my cameras
video, I pressed record and looked
front of the triggerfish. She twitched
and reattached them to my Cotton
down anxiously at the flip screen.
the crab fly with a short strip. The
Carrier chest harness.
Elu motioned for Jenny to cast. The
fish turned and ate it.
line whizzed past my head, and with The boat was swinging toward us in
a quick double haul and tight loop,
The fish took off to the right, then
the distance. Time was running out,
Jenny propelled the fly toward the
turned back to the left. Elu was
but we were ready when Elu suddenly
fish. It was a difficult cast, with the
casually lighting a cigar, smiling and
motioned for us to stop. A shadow
wind blowing straight into our faces,
laughing. I was hoping for a quick
floated on the surface about 35 feet
and the fly landed 10 feet short.
fight and an end to the agonizing
ahead of us, almost basking in the
Moving a couple of steps to the right,
uncertainty of her landing it. Jenny
warm sunlight. The wind was blowing
we watched the triggerfish lounging in
got the fish in close, but he made
and I couldn’t hear what Elu was
the late-day sun, still unaware of us.
another run, fast and powerful,
30 TAIL FLY FISHING MAGAZINE
the line peeling off the reel. The
as the fish casually swam away.
dance continued for 10 excruciating
Jessica Haydahl Richardson has worked for companies such as the
minutes. Jenny finally brought the
A wave of euphoria washed over us,
Vancouver Canucks and Getty Images,
fish close, and Elu, with his cigar in
the combination of elation and relief
and her photographs have been
one hand and pliers in the other,
as stress and anxiety evaporated in
published in several sportfishing
casually reached for the leader and
the fading light. Jenny jumped up
magazines over the past decade.
then grabbed the tail.
and screamed at the top of her lungs
The Christmas Island trip chronicled
while I pumped my fist in the air.
in this article resulted in the film
The triggerfish sported a stunning
We hugged, both of us holding back
Dropped in the Pacific, which is
mix of pink and baby blue skin, wide
tears. She caught the triggerfish, I
featured in the 2021 Fly Fishing Film
smoky-blue zebra-striped eyes, and a
got the shot, and our group of lady
Tour and will be the first F3T film
mouth full of remarkably humanlike
fly anglers capped off an incredible
directed by a female filmmaker and
teeth. It made a grunting noise from
adventure from the Bitterroot Valley
the tour’s first film with an all-female
deep in its gut. Jenny pointed the
to Christmas Island.
cast. This is Jessica’s first appearance
fish at my lens and water shot out
in TFFM.
of its mouth with a big grunt. The evening sun provided perfect lighting. The triggerfish’s scales glistened with water droplets. Elu removed the fly and Jenny released the fish. I vigorously snapped the shutter button
TAIL FLY FISHING MAGAZINE 31
A Deep Dive into Species:
Concept and Application Elizabeth Wallace, Ph.D.
32 TAIL FLY FISHING MAGAZINE
Editor’s Note: This is the first article in a three-part series that will examine the currently recognized 11 bonefish species. Liz Wallace, a geneticist and prominent scientific authority on bonefish, will highlight research to explore differences in bonefish populations, species origin stories, and hybridization. It’s funny how seemingly simple things can have an outsized impact on one’s life. For me, entry into the realm of bonefish biology started simply enough when I was handed a new research project: Evaluate the genetic population structure of bonefish in Florida waters. Thus began a line of research
expanding to include the identification of a novel species, as well as redefining relationships within the bonefish genus and broader superorder to which they belong (Elopomorpha, which includes eels, tarpon, and ladyfishes). Along the way, my research interests allowed me to earn a doctoral degree and afforded many fantastic opportunities to travel and explore. Of course, I am grateful that bonefish live in some of the most beautiful places on Earth.
TAIL FLY FISHING MAGAZINE 33
What is a species? This question remains one of the most challenging yet vital questions in biology. Much more than a mere philosophical argument, the concept and application of species status has far-reaching implications for management and conservation. Species is the fundamental unit of biodiversity. And yet agreement on a universal definition is lacking: More than 25 species definitions have been proposed. Modern definitions of a species, however, are lineagebased.
Another interesting aspect requires us to possess some humility. As it turns out, we have a long history of doing a rather bad job of recognizing and naming species. A few highlights—or perhaps more appropriately, lowlights: • Blue whales, the largest animals on Earth, were described 20 separate times. • Manatees were believed by the ancient Greeks to be mermaids. • Bonefishes were once considered a single, globally occurring species (Albula vulpes).
One fascinating aspect of the notion of a species is that we all understand what is meant by it. It transcends cultures and languages: Different local names may be used for an organism, yet we all know what it means to be a species. This quote from Darwin’s On the Origin of Species remains true today: “No one definition has as yet satisfied all naturalists; yet every naturalist knows vaguely what he means when he speaks of a species.”
My take on possible causes for this tendency: Humans are very visual, and we like to think that we have correctly interpreted what we observe. Yet organisms use a wide variety of non visual cues to recognize one another. Many fish are adept at this, using chemical, electrical, tactile, and auditory cues—in addition to or instead of vision—to recognize prey, predators, and others of their own kind. This makes sense
34 TAIL FLY FISHING MAGAZINE
in aquatic environments—which may be turbid—where prey hide, predators lurk out of sight, and individuals of a species may be spread out over large areas.
When and how does the species designation occur? No trivial matter, this is the territory of systematics, the field that focuses on understanding and describing species and higher-level evolutionary relationships (genus, family, order, class, phylum, kingdom). From the outside, the discipline may seem murky and daunting, with its own esoteric vocabulary (consider terms like clade, holotype, monophyletic, and synapomorphy). The process of diagnosing (species delimitation) and naming a species (alpha taxonomy) is rigorous and data-driven. Modern species delimitation uses an integrated approach, incorporating genetic, ecological, and behavioral evidence. In
addition to understanding the organism being described, you also must dig into historical literature to see if any names are available. (These must be used before creating a new one.) Type specimens need to be identified—either archival specimens in museum collections or newly preserved ones. Most folks consider recognition of a species a simple issue: Yes, this is a species, or No, it isn’t. In reality, it’s complicated; researchers like me who explore this topic operate in a gray zone. The boundary between where a population ends and a species begins is best viewed as a continuum rather than a hard line. Some might find this nuance annoying. Personally, I find the questions of how, why, and when a species exists even more fascinating than just if it does. I consider my work evolutionary treasure-hunting, and these gems of knowledge and understanding are the treasure. If you have an explorer’s spirit and drive to solve puzzles, this is a great field.
a result of dropping sea levels. From that point forward, the two populations are on separate evolutionary paths. Eventually, they will become genetically different—so much so that they are now two functionally separate species. This process is active and continuous, rather than a single discrete event. We observe the outcome from speciation, but we can’t predict what may happen in the future under alternate conditions. Environmental and geographic changes, as well as human-induced ones, can change evolutionary trajectories.
What are the implications of species status? On the one hand, it doesn’t particularly matter to the existence of an organism if we describe it incorrectly. It can just go about life. On the other
hand, things can go badly awry if it’s a species we meddle with. The presence of unrecognized species may lead to overharvest. Geneticists devote a lot of research effort to limiting the negative impacts of intentional and unintentional relocations and hatchery releases; these can pollute unique genetic stocks through unintended hybridization, which can lead to lower overall species fitness. This may be especially problematic for small, isolated species. If you fish for black bass in the American South or salmon in the Pacific Northwest, you’re likely already familiar with this issue. For these fisheries, genetic stocks are now carefully monitored, hatchery releases geographically restricted, and translocations prohibited. Official recognition of species status can help
The process of speciation can occur in several ways. For bonefishes, as for many marine species groups, the process of speciation likely occurred predominantly through allopatry. Over evolutionary time frames (millions of years), allopatry goes something like this: A species evolves in one location. If it survives and thrives, the population increases, and its range expands. Later, something happens to separate part of the species’ range; for example, a historical waterway closes as
TAIL FLY FISHING MAGAZINE 35
safeguard it from the negative consequences of translocations. Here in Florida, the long-term, red drum stock-enhancement project (operated by the Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission and partners) includes an explicit genetic-monitoring component to avoid potential negative genetic impacts to wild red drum by hatchery stock. Getting species designations correct is important for other reasons. It affords the possibility of protections, if needed, under the Endangered Species Act and the Convention
36 TAIL FLY FISHING MAGAZINE
on International Trade in Endangered Species (CITES). Species status has social, legal, and political implications that directly influence conservation. Practically speaking, species status is the level at which most scientific research occurs. Gaining species recognition also increases research attention and general awareness, which can lead to further discoveries.
How is diversity a product of speciation? The oldest and most numerous vertebrates on the planet, fish are amazingly diverse. They
are found from the poles to the tropics, in saltwater and freshwater habitats, in alpine streams and caves, and at the greatest depths on Earth. Speciation in bonefishes (Albula spp.) is perhaps one of the more intriguing and enduring examples of why taxonomic revision is important and consequential work. Eleven species are currently recognized—and one is in the process of description—within the genus Albula, distributed across the global tropics and subtropics. Two (A. koreana and A. goreensis) have been described in the last 10 years. The flats-angling and
bonefish taxonomy and global distributions (Pickett et al. 2020, available open-access: https:// afspubs.onlinelibrary.wiley.com/ doi/full/10.1002/fsh.10438). The numerous scientists who have contributed to this body of knowledge are cited there. Upcoming in this series, I’ll cover topics including hybrids, cryptics, and origin stories. research communities have focused particular interest on the recent additions. It seems surprising to many that such popular targets for a sport fishery could include species not yet known to science. How could these unknown species be secretly swimming around your feet on the flats? The honest answer has three components: 1) bonefishes are very similar in appearance, making diagnosis difficult; 2) until recently, scientists hadn’t looked very closely; and 3) recent advances in the molecular-systematics field have allowed us to evaluate and diagnose biodiversity with greater accuracy. Although these newest members of Albula have generated considerable excitement, they aren’t a particularly diverse group as far as fish go. Within Elopomorpha, to which bonefishes belong, that prize goes to eels; Anguilliformes contains 1,842 species. And discoveries continue:
A new eel family, Protanguillidae from Palau, was identified in 2011. A classic example of explosive diversity is found in the East African freshwater cichlids, estimated at about 1,600 species occurring in lakes Victoria, Malawi, and Tanganyika. Even those numbers pale in comparison to freshwater cyprinids (carp, minnow, and loach); the order contains an estimated 4,250 species. In total, Eschmeyer’s Catalog of Fishes currently contains 35,704 valid species. I am often asked if it’s possible there are additional undiscovered species of bonefish. Sure it is. Is it likely? Probably not, at this point, but it would be exciting. I haven’t included an exhaustive discussion of species here, which is likely beyond the interest of casual readers. Co-authors and I recently published a thorough review paper discussing
Liz Wallace is a geneticist with the Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission, based at the Fish and Wildlife Research Institute in St. Petersburg, Florida. Her research applies genetic/genomic approaches to conservation and management of recreational and commercial fisheries. Her current projects deal with identifying population structure, cryptic species, hybridization, parentage, and recruitment dynamics that span freshwater and marine fisheries. With expertise in bonefish genetics, fisheries movement, and reproductive ecology, she’s a team member of the Flats Ecology Program spawning and migration research in the Bahamas.
