http://www.tampabay.com/sports/outdoors/captains-corner-best-time-of-year-for-early-rising-fly-fishermen/2327296
If you’re an early riser and love to fly fish, this time of year is made for you. Pods of snook are within a few feet of the sand in the trough along our beaches. Although the season is closed, catch-and-release opportunities have never been better. A large female with a group of smaller males will do their courting in these locations, especially if there is good current flow making passes with some structure the best location. A good pair of Polaroid glasses will reveal some large fish. Stay on the bank and out of the water, the rising sun behind you will reveal fish. You will see baitfish present; duplicate their size with white flies. Crimp all hook barbs, making easy penetration possible for effective hookups. Perform a quick release while the fish is still in the water. Hold your cast until the fish is facing you, then cast ahead of the fish and to its side. The fly, with a 30-pound shock tippet, is then retrieved, duplicating an escaping baitfish. That should trigger a violent strike. An 8-weight fast-action 9-foot rod is perfect and will allow you to quickly pick up a long cast if misplaced or refused. A second cast should be made immediately.
Pat Damico runs charters in lower Tampa Bay and can be reached at captpat.com and (727) 504-8649.
- Capiains Corner. Damico - December 26, 2023
- Pat Damico - December 21, 2023
- CaptainsCorner: Pat Damico - November 27, 2023
