http://www.tampabay.com/sports/outdoors/Captain-s-Corner-Fly-fishing-success-possible-even-in-wind_162584987
When your day to fly fish arrives, do you hope for a day without wind? Knowledgeable fly fishers know there are many ways to deal with different wind situations. Avoid open water, and select an area that offers protection. Stay close to shore and use many of our bays, the high banks as we see on some rivers, trees, mangrove shorelines, buildings and canal systems. Check wind conditions the day before and plan your trip on paper. Morning easterly winds are frequently followed by winds from the west. A large narrow bay that runs north to south often provides protected fishing all day. Begin on the eastern side in the morning and fish the west side in the afternoon. Explore docks and canals, concentrating on points where tidal flow is optimum. Know where there are grass flats with sand holes and dropoffs. A bow-mounted electric motor controls speed and direction. Employ your preferred anchoring system carefully when a concentration of fish is found. Use a fast action rod, a 71/2-foot or shorter leader with a 20-pound tippet. Downsize flies and reduce their weight to make casting and turnover easier. A chop on the water will allow you to get closer to the fish. If the wind has affected water clarity, use darker flies. Baitfish patterns size 2-4 are best.
Fly fisherman Pat Damico charters lower Tampa Bay and can be reached at captpat.com and (727) 504-8649.
- Capiains Corner. Damico - December 26, 2023
- Pat Damico - December 21, 2023
- CaptainsCorner: Pat Damico - November 27, 2023