TAIL FLY FISHING MAGAZINE 37
YOUR DRAG by Andy Mill
One of the most exhilarating things
fishing, I was like most anglers—I
to do as a fly fisher is to hook into a
tightened the drag until I felt some
fish so large you’re stunned beyond
resistance and that was it. I was
words. It’s mind-boggling to feel the
taught to fight fish by pinching the
surge and power of an extremely
fly line with my fingers, to pull on
large beast that you’re attached to
the fish until it surged and then to
with a string, and when you realize
let go quickly, reapplying pressure
there’s a good chance of subduing it,
when the fish stopped. Looking at
it’s beyond comprehension. How was
old photographs of Stu Apte, Billy
it possible for Tom Evans to wrestle a
Pate, and others, they all wore gloves,
273-pound blue marlin to the boat on
which they used to keep the fly line’s
16-pound-test monofilament?
friction from burning or cutting into
When I first began saltwater fly
their hands when big fish surged.
38 TAIL FLY FISHING MAGAZINE
TAIL FLY FISHING MAGAZINE 39
Letting go of the line too late is how
repetition. Many of our pioneers
many fish break off. The anglers I
chased the 12-pound world-record fish.
mentioned held onto the fly line, but did they know how many pounds of
I was at Apte’s home to interview him
pressure they were applying to the
for my book, A Passion for Tarpon.
fish? Some yes, others no. The ones
After the interview we went into his
who didn’t became famous—maybe
backyard to gauge his precision with
infamous—for epic eight-hour battles.
the weight and pressure he applied to
The ones who did caught massive
fish. He told me he sought to apply
fish and did it quickly. The truly great
12 pounds of pressure when pulling
anglers paid very close attention to
on fish. So he broke out his rod and I
the moments of disaster when the
attached his leader to my Boga grip
fish broke off. Back then, there were
scale. As he walked back and started
so many fish available, and they
to pull, my scale went to 12 pounds,
broke off so many, that they learned
perfectly on target. When I asked him
their tackle’s breaking point through
how he knew, he said, “I just know.”
40 TAIL FLY FISHING MAGAZINE
Experience was Apte’s teacher, but
To learn this without relying on
my hands how to apply 12 pounds of
today, we don’t have the luxury of
someone else holding a scale, I went
pressure to a fish, and that’s how I’ve
the endless schools of innocent fish
to a marine store and purchased
fought tarpon over the past three
that he and others often found.
a simple pulley used by sailors and
decades.
Hooking or catching one tarpon a
attached it to the underside of
day is a successful day for many. So
my work bench. I took a piece of
Even though I’ve never used my reel’s
we need to be able to learn more at
monofilament, strung it through the
drag to fight fish, last year I started
home now, so that when we get on
pulley, and attached it to
to focus on drag settings and how
the water and hook the fish of our
a 12-pound dumbbell. I tied a
to quickly know my drag’s actual
dreams, we have a better chance of
perfection loop to the other end of
resistance. But how would I approach
catching it.
the mono, attached a Boga grip to
this technique? I’ve never tested my
the loop, and pulled back until the
drag setting with a scale; I’ve just
dumbbell came off the floor. With no
pulled the line off of the reel until it
Let’s talk about reel drag, resistance in pounds, and how to set it. I became aware of resistance in pounds when I started tournament fishing. I was catching fish fairly quickly, but I knew I was only guessing about how hard I was pulling. I was pulling hard, but I couldn’t quantify it. And if I could pull harder without breaking off fish, I’d catch fish quicker, giving me additional time to catch more. Because winning tournaments is a numbers game, it was time to dive into the details. I started by having someone
We can all become much more efficient at catching fish if we learn how to fish with real numbers.
hold a scale attached to
“felt right,” which typically was as simple as when it was fairly tight. Then I’d leave it there for the entire season. I used to think my drag was about 5 pounds, but I recently measured my drag with a scale, and it was 3 pounds. I was intrigued. If I knew the exact spot on my reel where the drag was set to 5 and 10 pounds, I could quickly and effectively use drag while fighting fish. For example, if I have a heavy drag setting of 10 pounds or more on a fish next to the boat, and he
my leader while I pulled, emulating
friction from the pulley, the Boga grip
quickly goes under the boat and I’m
a fish fight. When I thought I was
read 12 pounds. I cut that loose and
not quick enough to walk my rod
really pulling, the numbers were
strung my leader through the pulley,
around the bow to get to the other
around 9 to 10 pounds. I wanted to
tied it to the dumbbell, stepped back,
side, my rod could be leveraged
pull 12 pounds consistently and be
hung onto my fly line, and started
against the gunnel and break. I could
automatic in reaching that rate of
to bend my rod until the dumbbell
avoid that scenario by quickly taking
pull when I hooked a fish. It would
lifted off the floor. The system
all the drag off my reel and walking
give me a window of 4 pounds before
worked exactly as I had envisioned,
my rod around the bow or stern. Once
I’d break off a fish with 16-pound-
and now I could learn to pull on fish
the fish is clear, I can then turn the
test tournament tippets.
in my garage. Over time, it taught
drag knob back up to the 10-pound
TAIL FLY FISHING MAGAZINE 41
mark. But if I don’t have a mark on
end of your leader and attach a scale
It’s important to pull hard, but it’s
my reel indicating 10 pounds, I’m just
to it. With the reel in your hand, have
just as important to know truly how
guessing how far to rotate the knob.
someone hold the scale and read the
much you’re pulling. It’s a proven way
We can all become much more
pounds while you rotate the drag
to help you catch some of those big
efficient at catching fish if we learn
knob to increase resistance. When
fish that have gotten away in the
how to fish with real numbers.
the scale hits 5 pounds, mark the top
past.
Furthermore, big fish have a far
of the drag knob or regulator and
better chance of survival if they’re
the back wall of the reel so the two
TFFM Consulting Editor, Andy
caught and released in 15 to 20
marks align. Then increase the drag
Mill, is one of fly fishing’s leading
minutes. If you can’t catch a fish in
again until the scale hits 10 pounds.
authorities. Andy has won more
30 minutes or less, you should break
Mark the back of the reel wall again,
invitational fly tarpon tournaments
it off. When I hear of these hour and
and you now have exact reference
than any other angler, including
longer battles with fish, I know I’ve
points and no more guesswork. (If
five Gold Cups. He’s the author of A
just heard a dead tarpon tale.
you fish light tippets, the marks may
Passion for Tarpon (Wild River Press).
be at 2, 4, or 6 pounds, or whatever
You can listen to the fly fishing
So how do we mark our reels to know
resistance you want; it works the
podcasts produced by him and his
by a quick glance where we are in
same with any tippet size.)
son Nicky at millhousepodcast.com.
actual pounds? Make a loop on the
42 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 43
tarpon
tree 44 TAIL FLY FISHING MAGAZINE
by Brent Hannafan Every day I fly fish for tarpon is
tarpon that doesn’t know I see her
When last I wrote about fly fishing
Christmas morning.
and a few pals cruising toward me
for tarpon in this publication, I
in the vodka-clear water. Or maybe
warned anyone considering taking
I fall asleep the night before my trip
it will be an ugly sweater: rough
up the sport that tarpon can be real
with visions of tarpon dancing in my
seas with no chance of spotting any
assholes. Their unpredictability is
head. I wake up giddy, eager to get
tarpon. The possibilities are endless.
maddening. Nevertheless, watching
out on the water to see what’s under
I once found a tarpon under the
a tarpon eat your fly and then blow
my tarpon tree. Maybe it will be the
tarpon tree that leapt into a tree.
out of the water like a detonating
perfect gift: a courtesy roll by a smug
More on that later.
bomb is exhilarating and addictive.
TAIL FLY FISHING MAGAZINE 45
I make an annual pilgrimage to the
shot at if you haven’t cast to one in
Everglades in June to get my fix.
a year? And unlike a yearly round of
even possible?” Yes, and I’ll explain.)
golf, during which you can work off
During Steve Kerr’s NBA playing
During my four days of Christmas
some rust in your swing by the tenth
career, he would often come off the
each June, I desperately want to
hole, you might only get a handful of
bench to try to hit a three-point shot
make the most of any shiny gifts I
legitimate shots at tarpon during an
at the end of a quarter. To replicate
find under the tarpon tree. But if you
entire trip. Your first shot might be
that situation, he and his shooting
only get to fish a few days each year,
your only shot.
coach devised a drill: Kerr would sit
as I do, it is difficult to maintain—
on the bench after practice and
much less improve—your tarpon
If you want to catch more tarpon
cool down. He and his coach would
game from year to year. Think about
on a fly, you have to improve your
chitchat until his coach randomly
it: If you didn’t pick up a golf club
tarpon game in the offseason. In
yelled at him to check into the game.
for a year, would you expect to walk
order to do so, you need to replicate
Kerr would jump up, pretend to check
to the first tee and maul your drive
casting to—and hooking—tarpon
in at the scorer’s table, hustle onto
down the middle of the fairway? Of
when you practice. “Um, wait,” you
the court, and take a single three-
course not. So why would you expect
might be saying. “You can practice
point shot. He’d take just seven shots
to hook the first tarpon you get a
hooking a tarpon on a fly rod? Is that
over 30 minutes.
