The Tampa Bay Times
The beautiful more stable weather that we’ve been waiting for has finally arrived. Why hasn’t some of our shallow water fishing improved? Those of us that really enjoy sight fishing in the shallows with flies may have to make some seasonal adjustments to be successful. Techniques that were working with strong wind, cold cloudy water and overcast days will need some changes. Probing deeper water on flats edges with bottom bouncing weighted flies that barely crawled on the bottom in darker colors have lost their appeal. Very clear shallow water without ripples is holding trout, reds and snook that are operating on very high alert. Can we find some fish that are more relaxed and feeding without looking over their shoulder? Fishing around and under docks, near oyster bars and mangroves is a good place to start. A shoreline that has all of these is ideal. The presence of undisturbed wading birds and mullet puts predator fish at ease. Put away your sink tip line and stay with one that floats using a 10 foot or longer tapered leader. A 12-15 pound tippet will do for trout and reds with a hard 20-30 pound monofilament shock tippet necessary for snook to prevent cut-offs. Baitfish patterns with minimum or zero flash added that match the size and color of what you see in the water will help with fly selection. Remember, fly presentation is always preferred over pattern selection.
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
