The Tampa Bay Times
Wind days are still with us. Should you leave your fly rod at home and take only spinning tackle? If you want to improve as a fly fisherman, the reverse is true. If wade fishing, there are many areas protected from the wind. When using a kayak or boat, go to a protected location, and if a firm bottom allows, leave the watercraft and approach fishable water slowly and cautiously on foot. One of my most frequent questions is, “How far must I cast to be productive in saltwater?” Making 50-foot casts under most conditions will catch you a lot of fish. Learn to cast tight loops to achieve wind penetration. Cast more horizontal than vertical. The closer your line is to the water, the less chance the wind has to affect it. Using a shorter, stiffer leader and smaller flies will give you a better layout of your line, improving your presentation. Slapping the water with a poor cast, hitting the fish on the head, lining them, having too much slack so that your following cast or hookset is ineffective are all things that should be avoided. Your most productive cast is always your first. Perfect practice will improve your fly fishing results.
Fly fisherman Pat Damico charters Fly Guy in lower Tampa Bay and can be reached at captpatdamico.com and 727-504-8649.
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