Photo: Greg Poland 46 TAIL FLY FISHING MAGAZINE
If you want to be the Steve Kerr of
rig, treat yourself to a used one. You
where the tarpon is; pros cast to
tarpon fishing, you’ll need to practice
don’t need to acquire a top-of-the-
where the tarpon will be. As far as
casting for tarpon and not for any
line outfit, but you do need a rod the
practicing that concept goes, I found
other species. As I have learned
size of the one you’ll use for tarpon.
my toddler son made a great mock
painfully, tarpon often don’t show
The cost will be a fraction of what
tarpon as he wandered about our
themselves until they are seemingly
you’ll spend on future trips, and the
local park. If you happen to have a
on top of the boat and moving
value of hooking a tarpon versus
toddler at your disposal, take him
quickly (just one reason they are
blowing a shot because you weren’t
or her out with you for a practice
such assholes). That requires getting
prepared is immeasurable.
session. Think to yourself, “Don’t cast
your fly line out and on the water
to the toddler, lead the toddler.”
very quickly. Like Kerr, you should
To make “practicasting” for tarpon
practice taking that specific shot.
as realistic as possible, tie a piece
Next, don’t pick up your line when
And spending half an hour casting
of ribbon to your leader so you can
your cast hits the ground. Instead,
your favorite 5-weight in a straight
see where your fly—and not just the
pretend you are out on the salt. Bend
line the night before your tarpon
end of the fly line—lands. Pile up
your knees, get the rod tip down
trip won’t condition you to make
20 yards of excess line at your feet.
to the grass, put your hands out in
that shot when it counts. The simple
Then imagine your guide shouting, “I
front of you, and retrieve in the same
reason is because the physics of false
got color at 10 o’clock. Moving fast!”
tick-tick-tick fashion you would if you
casting with a big rod are different
Quickly pump your big-boy rod a few
were on the bow. Finish the retrieve
than with a small rod.
times to get enough line out to load
with a full-on yank with your line
If you want to be the Steve Kerr of tarpon fishing, you’ll need to practice casting for tarpon and not for any other species. it, slow your casting stroke as you
hand and a punch back with your rod
Ten feet of 5-weight fly line is heavy
double-haul once or twice, and then
hand to set the hook. Do it all over
enough to load a 5-weight rod, but
cast to a spot in front of where an
again as you cast at different angles
10 feet of 10-weight line won’t load
imaginary tarpon will grab your fly.
and distances. If you are as obsessed
a 10-weight rod. So, if you haven’t
as I am, make a point to practice
spent some time in the offseason
But don’t just cast the same distance
when it’s windy (as it is sure to be out
practicing getting line out quickly
in the same direction 50 times and
on the salt).
with a big rod, standing on the bow
pat yourself on the back when you
false casting with your ingrained
really bomb one out there. Unless you
Now let’s turn to how to practice
5-weight stroke won’t get enough
are casting to a laid-up tarpon, those
what happens when a tarpon eats
line out to take your shot in time.
assholes are moving—and rarely in
your fly. When tarpon get hooked,
Returning to the golf analogy, you
a straight line. In order to maximize
they tear off in the water like a
wouldn’t practice hitting your 6-iron
the benefit of this drill, your target—
spooked deer. (If you find a deer
if you knew you were only going to
and thus the direction of your cast—
to run this drill with you, I’ll pay
hit your driver during an annual
has to be moving.
handsomely for that video.) The
round. If you haven’t practiced with a
sound and feel of a reel screaming as
big rod, you’ll still be false casting as
Wayne Gretzky’s father’s advice to
a tarpon races off tops the list of why
opportunity literally passes.
skate to where the puck will be, not
I am obsessed with them. And I’m
where it is, applies equally well to
here to tell you how you can replicate
tarpon. Amateurs cast their fly to
that sensation in your off season.
If you don’t already have a 10-weight
TAIL FLY FISHING MAGAZINE 47
If you don’t own a dog who retrieves,
then put the collar on the dog. Stand
practice this phenomenon by stripping
find someone who does. My preferred
back about 10 yards, throw a tennis
in line as the dog barrels back toward
breed for this drill is a Labrador
ball, and release the hound. As the
you. Rinse and repeat.
retriever. Labs are obsessive
dog races away, you’ll get to practice
retrievers and couldn’t care less if you
funneling excess line shooting up
My final piece of advice for making
tie your fly line to their collar before
from an imaginary deck through an
the most of your offseason tarpon
they race off to get their precious
“O” you make with your forefinger
training is comparatively simple: Talk
ball or Frisbee.
and thumb.
to a fly fishing guide. If you truly want to up your tarpon game, take a
Regardless of the breed, tie the end
Just as a retrieving dog runs back to
video of yourself “practicasting” to an
of your leader to the collar of a dog
you, tarpon will often race back to
imaginary tarpon and send it to your
that tips the scales in the 50- to
the boat. That forces the suddenly
favorite guide. Or stop by your local fly
100-pound range. I have found it
surprised angler to begin furiously
shop and hire a guide for an hour-long
helps to tie the line to the collar and
stripping in line to avoid slack. You can
casting lesson. Just as taking a lesson
48 TAIL FLY FISHING MAGAZINE
from a golf pro will fix flaws in your
wrong but how to fix it.
swing, having a true pro watch your cast will help you fix flaws.
As for the tarpon I found under the tarpon tree that leapt into a tree—
Like buying a used 10-weight, the
well, it’s a short, sad tale. He ate the
cost of a casting lesson will be a
fly, I set the hook, and he leapt five
Andy Lee has guided me for tarpon
fraction of the cost of your next
feet into a mangrove tree. Buh-bye.
over the past dozen years. During
tarpon trip. I also expect the guide
Though I haven’t yet figured out how
my last Christmas-in-June trip to the
will give you advice that’s more
to practice landing a tarpon that leaps
Everglades, Andy watched me make
helpful than someone telling you to
into a tree, I’ll still do everything else I
a single backward cast and caught
go out and tie your line to a retriever.
can in the off-season to get better at
a subtle flaw in my stroke. Listening
Seriously, who would do that? (I did.) I
catching the assholes I find under my
to him describe the flaw, and then
promise you’ll be glad you got advice
own tarpon tree during Christmas in
watching him throw a few casts the
from a pro the next time you peek
June. I hope you’ll do the same.
way it’s supposed to be done, drove
under your own tarpon tree.
home not only what I was doing
TAIL FLY FISHING MAGAZINE 49
ON THE PLATE: by Kelli Prescott
50 TAIL FLY FISHING MAGAZINE
Springtime Eats Spring gives me a sense of whimsy
amount of time possible in the
synonymous with boring: I developed
and lightheartedness. When warm
kitchen to deliver satisfying meals
these recipes specifically to bring an
sunshine returns and some of the
that don’t feel too heavy. I love to
exciting flair that transforms simple
most perfect weather of the year
eat light, fresh flavors with simple
ingredients into extraordinary plates.
awaits, I aim to spend the least
ingredients. And simple is not
CRISPY DUCK FAT LATKES WITH 36-HOUR GRAVLAX LATKES
GRAVLAX
Traditional latkes use matzo meal
3 medium-large russet potatoes
Skin-on salmon fillet, the fresher the
as a binder and are fried in schmaltz
1 medium yellow onion
better
(rendered chicken fat). I stick to the
3 cloves garlic, grated
cling wrap
matzo meal as a binder but prefer
1/3 cup matzo meal or crushed
pie weights (or any canned goods)
duck fat for a more robust, decadent
matzo crackers (substitute cracker
1½ cups kosher salt
flavor that pairs perfectly with my
meal)
2 cups granulated sugar
36-hour gravlax.
1/3 cup all-purpose flour
1/4 cup fresh cracked black pepper
1½ tsp baking powder
1 lemon, zested
1 egg + 2 egg yolks, whisked to blend
1 cup fresh dill, roughly chopped
3 tbsp melted butter 2 tsp kosher salt
TOPPINGS
2 tsp fresh chives, finely chopped
crème fraîche (or sour cream)
1 tsp onion powder
salmon roe (or any caviar)
1 tsp dried parsley
fresh cracked black pepper
1 tsp fresh cracked black pepper
fresh herbs (or microgreens) lemon zest or juice
36-HOUR GRAVLAX Although very simple to prepare,
the majority of that time is idle.
Next, lay down three sheets of cling
curing gravlax at home takes time.
You’ll only need about 20 minutes of
wrap on the counter. The sheets
For this particular method, you’ll
hands-on prep time.
should be quite a bit longer than the length of your fillet. Overlap the
need 36 to 40 hours from start to finish. It may sound overwhelming
First, mix together the curing blend.
sheets of cling wrap so that you end
and like more time than you’re
Combine kosher salt, sugar, and
up with a square area on which to
willing to spend for one dish, but
cracked black pepper in a bowl.
place your salmon.
TAIL FLY FISHING MAGAZINE 51
CRISPY DUCK FAT LATKES WITH 36-HOUR GRAVLAX Spoon about half of the salt mixture
frequently the door is opened the
Once grated, strain any excess
into the middle of the cling wrap,
better.
liquid from the potato and onion by pressing them down in a fine mesh
spreading it out in the shape of the fillet in an even layer. Evenly sprinkle
After about 12 hours, flip the salmon
sieve. Then wrap the potato and
half of the chopped dill and lemon
and return the weights. Continue to
onion in a kitchen towel or strong
zest on top.
flip the salmon every 12 hours until
paper towels and ring out until they
you reach the 36-hour mark on the
are completely dry.
Place your salmon fillet skin-side
cure. Keep in mind that this isn’t
down on top of the curing mixture.
precise: You could flip your salmon
Return the grated potato and onion
Then add remaining dill and lemon
every 8 hours or just flip it twice
to a large bowl. Mix in grated garlic,
zest on top of the salmon. Spoon
during the cure.
whisked eggs, melted butter, and chives. Then use clean hands to mix
more curing mixture over the top of the salmon until it is covered in
After 36 hours, rinse the salmon
in dry ingredients and seasoning until
about a quarter-inch layer. (You may
thoroughly with cold water and pat
well incorporated.
have some curing mixture left over.)
dry with paper towels. Return to the
Wrap up the salmon tightly. I like to
refrigerator on a rack to air-dry for at
Form 4-inch latke patties that are
least 1 hour and up to 6.
a quarter-inch thick and shallow fry in a cast-iron skillet with a quarter-
add one more piece of cling wrap to really lock in the cure. Place wrapped
Thinly slice. Serve with cracked black
inch of duck fat at 350° F. Flip once
salmon skin-side down in a large
pepper, dill, and a drizzle of olive oil
or twice until both sides are golden
baking dish and put pie weights on
and lemon juice.
brown. If you can’t find duck fat,
top of the fillet. (Anything that helps weigh it down works: cans, etc.)
