http://www.tampabay.com/sports/outdoors/captains-corner-taking-on-the-troutredfishsnook-challenge/2318108
Catching a trout, redfish and snook on the same outing with a fly rod can be challenging. Concentrate on lighted docks and bridges. We go out a few hours before daylight and often don’t see another boat, especially on weekdays. Trout and reds have been the primary targets; snook are appearing in greater numbers due to warming water. A moving tide produces feeding frenzies and doubles when two fly casters are covering an area. Position one caster on each end of the boat. Lights near marinas and bridges have produced baby tarpon — use a stealthy approach and longer casts. Your first cast is always the best, working the outside shadow before casting into the lighted area. Long slow strips work best and are often interrupted with a strike that causes an immediate hookup. When you see a fish follow, speed up your presentation duplicating an escaping baitfish. Size 4-1 synthetic patterns are selected to match the plentiful baitfish the fish are chasing. Use a 25- to 30-pound shock tippet to prevent leader wear and breakage. White flies are best. A bow mounted electric trolling motor will position the boat parallel to the structure and help get large fish away from barnacle encrusted pilings which will break leaders and fly lines. Crimp all barbs to make releasing easy.
Fly fisherman Pat Damico runs charters in 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
