The Tampa Bay Times
Backcountry or places that have minimum boat activity have been very productive if you enjoy sight fishing. Any boat, skiff, canoe, or kayak that will negotiate shallow water with minimum disturbance is required to get to many of these locations. Cloud-free days are very helpful to see fish more easily. Pick a shoreline that has been exposed to the sun and check the water temperature. An increase of a few degrees is often helpful to find the most active fish. Experience will select active-feeding fish as opposed to those just hanging out. Be very stealthy because shallow water puts all species on high alert. If there is a dropoff close to shore, even a depth change of a foot or so can be the key to success. Trees, rocks, or any structure will make a place more fish friendly. Develop a pattern after locating cooperative fish. If cloud cover makes seeing fish difficult, stick to your pattern and blind cast to these places. All areas where we found active fish had schools of baitfish. Many times when our flies hit the water, baitfish scattered. Interrupt your fishing whenever baitfish run from a feeding fish and place your baitfish pattern fly there. Light-colored flies on clear days usually seem to be more productive.
Fly fisherman and casting instructor 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