Crispy Duck Fat Latkes
which I highly recommend, vegetable oil can be substituted.
Peel russet potatoes, onions, and Refrigerate the salmon in the back
garlic. Grate potatoes and onion in a
Drain on a cooling rack. Assemble
of your refrigerator or in an extra
large bowl with a box grater or food
with gravlax, crème fraîche, and
refrigerator if you have one. The less
processor.
desired toppings.
52 TAIL FLY FISHING MAGAZINE
TAIL FLY FISHING MAGAZINE 53
54 TAIL FLY FISHING MAGAZINE
CHARGRILLED BBQ TIGER PRAWNS WITH SPRINGY PEA SALAD PRAWNS: Tiger prawns are a large variety of
1 pound tiger prawns or Gulf shrimp
reserved bacon grease
shrimp that typically yield about
(head and shell on)
1 bunch chives, roughly chopped
four per pound. Unlike their sweet
1/3 cup barbecue sauce
1/4 cup dill, picked
and delicate cousins (white, brown,
1 tbsp olive oil
1/3 cup microgreens (optional)
and Gulf shrimp), tiger prawns have
1 tbsp lemon juice
a slightly firmer texture and aren’t
1 tsp fresh cracked black pepper
sweet at all. They most closely
1/2 tsp smoked paprika
resemble spiny or rock lobsters
1/4 tsp cayenne pepper
2 tbsp chives, finely chopped
in flavor. Although tiger prawns
1/4 tsp ground mustard
2 tbsp dill, chopped
are native to the Indo-Pacific
2 cloves garlic, minced
1/3 cup Dukes mayonnaise
region, they have small invasive populations ranging from Texas to North Carolina.
PEA SALAD:
DRESSING: 1/4 cup fresh tarragon, leaves picked
2 tbsp Dijon mustard 1 tbsp white wine vinegar
4 cups frozen English peas, thawed
1/2 tsp kosher salt
1 watermelon radish, sliced thin
1 tsp fresh cracked black pepper
So if you prefer Gulf shrimp over
3 breakfast radishes, sliced thin
warmwater lobster, or you can’t find
4 slices bacon, chopped,
tiger prawns, this recipe is just as
cooked until crispy
delicious with any variety of large shrimp.
PRAWNS: To prepare the prawns, you’ll want to
Get a small pile of charcoal white-hot.
handheld immersion blender, but you
take a sharp heavy-duty kitchen knife
Then spread it out and add chunks
can put items in a stand blender as well.
and carefully split them in half, from
of oak. Once blended smooth, add chopped
the head down to the tail. Be sure not to cut all the way through; your goal
Grill the shrimp shell-side down with
dill, chives, salt, and pepper, and
is to butterfly them with the shell on.
the lid closed for 5 to 7 minutes.
whisk to combine. Set aside while you
Once butterflied and deveined, take
Then move to indirect heat and
assemble the salad.
your thumb and separate the meat
close the lid. Cook for an additional 5
from the bottom shell. This allows
minutes until the juices in the head
In a large bowl combine English peas,
the meat to cook free from the shell
of the prawn start to sizzle and the
sliced radishes, chives, dill, half of
without sticking.
meat becomes opaque and springs
the cooked bacon, and the bacon
back at a touch.
grease. (If you aren’t a big fan of radishes, you can omit them. Lots of
I use this method with standard Gulf shrimp as well. Separating the meat
Serve with grilled lemon, melted
fresh veggies pair well in this salad:
from the shell makes all the difference
butter, and springy pea salad.
asparagus, fennel, red onion, and
when it comes to ease of eating.
SALAD:
more.)
Prepare barbecue glaze by mixing all
To make my springy pea salad, start
Sprinkle lightly with salt and cracked
ingredients in a small bowl. Baste the
with the dressing. Add chopped
pepper and stir. Add dressing to taste
shrimp—both underneath the meat
tarragon, mayo, mustard, and white
and stir to combine once more. Top
where you separated it from the
wine vinegar to a small bowl and
with microgreens and remaining bacon.
shell, and on top.
blend until smooth. I like to use a TAIL FLY FISHING MAGAZINE 55
V
oma
a L Pol a vi
by Trey Reid
56 TAIL FLY FISHING MAGAZINE
I have nothing against the margarita,
faster; most recipes also call for
Coming home to quarantines and
but it’s no longer my No. 1 tequila
salt, either rimmed on the glass
closures, my affair with the Paloma
cocktail, supplanted over the past
or sprinkled into it, but I’ve found
escalated as rapidly as the pandemic.
surreal year by La Paloma.
the faint saltiness from the soda
It was a bridge between happy
suffices.) Simplicity, in this case,
memories of fly-fishing travel and
spawns perfection.
the new reality of a more sedentary
The unofficial national drink of Mexico is simple and refreshing,
existence, one with daily reminders of
bright like the coming spring. They’re
Like its country of origin, tequila
sadness and despair. But springtime
easy to make for a band of thirsty fly
boasts a bright spiciness that shines
in my home state of Arkansas is
fishers or for a warm, sunny day at
through better in a Paloma than
sublime, and a Paloma or three on
home.
in the heavier margarita and other
the backyard deck in the season’s
fruit-enhanced tequila drinks. The
lengthening days became a near-daily
My relationship with the Paloma is
sour notes from lime are familiar, but
bright spot in an otherwise dispiriting
still young, but it’s passionate and
not as overpowering. The sweet and
time. For people working from home
intense, and I think it’s gonna last. It
mildly bitter grapefruit soda provides
with school-aged kids simultaneously
started a year ago, on the Caribbean
balance.
attempting a sudden pivot to virtual
coast of Mexico. Fishing for a week
learning, day-drinking came out in
out of a small fishing-focused inn on
The Paloma is an ideal refresher for
the open, and my flings with the
the southern Yucatan shoreline, we
spring, summer, or tropical weather.
Paloma became more frequent.
needed a solid aprés-fishing cocktail,
On the Costa Maya last year, they
and Palomas checked all the boxes.
were almost restorative after eight
I tried new things, wanting to explore
hours in the sun, and broke up the
the depths of our relationship.
You need just four ingredients—
monotony of Mexican lagers. We
The cocktail should always start
tequila, lime, grapefruit soda, and
made them until we ran out of
with good 100 percent blue agave
ice. (They’re easy to make in batches,
grapefruit soda.
tequila. I quickly settled on Hornitos
too, but you’ll lose the soda’s fizz
Plata, an unrested young tequila
TAIL FLY FISHING MAGAZINE 57
that keeps the cocktail livelier and
likely existed since at least the 1950s,
margarita.” Although we can’t trace
brighter than reposado tequilas.
and Squirt’s mid-century introduction
the precise provenance of the Paloma,
At first, I was a purist, stocking up
to Mexico probably played a part in
evidence suggests it originated
on 12.5-ounce bottles of Jarritos
its birth. The website alcademics.
south of the border. It’s ubiquitous
grapefruit soda with pure cane sugar
com, a terrific source for all kinds of
in Mexico, and it didn’t become the
at a small Mexican grocery near my
cocktail information, debunks some
country’s national cocktail overnight.
home. It’s still my preferred finisher,
Wikipedia myths about the cocktail
With Squirt’s introduction to Mexico
but when a woman at the bodega
and delves into its origins. Few
in the 1950s, it’s probable that the
suggested Squirt grapefruit soda as
references to the drink exist prior to
first Paloma was consumed within
her preferred Paloma mixer, it opened
the turn of the 21st century, when it
hours of the initial truckload’s arrival.
new possibilities.
started showing up in cocktail books
Plus, it’s called La Paloma, not The
and bar manuals. In A Cook’s Tour
Dove.
Digging deeper into the Paloma’s
of Mexico, published in 1997, Nancy
past, I discovered the cocktail has
Zaslavsky called it a “lazy man’s
58 TAIL FLY FISHING MAGAZINE
You’ll find different versions in
cocktail books and internet sites,
core allure is its simplicity, a classic
TFFM’s Managing Editor, Trey Reid,
including recipes with fresh
example of the sum being greater
has written for numerous
grapefruit juice, grapefruit bitters,
than the parts.
newspapers, magazines, and
and sweeteners like agave syrup.
websites, and is a former field
With craft cocktail trends continuing,
I’m still a purist—tequila, lime, and
reporter for ESPN. He works in media
you’ll also likely encounter gussied-
grapefruit soda over ice in a lowball
and public relations for the Arkansas
up derivatives that share little
glass. It’s the way the drink started,
Game and Fish Commission, and
in common with the original.
quick and easy to make, and even
hosts The Wild Side on 103.7 FM The
I don’t begrudge anybody for
easier to enjoy. Throw in a warm,
Buzz in Little Rock, which can be
experimentation behind the bar; I’ve
sunny spring day, or friends gathered
heard as a podcast. His exhaustive
made more than my share of complex
under palms talking permit fishing,
research for this spirits column
cocktails, infusing spirits with fruit
and you have Paloma perfection.
required him to consume more
and chiles and making flavored
tequila than he’s willing to admit.
simple syrups. But the Paloma’s
TAIL FLY FISHING MAGAZINE 59
The Redfish Crouton by Nick Davis
The Redfish Crouton is a pattern I developed long ago when I first started this tax-evasion scheme called fly tying and fishing. Back in the pre-Instagram days, redfish flies were nothing more than a wad of buck tail and a half-assed palmered piece of cactus chenille. That’s not completely accurate, but it’s not far off. Redfish probably aren’t the scholars of the sea, and many times they barely require more than a cigarette butt to be fooled into a close-quarters game of tug-of-war on a 6-weight. I designed this fly to keep myself occupied and bring an otherwise minimally required pattern into fly tying’s opulent age of like, comment, and share. But it’s fun and looks cool, borrowing some old-school deer hair Muddler vibes and merging them with new-age techno eyes and a crustacean feel. It’s a timeless, classic black tuxedo in front, and an EDM rave party in the back. Is it more than you need to catch redfish? Absolutely. Is it more than you want to show off in your fly box? Hell no.
