The Tampa Bay Times
A sure sign of our approaching fall fishing blitz is the large schools of false albacore or baby tunny feeding heavily on plentiful maturing baitfish especially in Gulf passes. Either a strong incoming or outgoing tide will have these speedy torpedoes chasing baitfish to the surface in areas that will attract terns and gulls causing absolute chaos. The birds will tell you where to fish. This is ideal fly rod fare and can be almost too easy by just observing a few rules. Running an outboard into the school will ruin your chances for success so use the wind and tide to position your boat ahead of the surface activity letting the fish come to you. An electric motor run slowly is a big help to get a good position. Jacks, ladyfish, and mackerel will be mixed in with the albies taking advantage of the easy pickings. The wild surface activity usually contains the smaller fish, so getting your fly deeper will result in larger fish. Use a 9 wt fly rod with a full sinking or sink tip fly line. 4 or 5 feet of 25-pound hard monofilament leader will be attached to a size 2 white baitfish pattern made of synthetic materials rather than natural hair for durability. You can’t retrieve the fly too fast. Many anglers put the fly rod under their arm and retrieve using both hands in hand over hand fashion after making a long cast. 150 yards of 30-pound backing will give you the advantage when they make long runs. A good large arbor reel with smooth adjustable drag is necessary.
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
