The Tampa Bay Times
One of the secrets to successful fly fishing is to spend your time on the water actually fishing. Your fly should be in the water, in front of fish, moving like the shrimp, crab or baitfish that it represents. This can apply to other types of fishing, especially when artificials are used. Having everything ready to go and knowing how to use it is essential. When taking out clients I always ask that they bring their own gear so that I can check it. Some, “Experienced fly fishers,” do not know how to properly assemble their multi-piece rod, do not care for it properly, have the reel on loose or backward, don’t understand how to adjust the drag, may have the improper fly line, dirty, cracked, occasionally on backward, and have faulty knots on their leader and even on the fly connection. Wind knots, caused by faulty casting and not the wind, which weaken the leader fifty percent, are common. The advantage of having a guide is that he or she will bring equipment ready to use. Most clients besides wanting to catch fish are interested in learning so that their time on the water without you is better spent. Where do you learn these things? The internet is useful, but do you know enough to watch the right things? One of the best sources is to spend time with others who share your interest. Do a search of Fly Fishing Clubs in your zip code. You will find when and where they have their monthly meetings. Go to the next one. You will find people at all different levels, willing to share their experiences. Most Clubs have monthly fly fishing outings where you will be able to immediately improve your knowledge.
Fly fisherman Pat Damico charters Fly Guy in lower Tampa Bay and can be reached at captpatdamico.com and (727) 504-8649.
- Capiains Corner. Damico - December 26, 2023
- Pat Damico - December 21, 2023
- CaptainsCorner: Pat Damico - November 27, 2023