60 TAIL FLY FISHING MAGAZINE
Materials • • • • • • • • • • •
#2 Daiichi 2546 or #2 Umpqua XS410 Danville 210 Denier Thread Cactus Chenille (Medium) - Orange Arctic Fox Hair or Coyote Barred Strung Neck Hackles - Tan or Grizzly Palmer Chenille (Medium) - Root Beer Deer Belly Hair - Chartreuse Deer Belly Hair - Ginger Danville 210 Thread - Chartreuse Bead Chain (Large) - Gold Crustacean Eyes
Step 1 Start by laying a base of Danville 210 from the eye of the hook to the bend of the shank. Go just past the spot directly above the barb. Tie in your orange cactus chenille, then move the thread back to line up with the barb. Palmer the chenille back to the thread and tie it in, using no more than 5 wraps. Make sure you didn’t eat up too much hook shank. Your thread should be hanging no farther forward than the barb—between the hook point and barb is ideal. Trim off the excess. Step 2 Grab a pair of EP crustacean eyes, or if you’re feeling fancy, make your own. Just make sure when you tie them in, they’re not too far forward—about 1/2 inch or a little less of the mono stem is good. If you tie them in too long, they’ll foul around the hook shank easily. Flush cutters are especially handy here to trim that little wedge into the mono for a nice bulk-free taper. Trim off the ends of the eye stems. Step 3 Tie in a little coyote or tan arctic fox. When condensed, the fur should be about the diameter of a toothpick. Tie in to your desired length; mine is usually 1 1/2 inches. You want the hackles we’ll tie in later to stick out a little past these ends. Notice that I’m working on top of the eyes. Everything is high, tight, and compact. The thread is still between the hook point and barb. Step 4 Measure some hackles of your choosing. I like the Metz capes or Hareline half capes. No need to blow $120 on feathers for salt water. (Remember the cigarette butt we mentioned?) A strung neck hackle will suffice. Hold the hackles tip to tip and split over the coyote. Tightly hold them so they don’t rotate. Trim the excess. Step 5 It’s important to keep your thread wraps to a minimum while working on top of other materials. You’ll make a blob if you wrap everything 18 times. With that in mind, start tying in your palmer chenille right next to your farthestback thread wraps. Bring your thread back behind the bulge of all your previous materials, and begin to palmer back toward the eye of the hook. You’re going to cover up all the previous threads with the palmer chenille—about six wraps. Secure the palmer chenille and trim off the excess. TAIL FLY FISHING MAGAZINE 61
Step 6 Grab another hackle and tie it in perpendicular to the hook shank. We’re palmering this, too. I like to use one that’s a little bigger than the ones we used for the claws. Use your hackle pliers and wrap 8-10 times very tightly, wrap to wrap, and palmer forward while wrapping back toward the eye of the hook. Put a wrap or three of thread over the hackles and just give them a little nudge forward. Then move your thread back to the tie-in point for the bead chain. Step 7 Figure-eight the bead chain and secure it. A little dab of Zap Gel or Loctite underneath a bounty of wraps will help to keep them from sliding. Step 8 Get a pinch of chartreuse deer hair (and say a quick prayer). The total amount should be about three pencil diameters. Lay the hair on top of the hook shank and put two loose wraps around it. The thread should cinch between the palmered hackle and bead chain. Pull the thread, and hold the stack loosely in your fingers until the deer hair starts to spin and puff. (If you’re not a proficient deer hair spinner, there are countless YouTube videos that may help. I suggest the deer hair Megalollipop video from 239 Flies.) Step 9 Now it’s time for the much easier “stacking” method. Using your vise’s rotary function, flip the fly over. Take a small clump of ginger deer belly hair, about a pencil diameter’s worth, and hold it directly on top of the chartreuse deer hair. Pinch it and hold tightly while putting two tight wraps over all of them and cinching them down. Use your fingers to prevent the hair from spinning.
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Step 10 Wiggle some thread wraps between the deer hair and bring your thread up to the eye of the hook. Put in a couple of half hitches and cut off your thread. We’ll attach it later to finish. Step 11 Double-edged razors are so damn sharp, if you look at them wrong, you’re bleeding. Be careful! I like to start on the bottom of the fly (bead chain side) and shave it tight to the bead chain. Hit the sides before flipping the fly over. Remember, work slowly. You can always take a little more off, but if you take too much, you’re starting over. Flip it over and trim at an upward angle. Step 12 Give it a shave parallel to the hook shank on top to round it out. Then work your way around the bottom and sides, leaving that top flair. Use your scissors to make it perfect. (Redfish don’t care, but you should.) Step 13 Reattach your thread and make 10-15 wraps on top of your half hitches. Whip finish and hit it with some head cement or Loon UV Thin. Step 14 Admire your work of art. You can put a heavy amount of Loon Flow on the deer hair to bulletproof this thing. It photographs like hell, which its why we didn’t do it here. All the materials to tie the Redfish Crouton, including a handy DIY kit, are available at 239flies.com. Nick Davis is the co-owner of 239 Flies & Outfitter in Bonito Beach, Florida, which began as an online retailer selling oneoff fly patterns and now occupies 2,600 square feet of retail space. You can learn more about Nick and 239 Flies by visiting 239flies.com or following his Instagram page (#BuildingFuzzyEmpires).
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Silver Bullets of the Pacific
By Al Quattrocchi
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It was dark-thirty as we taxied through the low morning light toward the brightly lit bait receiver. As we slid alongside the floating platform, anxious pelicans looking for handouts greeted us immediately as scoops of cured sardines were deposited in our baitwell. With a happy tank of bait, we were ready to make the 21-mile trip across the channel. I was
spending the day with my old friend, Capt. Vaughn Podmore (saltyflyfishing.com), to catch up on old times, have a few laughs, and pull on some hard-fighting island bonito. The sun was slowly rising and illuminating the distant horizon with brilliant shades of red and orange. We slowly eased our way out of San Pedro Harbor toward the breakwall and found calm
seas and light winds, excellent conditions for running across the channel. We pointed the bow westward, hit the gas, and skipped like a stone across the blue Pacific toward Long Point on Santa Catalina. As Catalina Island became visible on the horizon, a distant whale greeted us with spray, and playful dolphins skimmed the surface. The island was alive with life.
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THE SURFACE TAKES ARE IMMEDIATE AND EXPLOSIVE, WITH BONITO OFTEN GOING AIRBORNE LIKE MINI WAHOO.
Now we needed to find some schools of bonito that inhabited Catalina’s jagged coastline. It takes 45 minutes to an hour to cross the channel from Southern California to Catalina, but it feels like you’re a million miles from the mainland. Catalina is a popular weekend destination, so we run the channel midweek when boat traffic is usually lighter.
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We planned to hit a bunch of points where Vaughn had previously found fish. When he marked them with his electronics, he turned on his trolling motor’s auto-lock, which held us perfectly in the current, and threw out a few baits. We checked to see if anybody was home by blind casting and sinking our flies deep before quickly double-hand stripping them back to the boat. It wasn’t long before the lines came tight and the reels began to scream, a harbinger of a morning to remember with nonstop action, bleeding fingers, and sore forearms. Bonito are one of my favorite species to target on the fly. They never disappoint. After crushing the fly they display supercharged speed. Their forked tails enable them to engage warp drive, quickly emptying a reel’s backing. There’s no better introduction for new saltwater fly anglers than bonito. Even a small bonito will fight like a fish three times its size.
Bonito are always on the move, and half the fun is finding them. They follow the schools of bait that are at the mercy of the tide. They also live in rough neighborhoods and developed their sprinting abilities by evading predators such as seals, marlin, dolphin, and the shortfin makos that all inhabit these fabled island waters. Bonito can be caught inshore year-round along the California coastline, thriving in water temperatures between 60 and 70 degrees. They spawn from January through early summer and are a migratory species that feed on large schools of anchovies, sardines, and squid. The larger-class fish typically show up in late summer through November. We normally find fish that school in certain weight classes like 2- to 4-pounders or 5- to 8-pounders. Larger pelagic bonito can reach the 10-pound class, and some have been known to reach 25 pounds, which I can’t even imagine catching on an 8-weight rod.
When fishing inshore off the California mainland or offshore around the local islands, bonito are typically found in waters from 30 to 80 feet near kelp lines, points, and dropoffs. Once you locate fish on the meter or on the surface, you can keep them around the boat by throwing out live baits like anchovies or sardines. Sink your flies and hold on. Another common method of locating fish is by slow-trolling a lure or fly behind the boat in areas you mark fish. When they surface and hit the lure, you can keep them around by tossing a few baits while casting your flies. My favorite way to target bonito is to slow-troll a bubble and hookless-fly teaser with a spinning outfit. Once the fish hear the splash of the bubble in the wake of the boat and see the fly teaser moving through the foam, they come to the surface and go ballistic. The teaser creates competition
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AS THE TEASER GETS WITHIN CASTING RANGE, A FLY ANGLER CAN CAST A CREASE FLY OR SURFACE POPPER TOWARD THE BUBBLE AND IMMEDIATELY STRIP THE FLY.
Bonita Bonito Fly Fly Teaser Teaser
(I like this rig on a spinning rod so you can cast long and bring fish to the boat) plastic bead
30# braid to spinning reel
2-3 ft - 20# flourocarbon
stopper water
barrel swivel bubble
within the school and doesn’t hook them. They will slash and boil at it. You can raise the entire school, then slowly wind back the teaser. As the teaser gets within casting range, a fly angler can cast a crease fly or surface popper toward the bubble and immediately strip the fly. The surface takes are immediate and explosive, with bonito often going airborne like mini wahoo. The visual aspect of sight casting to rising fish makes this method my favorite way to entice bonito. When bonito show up in large numbers, so do pesky seals. The bubble-teaser and trolling technique will help to keep educated seals away from the boat. When you’re slow-trolling and not throwing baits, the seals usually won’t be interested in pestering you. They seem to key on boats that are stationary with fish swarming around them. If you find seals on the bonito schools, stick your rod in the water and fight the fish from the reel when you hook up; it’s
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your only chance of landing the fish. Seals will descend upon bent rods like guided missiles, so this may be the rare moment in fly fishing when the bend is not your friend. You can’t win against a 600-pound, knot-headed sea lion, but that’s all part of the excitement. Bonito tackle isn’t complicated. A medium-fast to fast-action 8-weight fly rod with a 27-foot, sinking T-14 shooting head works well. Add a straight 20-poundtest fluorocarbon leader and a sardine pattern, and you’re ready. Don’t forget to take a clear intermediate- or floating-line setup as well. When schooling fish are busting the surface, these lines with a surface popper or crease fly are great fun. Bonito have been given a bad rap as poor table fare because of their soft flesh and fishy taste, but if they are bled immediately and iced, they make good table fare. They can be eaten fresh as sashimi or seasoned, brined, and
loop knot to fly
hookless fly teaser tied on long shank
slow-smoked. If you want to eat one, there’s a limit of five per angler in California, with no size restrictions. Al Quattrocchi was born in Brooklyn, New York, spending his formative saltwater fishing years around Sheepshead Bay and other nearby waters. He moved to the West Coast in the late 1970s to attend college and soon developed a saltwater fly fishing habit. “Q” has written for numerous publications over the years, and he often lectures at Southern California fly fishing clubs, seminars, and other events. He’s on the pro tying staff of Hatch Outdoors, Tuffleye, and Enrico Puglisi. One of his most popular flies, Q’s Beach Bug, was one of the top-selling surf flies in Umpqua’s Surf Fly Series. He’s creative director/partner at Tornado Creative in the historic Helms Bakery in Culver City, California. His website is alquattrocchi.com.
