The Tampa Bay Times
Cold fronts, wind, and very low tides have kept most shallow water bait and spin fishermen home but I know some fly fishermen that have waited all year for these conditions. It is not by coincidence that they are also excellent at spotting fish and even better at getting a fly exactly where it needs to be placed with accuracy and stealth. The way they dress, you would think they are going ice fishing instead of fishing shallow water flats on Florida’s Gulf coast. They generally wade fish, occasionally using a watercraft only to traverse deeper water on the way in or out of their very shallow destination. Watercraft can get you to areas that are fished very little because of the distance needed to their location. The largest redfish and trout are frequently caught this time of year in very skinny water. Think about some of the shallow flats that you are familiar with that have been productive in the past for you or some that you avoided because they were fished heavily by guides and other fishermen. Sun at your back will help you see fish that could be difficult on overcast days, but be careful of casting a fish scaring shadow. Use your favorite fly rod with a floating line and long leader tapered to 12 or 15-pound test. A loop knot will be used to attach a favorite size 4 baitfish or shrimp pattern that has small bead chain eyes to keep the hook pointed up improving your hook set.
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
