The Tampa Bay Times
Now is a great opportunity for a much sought after fly rod slam. Fishing lighted areas at night, especially with this week’s strong tides, will be a blast. Hungry predators will be feeding very actively where food is plentiful and easy to catch. Redfish, trout and snook will lazily inhale baitfish as the tide sweeps them into gaping mouths. Fish lighted docks and bridge fenders that are familiar during the day so that you can plan your obstacle free approach. A bow-mounted electric motor is preferred rather than anchoring because larger fish can be turned away from the barnacle-encrusted structure that ruins fly lines and leaders. Keep your fly rod tip close to the water and avoid high sticking which can break long rods. Rig two 8 or 9 weight rods, one with a floating line and the second with a clear sinking tip. 25-pound fluorocarbon tippets and loop knots tied to size 2-4 white baitfish imitations will produce especially when cast up tide of the fish which will be oriented facing their incoming meal. Match available baitfish size. Strip setting when the fish is felt rather than raising the rod tip to set the hook will ensure a high rate of success.
Fly fisherman Pat Damico charters Fly Guy in lower Tampa Bay and can be reached at captpatdmico.com and (727) 504-8649.
- Capiains Corner. Damico - December 26, 2023
- Pat Damico - December 21, 2023
- CaptainsCorner: Pat Damico - November 27, 2023