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FLY FISHING
by Nathaniel Linville
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I get asked a lot of questions. Perhaps it’s because of the amount of fishing I do, perhaps it’s because I own a fly shop. Folks want to know what the difference is between this rod and that, which sunglasses they should buy, and what kind of leader material they should use. Questions about fishing are more interesting— but in many ways harder to answer. What fly should I use? Where should I throw it? How can I get the fish to bite it? These are much more complicated questions, though they all come from the same place: People want to catch fish. As much as we throw around the platitudes—that’s why they call it fishing and not catching, it’s just nice to be out there, etc.—there’s a reason we have a rod in our hands. There’s nothing wrong with wanting to catch a fish, and although at times I have been told I take this whole fly fishing thing too seriously, I feel no remorse for working hard and trying to improve as an angler. You’ll find countless answers to these and more questions on the internet, most written by people who want to sell you something or generate content for a website. That means that they’re not necessarily qualified to answer in the first place. I always chuckle when I read an article from the resident “permit freak”—who works for a travel booking agency-— about where to throw the fly when you’re fishing for permit. In reality, there’s no firm answer to this
TAIL FLY FISHING MAGAZINE 71
question. Life has taught me to be
just value standing on top of the
that it’s hard. The fish are smart,
wary of people who try to simplify
mountain. We want to get there in a
having learned what tricks not to
something complicated with a
way that we feel comfortable with.
fall for, and the number of shots in
single solution. If nuance isn’t part
a day might be fewer than a person
of someone’s opinion when they’re
There is no getting around the fact
traveling down here to fish would
advising how to feed feathered pieces
that we like to fly fish because
prefer. Our permit ignore the fly; our
of metal to wild underwater animals,
it’s hard—and that we enjoy the
tarpon jump as soon as they bite and
I’m willing to bet that that someone
difficulty. We are also constantly
do their best to throw the fly. It’s a
is missing a lot more of the picture.
looking for ways to make it easier,
challenge, and that’s what gets our
which is part of our hunter’s nature
attention. Nevertheless, over the
As fly anglers, we are clearly thrilled
installed long ago when catching
years I’ve learned a few things I can
by difficulty. If the end goal were
fish meant more of our DNA in
do to lean into the difficulty of the
simply a fish in the hand, we wouldn’t
the future gene pool. So we are
sport while developing the skills I
ever pick up a fly rod. Bait would be
pulled in opposing directions as fly
need to improve as an angler.
a better choice, if we even used a
anglers: Our fascination with limits
rod—though in short order we would
is in competition with our phobia of
find a way to send an electrical
failure.
current through the water and collect
FISH WITH IGFACOMPLIANT LEADERS
our stunned prizes as they floated
What I hear most frequently from
There’s a reason this topic comes up
belly-up. Like rock climbers, we don’t
anglers who come to the Keys is
while fishing for tarpon more often
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IF NUANCE ISN’T PART OF SOMEONE’S OPINION WHEN THEY’RE ADVISING HOW TO FEED FEATHERED PIECES OF METAL TO WILD UNDERWATER ANIMALS, I’M WILLING TO BET THAT THAT SOMEONE IS MISSING A LOT MORE OF THE PICTURE.
we see a fish that we want to
argue that fishing with a leader that
HAVE A PLAN AND EXECUTE IT
has a heavy class will allow the angler
There are two parts to making a shot
we want to do rather than what we
than it does for permit: Tarpon are large fish that fight hard. Some will
to pull harder on the fish, shortening the fight. In my experience this is only true in theory rather than practice. When I began fishing with an IGFAcompliant leader, I learned to keep maximum pressure on the fish at all times. Larger-than-necessary tippet had compensated for my mistakes, so I was forced to learn from my errors when I broke off a fish. This taught me what I couldn’t get away with as much as what I could; the consequence of a hard limit was that it made me a better angler. I catch fish faster now on 16 than I ever did when I was fishing a heavier class, because I’m more aware of what I’m doing; when I do err I simply break a fish off instead of staying attached through a mistake. If you’re fly fishing and you want to improve, this limit will give you a repeatable reference point to consult as you develop your abilities.
at any fish with a fly rod—and the first is actually the one that anglers struggle with the most: Where do I put the fly? Take a fish swimming at you slowly: Sure, you want to get the fly out in front of it so it can swim into it. The same fish swimming faster might mean you make one less false cast and throw the fly even farther in front of it. A slight current might mean a bit of a lead in the upcurrent direction; more current will mean more. In places where the water is off-color, you might want to throw the fly close to a fish so it sees it. In clear water, success is likely to follow a fly placed away from the fish. These things are obvious to most fly anglers, and the internet is full of similar pieces of advice, but it’s worth remembering that, in the moment of a shot, our ability to assess these elements deteriorates. We are reactive—especially when
catch—and we are all susceptible to crooked math that favors what should. Make sure you constantly run the plays in your head. The current speed and water clarity might change in a few yards; staying aware of the implications of a dynamic environment is a good goal. Thinking critically about everything I’m about to do, rifling through the implications of each shot—these mean I’m better prepared to make things work on each opportunity. If I look for generic answers to questions like How far in front of the fish should I put the fly? without considering that the best place might move around depending on each situation, I’m mentally taking myself out of the game. The fish help with this, often annoyingly: A good cast, a truly good presentation, will likely result in either a bite or something close to it. Remember that fishing is relatively merit-based: If you hook a fish, you
TAIL FLY FISHING MAGAZINE 73
did everything right. If you didn’t,
but waking up early, getting your
your odds of success, both on and off
focus on what you could do better
leaders tied up, stretching a bit, and
the water.
next time. Think about exactly where
thinking about what you’re trying
the fly landed and if you would have
to do is an approach that can yield
I haven’t given you a set of rules
changed it at all. The very next shot,
big differences at the end of a trip.
to follow, but rather a way to think
try to fix this mistake and do it
People don’t go to Everest to get lit
about what you’re doing on the
right. Having a plan and executing it
with their pals and hang out at base
water. In truth, there are no set
is what separates the anglers who
camp; they go because they want to
answers to the questions we ask
consistently catch fish from those
climb the damn mountain. Whether
ourselves when a fish shows up.
who don’t.
you’re out for a day near where you
Nevertheless, each opportunity has
live or for two weeks at a lodge,
a small chance of success buried
consider taking things seriously and
within it. Being present and thinking
TAKE IT SERIOUSLY
trying to improve. If you took a shot
critically about each and every shot
Remember: What you’re doing is
that didn’t work that day, spend 20
can provide answers that lead to
hard. It’s a fantastic idea to think
minutes casting after you get back
more fun on the water, because
you might go on a fishing trip, get
and try to work through it. If your fly
catching fish is fun, and that’s kind
hammered, and catch the fish of
was getting stuck on the bottom, ask
of the point.
a lifetime. Getting bent may be
around and find some lighter ones.
part of the culture of the sport,
Do everything you can to increase
Nathaniel Linville lives in Key West, Florida. For over a decade he has owned and operated The Angling Company, a full-service fly shop in Key West. His world-record catches include a 16-pound permit on 2-pound tippet and a 140.3-pound tarpon on 6-pound tippet. His tournament record includes three wins in the March Merkin Permit Tournament and one in the Del Brown Invitational. His frank discussion of addiction and recovery, as well as his thoughts on worldrecord immortality, were featured on the MillHouse podcast in 2020. It has been downloaded by 10,000 people in over 30 countries.
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TAIL FLY FISHING MAGAZINE 75
ONE YEAR LATER Where To Go Next? by Peter McLeod
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A year is a long time. It’s an especially long time to wait for a fishing trip. For many of us, that date in the diary keeps us going through the rest of the year. We spend hours researching the right spots or new tackle that’s going to make all the difference, and feverishly buying or tying a load of flies we probably don’t need. Some would view these actions as mildly insane, but they just don’t understand the addiction of saltwater fly fishing.
Not to ignore the shocking reality of what our fellow man has endured, but this pandemic has been particularly cruel to our peculiar breed of traveling fly angler. We’ve foregone annual trips because travel has been impossible or impeded, which means it could be two years before we finally get back on the flats, a harsh withdrawal for those avidly addicted to saltwater fishing.
It looks like things may be changing for the better, and to that end we can dare to start planning where to go when it becomes practical. If you are desperate to get onto the flats and feel comfortable to travel, Mexico and Belize are reachable destinations. Both countries have reopened their borders, and many of their fly fishing operations are open for business. They’re also both serviced by regular flights
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from the US, with airlines adding additional flights as demand slowly increases. One thing to keep in mind is that many fly fishing operations had to roll over clients from 2020, so availability isn’t automatically guaranteed. That said, there’s still availability at many operations, and they are just as keen to get anglers back on the water as we are to be there. There has been a substantial positive side effect of COVID-19 and a global pandemic on international fisheries—lack of pressure. With limited travel, many flats and atolls have had zero pressure. This has given fish
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populations a massive respite. Local guides are seeing larger numbers of fish on the flats, and they’re perhaps a little easier to catch than years gone by. (That clearly does not apply to permit, as they still continue to drive anglers mad. There might be a few more of them about, though, to help push us over the edge.) I’ve had the pleasure of helping many embark on their saltwater careers, and the flats of Mexico and Belize have always been my first recommendations. Mexico boasts fantastic saltwater fly fishing, from the tarpon-rich waters around the Gulf of Mexico
coastline to the permit-filled bays of Chetumal and Xcalak. In between lie the expansive Ascension Bay and Sian Ka’an Biosphere, the destination for anglers in search of grand slams and super grand slams—bonefish, tarpon, permit and snook. The prolific nature of these flats and the volume of fishable water means a variety of lodges operate in the area, each offering a unique experience in this saltwater fly fisher’s paradise. I spent much of my early years in the salt in Mexico and loved the easy-going culture and friendly people. After flats fishing slowly gained momentum in the Florida Keys, Mexico became one of the first “destinations” to be explored. The earliest fly fishing operations in the Riviera Maya opened in the 1970s, with many of the guides gaining experience and passing it on to future generations. Many guides are now second or third
generation and have a wealth of knowledge. The Yucatan flats harbor a wide variety of species. The many mangrove lagoons in the northern Yucatan at Isla Holbox, as well as those farther south in the Sian Ka’an Biosphere, are perfect nurseries for all the grand-slam species. If you seek tarpon, head north for Isla Holbox, a wonderful yearround juvenile tarpon fishery. During summer months huge migratory fish congregate in open water just off the island. It’s these large migratory tarpon that make Holbox a unique fly-fishing destination. Migrating fish begin arriving in May to feed in the clear water of the shallows. During June, July, and August, there’s great fishing for tarpon in the 75- to 180-pound range, as they attack schools of baitfish just offshore. Each morning at sunrise, your guide will be waiting to take you on the short panga ride to the
WITH LIMITED TRAVEL, MANY FLATS AND ATOLLS HAVE HAD ZERO PRESSURE. THIS HAS GIVEN FISH POPULATIONS A MASSIVE RESPITE.
