Captain’s Corner: Pat Damico

The Tampa Bay Times

By Pat Damico

Beach Tarpon on Fly

Get out at daybreak with an easterly wind and calm water to take advantage of some great shallow water tarpon action. An advantage to getting at these fish now is they haven’t been beat up by hoards of fishermen and are in the pre-spawn mode making them more likely to grab a well-presented fly. Position your boat close to shore with the sun at your back. Good polarized glasses will allow you to see their flash as they lazily roll on the surface occasionally even inside of swim markers. Eleven weight fly rods with a floating or sink tip line are required. Having your fly at the fishes depth is important for success. A 40-60 pound fluorocarbon shock tippet tied to a 2/0 Keys type or toad pattern in darker colors has been most successful. Minimize boat movement using only a push pole in shallow water. The ideal cast is having the fish come straight to you, then place the offering in her path. If you can’t do a saltwater quick cast, get some help to learn. Figure out a pattern where most fish are moving and have them come to you. If you are not familiar with heavier rods, practice before getting on the water. Use your body to make casting easier and then use your body to fight the fish, not your arms. Keep your rod tip low close to the water and immediately start putting tension on the fish. If anchored, a floating marker buoy with a quick disconnect will allow you to chase hooked fish and then return to your spot. Remember to bow when the giant jumps.

Fly fisherman Pat Damico charters Fly Guy in lower Tampa Bay and can be reached at captpatdamico.com and (727) 504-8649.