The Tampa Bay Times
The reappearance of quality baitfish has sparked a feeding frenzy that should steadily improve flats fishing for fly fishers. The clear water flats are free of floating grass and make sight-fishing for trout, reds, sheepshead, and occasionally snook a perfect venue. The wind is still a constant variable. A little surface ripple from the wind hinders the ability to see fish, but the fish are more relaxed, meaning you can get closer. If the wind is blowing into your non-casting side, the only problem is casting accuracy. Wind into your casting side is corrected by casting horizontally and close to the water, giving the wind little chance to affect the cast. A tight loop in your line created by having the rod tip travel in a straight-line path will be almost unaffected by the wind. Using too much wrist to form a concave rod tip path produces a large loop and is a disaster. A very strong wind into your casting side can be problematic, easily corrected by casting on your line-hand side using either a cast with your arm across your body or tilting your body away from the wind and “brushing your hair” with your casting hand as you have the rod tip travel on your leeward side.
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