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THERE IS SOMETHING TRULY EXHILARATING ABOUT TOSSING BAITFISH PATTERNS UNDER MANGROVE BRANCHES INTO SMALL CHANNELS TO TEMPT THE SILVER KINGLETS LIVING IN THE PROTECTIVE LATTICEWORK OF MANGROVE ROOT STRUCTURES.
most productive waters, where you will search the calm surface for rolling schools of tarpon. As you move south along the coast past Tulum and into the Sian Ka’an, the focus changes to bonefish and permit. The Boca Paila lagoon system contains large numbers of bonefish, and when conditions are right, permit venture in to feed in the relative safety of its mangrove areas. Most of the bones are by no means massive, but it’s a fabulous place for new saltwater anglers to cut their teeth. The oceanside flats that run all the way down to Punta Allen contain fabulous permit areas, where it’s possible to wade and also to fish from the front of a panga. Being close to the ocean means the permit tend to be a little larger. Pushing farther south from Punta Allen, the coastline carves inland into the magnificent Ascension Bay and Espiritu Santo Bay. Again, the focus here tends to be permit, but there are big bonefish schools
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to chase across the white sand flats. The backcountry lagoon systems also have juvenile tarpon and snook. There is something truly exhilarating about tossing baitfish patterns under mangrove branches into small channels to tempt the silver kinglets living in the protective latticework of mangrove root structures. From the moment they smash the fly, it’s a challenge to prevent them from rushing back through the mangrove network and tearing your fly line to pieces on barnacle-covered roots. Farther south, the coastal areas around Majahual and toward Xcalak and Chetumal Bay are peppered with permit flats and brackish lagoons inhabited by tarpon. Mexico is a short hop from numerous major hubs in the US straight into Cancun. From there, the whole Yucatan is your oyster, close enough for a long weekend break or a two-week adventure. There’s currently no need for a COVID-19 test to enter the country by air, although driving south across the border is not permitted
unless it’s for essential work. Belize butts up against Mexico’s southern border. The border twists through mangroves along a narrow waterway called Rio Bacalar Chico. Immediately south lies Ambergris Caye, which has long been a fly-fishing hotspot with numerous opportunities. The bustling town of San Pedro is an added diversion for those who might not be quite as interested in stalking permit on the flats. Ambergris Caye is also one of Belize’s best spots for migratory tarpon, and anglers regularly find themselves among 100-poundplus fish there from July through September. Belize will always be one of my favorite destinations. It’s where I first came into contact with saltwater fishing—bonefish, tarpon and permit—in the 1990s. It instilled a passion in me that has grown into an obsession. My first trip was on Turneffe Atoll, a pristine saltwater wilderness with miles of hard-coral flats covered in turtle grass, where I learned to
stalk bonefish as their tails jogged in the sunlight on the open flats. Turneffe is located two and a half hours by boat off the coast of the Belize mainland. The atoll sits outside the MesoAmerican Barrier Reef, the world’s second-largest barrier reef.
you’re looking for an intact party on the water, this can be huge fun. The joys of motherships are that you are on the water 24-7, so you can maximize fishing time and dictate the structure of your day. Punta Gorda is another major area, way down south, not far
Turneffe Atoll is pretty much the epitome of a tropical desert island; palm trees give way to white-sand beaches that move to easily wadable open flats. I caught my first permit in the lagoon system there, which educated me in the power of saltwater species by nearly spooling my old System 2 10/11 on its first run. Some of the best permit guides in Belize are based here, and they should be reserved in advance. The barrier reef itself is littered with small islands, cayes and flats, and although some of the areas are accessed from Placencia and a few small fishing operations, another way to fish these areas is by mothership. There are a couple that operate in the area, and if
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from the Guatemalan border. Reached by a short flight from Belize City, this area was a commercial fishery until the early 2000s, when it was designated a marine park. Over the years the area gained a big reputation as a permit fishery. Permit were one of the first species to return in numbers, and Punta Gorda is now regarded as one of the most prolific permit areas in the country. Belize is ideal for a number of trips—those looking for their first saltwater experience and the opportunity of bumping into all the major saltwater species, those wishing to specifically target permit, and those seeking combination trips with nonfishing
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spouses or families. It is also one of the few destinations where it’s possible to combine flats fishing with a jungle experience. Belize has been exceptionally effective at controlling COVID-19, and the country has adopted testing 72 hours before arrival, along with a tracking app. If you, like me, have been climbing up the walls, buying more tackle than you should, reading everything you can get your hands on, and taking a premium membership for YouTube, then perhaps it’s time to get back on the flats. Editor’s note: For the most upto-date and accurate COVID-19 restrictions, consult the US
State Department, the UK Foreign Office, or your country’s equivalent. Information is also available from consular offices for your destination country. Note that the US implemented a rule Jan. 26 requiring proof of a negative COVID-19 test for all air travelers entering the country; the rule applies to US citizens returning from abroad. TFFM’s Travel Editor, Peter McLeod, is the founder of Aardvark McLeod, international fly fishing specialists. For more information on international fly fishing travel, contact Peter at peter@aardvarkmcleod.com, or visit his website at www. aardvarkmcleod.com.
TAIL FLY FISHING MAGAZINE 83
Involuntary Inertia Sparks Recollection of Lifetime Lessons by Jonathan Olch There are other gamefish—but not
Some of us, myself included, are high-
tempered when I consider those who
really. For many permit aficionados,
risk candidates to contract COVID-19,
have not survived the pandemic, the
sizable chunks of our repertoire have
requiring remarkable restraint.
economic stress on so many, and
calved like icebergs adrift in Arctic
Reluctantly, my no-boundaries
the amazing doctors and nurses—
seas. Unable to travel abroad, or gain
quest to dance with the myriad
many of them fly fishers—who have
vehicular entry into our own Florida
Trachinotus-related species that
subjugated their own agenda and
Keys for months, our laser focus
swim in the warmer sectors of the
tackled this menace.
and patiently honed skills may have
Atlantic, Pacific, and Indian oceans
inexorably eroded through inactivity.
has been temporarily throttled.
Still, despite dulled and dormant instincts from forced inertia, latent
Air travel ground to a halt; many
Wanderlust burns, ready to erupt at
thoughts about permit have flooded
countries went into lockdown mode.
any moment. But these feelings are
my mind, bubbling over in the form
84 TAIL FLY FISHING MAGAZINE
TAIL FLY FISHING MAGAZINE 85
of lessons gleaned from a lifetime
Unforced errors are avoidable. I
the bottom of my stripping bucket,
of permit fishing. In light of our
stretch my fly line by letting out 60
20 strips equal 60 feet of line plus
collective angling inactivity, they are
feet behind a slowly moving skiff for
my leader length. Your strip length
worth revisiting and sharing.
several minutes first thing in the
may be different, or you may want
morning. Either clip off your fly or
to make fewer strips relative to your
hold it while you feed out the rest of
casting ability.
Lay it on the line Line management seems mundane
the line. If any curls remain, spin the
and remedial, but it is the foundation
rod (holding the butt section with
When you hold the rod upright at the
for success. You get a limited number
both hands) in the direction that
ready position, you want enough line
of shots at permit in a given day,
removes the curls. Keep your line slick
and leader outside of the tip guide
so focus on applying a consistent
by applying a silicone-based lubricant
that it resembles a sail on a mast or
regimen for small tasks to avoid
when needed.
a mayfly dun wing. When using very
mistakes such as stepping on the
long leaders, let the butt section drop
line, having it blow off the skiff, or
For me, each strip from the reel is 3
into the security of your stripping
snagging yourself.
feet of line. Strategically placed at
bucket. Control the protruding line
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Although each permit venue is unique, it is surprising how many locales share similarities. Panama, Belize, Honduras, Antigua, and the Dry Tortugas host permit that feed in the breaking surf, sometimes literally riding the waves.
TAIL FLY FISHING MAGAZINE 87
by securing it with the index finger
tight line, which is critical for strike
the most successful permit anglers.
of your rod hand. Hold the fly loosely
detection.
Opening your stance to sneak a quick
just above the hook eye with the tips
glance at your back cast can be
of your thumb and forefinger on your
Experiment with retrieves that feed
useful for diagnostic purposes. Try
line hand.
the fish or bring out the jack. You
affixing a mono nail knot “bump” at
can vertically elevate the fly off the
40 feet. Less distraction for you and
Most permit are caught with
bottom with a couple of short strips
less spooky to the fish. (Nathaniel
accurate casts between 40 and 60
before letting the fly settle on the
Linville of The Angling Company in
feet. So why strip more line off your
bottom again, effectively imitating
Key West says that a side benefit
reel? You can easily make three quick
a number of shrimp species. Observe
of using such long leaders is that
strips off your reel (landing outside
your fly in the water. Does it roll over
heavier flies turn over better. He
your bucket) and have nearly 10
unnaturally while sinking or during
often uses 50-pound fluorocarbon in
extra feet to cast when necessary.
the retrieve? If so, consider the quick
constructing his leader butt section
The rest of the time you have raised
fix of wrapping several turns of fuse
to create better turnover. Linville
the odds of a line-management
wire to the hook bend to establish a
says shorter leaders straighten
snafu. (I rarely strip out more than
reliable keel.
out sooner, causing the fly to recoil
40 feet while wading.)
How far is that?
backwards and creating undesirable slack in the leader. Eds.)
I am a strong advocate of clear fly
Pick a target and cast to it to gauge
lines for permit because they spook
distance. Quantify that distance
fewer fish. Various sinking fly lines
and share it with your guide or
should be part of your sight-fishing
partner for feedback. It is important
Practice, practice, practice
arsenal when fishing deeper flats or
you agree on a precise distance;
Sound casting mechanics are also
those with a lot of current in concert
otherwise, more unforced errors are
essential to enduring success as a
with a weighted fly. Sink-tip and
in store.
permit angler, but mechanics do not
intermediate lines can help keep your
automatically ensure accuracy. You
fly from tumbling around or riding
Judging distance becomes a bit more
achieve precision through focused
up in the current, anchoring your fly
challenging when fishing clear fly
repetition of the same movements,
near or on the bottom of a channel
lines, particularly in concert with
with your eyes serving as the
or flat and helping to maintain a
the 14- to 18-foot leaders used by
rangefinder. Practice with the same
88 TAIL FLY FISHING MAGAZINE
rod, reel, fly line, leader length, and
heavy flies that could otherwise
permit. This will help you track the
fly weight that you plan to use on
bonk you in the head or shatter your
direction of your fly line in shifting
the flats next time. Imagine moving
beloved fly rod on contact.
wind and provide a gauge of the
targets. Cast on windy days. Always
precise additional distance needed to
watch the fly as it contacts the
Practice dropping the rod tip to
water, and maintain focus.
the water immediately after the
drop the fly in front of the target.
cast release, so you can crawl the
Slowing down also means imparting
Practice with the wind blowing
slack out of the line sooner. It helps
less—and certainly smoother—
toward your casting shoulder.
maintain visual contact with the
motion with your double-haul arm
Canting the rod inward from vertical
fly and feel a bump that otherwise
and casting arm. Invariably, hurried
is an important technique when a
might go undetected.
motion translates into frantic
crosswind blows at your casting arm,
movement that frequently alerts and
so that the fly line passes by your
Take it easy
off-shoulder, out of harm’s way.
The casting sequence often becomes
and balance between rod and fly line,
accelerated through excitement. Slow
then let the rod power the cast.
spooks permit. Seek the right feel
Practice backhand deliveries,
down and make the cast count. Our
curve and sidearm casts, and even
focus should myopically shrink and
If I am confronted with an
underhand casts that keep the fly
fixate on a target, rather than the
unfavorable angle to cast at a
as low as possible. Someday you
bedazzlement of gaping at a cruising
cruising sickletail, I will wait to avoid
will need to deliver your fly under
fish or the cadence of a fanning
lining the fish. When the permit is
overhanging mangroves or within
tail. As an aid to distance accuracy,
headed away, land the fly along the
the dark confines of a shoreline cliff
guide Will Benson suggests making
permit’s rear flank, where its superior
shelf. Oval casts are the preferred
one extra false cast that straightens
eyesight is slightly compromised.
presentation when you are casting
out the leader’s length short of the
Sensing the fly with its lateral line,
TAIL FLY FISHING MAGAZINE 89
the permit often turns to investigate.
open, only to miss the fly completely.
mending. It takes a totally tight connection from rod tip to fly to feel
Surf’s up
The shoreline cliffs of southern
There is one type of permit habitat
Oman have drawn me to pursue the
that adds an element of complexity
Southern pompano (T. africanus),
Although each permit venue is
to fly presentation that’s often
a close Trachinotus cousin of the
unique, it is surprising how many
beyond our control. Permit that surf
Atlantic permit. The area features
locales share similarities. Panama,
the waves of a backreef, or feed
sandy shorelines interspersed with
Belize, Honduras, Antigua, and the
under jagged overhanging rocks on a
jagged cliffs and caves where the
Dry Tortugas host permit that feed in
wave-pounding shoreline, represent
africanus tuck under ledges to feed
the breaking surf, sometimes literally
the highest degree of difficulty.
in breaking waves on black rocks
riding the waves.
any tap or bump.
teeming with mussels. Oceanic swells The cast can be perfect, and yet the
can materialize from nowhere and
One afternoon in southern Panama,
current, breaking waves, or swells
create the toughest presentation
we were fishing the backreef,
can instantly pull your fly out of the
issues imaginable. The chaotic
flooded by the incoming tide. Singles,
strike zone. Permit are hard enough
hydrology ensures the strike zone
doubles, and threesomes of permit
to entice without incredulously
is a moving target even when the
were tailing in the surf, running back
watching one chase your fly through
fish remain stationary. Sometimes
and forth. As soon as I spotted a tail
the crashing spray with its mouth
it requires a curve cast—and even
and made a cast, the fish would be
90 TAIL FLY FISHING MAGAZINE
20 feet away chasing something else.
groups and occasional singles that
indelible moments serve as rocket
I was forced to make long casts and
hung out over a 100-yard area.
fuel to permit fanatics. We are never measured by the mundane
hope for the best. The mantis shrimp was a good choice in the mixed coral
I found a deeper trough just
proclamation of success or failure,
because I could keep it moving,
inside the actual barrier reef that
because it’s all about the journey.
line tight and off of the bottom,
somewhat concealed my presence.
essential with breaking waves. I
I tried everything—mantis shrimp,
Jonathan Olch has traveled the globe
finally connected, only to have the fly
urchins, brittlestars, hermit crabs,
for four decades in search of the
come out, revealing an absence of its
small weedless green reef crabs, and
elusive permit. He’s the author of A
orange mono eyes that the fish had
more—at least six different flies
Passion for Permit (Wild River Press),
picked off.
and three different presentations.
which chronicles his quest to capture
But nothing worked. I made at least
permit and related species in waters
On another occasion, I had many
100 casts over a three-hour period.
spanning our planet. He’s a frequent
fine shots at permit in the surf. I
Despite my inevitable meltdown, I
TFFM contributor. His website is
lengthened my leader to 16 feet and
still want to go back and try again.
jonolch.com.
tapered down to 12-pound tippet. With a strong incoming tide, the
Surfing-permit visuals are
permit appeared between the first
breathtaking, but the results
and second breaking waves, various
are mostly deflating. Yet these
TAIL FLY FISHING MAGAZINE 91
92 TAIL FLY FISHING MAGAZINE
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TAIL FLY FISHING MAGAZINE 93
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THE UNDERTOW by E. Donnall Thomas Jr.
AN UGLY FLY IN THE WATER CATCHES MORE FISH THAN A BEAUTIFUL FLY IN A BOX.
Drifting down the shoreline on
tuna, trevally, mackerel, and Pacific
feathers into drop-dead imitations of
Australia’s Gulf of Carpentaria, we
barracuda that looked even scarier
shrimp, crabs, baitfish, or whatever.
spotted the bait ball from over a mile
than the sharks. When I missed
My own goal is simply to create flies
away, thanks to the birds circling
several strikes in a row, I decided
that catch fish.
above it. As we cut the motor and
to check my fly. Not only had the
drifted downwind toward the chaos,
hook been straightened out—the fly
Over the years I have introduced a
we could spot individual tails, fins,
itself had been reduced to nothing
number of seasoned freshwater fly
and dark backs slashing through the
more than a couple of bedraggled
rod anglers to the salt. Accustomed
huge dark stain in the water. But
saddle hackles. What started out as a
to matching hatches on delicate
what were they?
reasonable imitation of the sardines
spring creeks, their initial questions
at the base of the food chain no
are usually some version of What
There was only one way to find out.
longer looked like anything that
are they eating? What fly imitates
When I dropped my Deceiver into the
swims. The fish didn’t care. They kept
it best? At the risk of offending
churning froth, something smacked it
hitting it anyway.
some of those masters of the
and tore off toward parts unknown.
tying bench (which is certainly
Soon a 15-pound longtail tuna lay
The purpose of this essay is not to
not my intention), experience has
beside the skiff, only to be torn in
denigrate the value of what goes on
taught me that in many saltwater
two by a shark that looked like an
at the tying bench. I have tied my
situations the answer, more often
extra from Jaws.
own flies for more than 60 years
than not, is that it doesn’t much
now and enjoy the process. Although
matter.
Over the next several hours, we
my goals are more practical than
proved that the answer to the
aesthetic, I have great respect for
Look at it from the fishes’
original question was everything:
the artists who can turn fur and
perspective, with a dash of
98 TAIL FLY FISHING MAGAZINE
Darwinism thrown in. Most pelagic
imitation of whatever the targeted
Those who have the talent to do
gamefish are apex predators with a
quarry is eating.
it should, by all means, keep tying
daily goal of catching and devouring
beautiful flies that resemble what the
as much nutrition as possible. In
The ocean, of course, is a big place,
fish like to eat. My own admittedly
competitive situations, that means
and these principles don’t apply to
unsophisticated approach is usually to
getting to the table first. Designed
all species in all places. In general,
spend less time dithering over my fly
for speed and predatory efficiency,
the shallower the water, the more
box, and more time keeping some kind
these fish don’t have time for a close
selective the gamefish become,
of fly in the water—fishing.
study of whatever they are about
with this generalization’s expression
to catch and eat. Furthermore, few
peaking on wading flats. Small,
Although he worked for years as
of these fish have ever seen an
schooling bonefish in the Caribbean
a physician, E. Donnall Thomas Jr.
artificial fly. If it flashes and moves,
may hit almost anything, but large,
has also worked as a bush pilot,
it’s perfectly reasonable to react as if
solitary bones in the Keys or the
commercial fisherman, and guide.
it’s something to eat, with the focus
Pacific are another matter. Since
Now he’s a full-time writer with 20
upon getting there first. He who
I think finding fish and presenting
books on subjects like fly fishing,
hesitates is lost.
to them properly generally trumps
wingshooting, and bowhunting, and
details of the pattern, I don’t spend
he contributes regularly to numerous
In situations such as the bait
a lot of time switching flies back and
sporting journals. His website is
ball encounter described earlier,
forth in salt water. However, if I get
donthomasbooks.com.
impressionism rules. A fly that draws
two refusals in a row from bonefish,
more attention to itself by flashing
I switch to something as dissimilar
brighter or moving more erratically
from the original fly as possible.
may draw more strikes than a spot-on
TAIL FLY FISHING MAGAZINE 99
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100 TAIL FLY FISHING MAGAZINE