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Bonefish & Tarpon Trust Announces $600,000 for Permit Research and Conservation

Will Poston
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1
Bonefish & Tarpon Trust Announces $600,000 for Permit Research and Conservation

The Bonefish & Tarpon Trust is the preeminent authority when it comes to bonefish, tarpon, and permit conservation and advocacy. In recent years, BTT was instrumental in securing conservative regulations at the Western Dry Rocks, a well-known and essential permit spawning area in the Florida Keys. And just this week, the group announced an historic investment to monitor permit spawning sites throughout the Keys.

Permit anglers at the Western Dry Rocks were losing too many fish to shark predation. This was obviously a serious concern, as these incredibly economically valuable fish were there attempting to successfully spawn–and a lot them. For example, research by BTT identified Western Dry Rocks as a critically important spawning site for permit in the Lower Florida Keys. Approximately 70 percent of tagged permit from the Lower Keys aggregated at the Western Dry Rocks. To make matters worse, subsequent studies also found that more than one-third of hooked permit at the site were lost to shark predation.

The Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission agreed that something needed to be done. Last year, the Commission approved a four-month long no fishing closure at the Western Dry Rocks to protect spawning permit.

This $600,000 investment by BTT will continue that effort through a three-year monitoring study at the Western Dry Rocks and other permit spawning sites. The goal of the project is to give the Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission has the data to validate the effectiveness of the permit-spawning closure.

“We can’t overstate the importance of this analysis for fisheries management and how appreciative we are to our partners at Bonefish & Tarpon Trust,” said FWC Chairman Rodney Barreto. “Working together on this important research initiative helps to ensure Florida’s status as the Fishing Capital of the World.”

This type of collaborative research is a truly effective strategy for fisheries management, especially when it comes to protecting some of these world-renowned fisheries like Key West’s permit.

“This is a significant, multi-year investment by our organization,” said BTT President Jim McDuffie. “And a necessary one. Conserving Keys permit requires that we understand and effectively manage the conditions that optimize their spawning. This research goes to the very heart of our efforts to ensure a sustainable permit population in the Keys.”

Cover picture courtesy of BTT/Dr. Lucas Griffin

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2022 F3T Behind the Lens: Cocos

Nate Holmes
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2022 F3T Behind the Lens: Cocos

For many, Australia is a place of wonder and imagination; for Josh Hutchins of Aussie Fly Fisher and filmmaker Kane Chenoweth, Australia is home. Last summer Josh, Kane, and some friends journeyed out to one of Australia’s most remote regions and found themselves knee-deep in the waters of Cocos Keeling.

Here they found endless bonefish, feisty sharks, and the perfect, well-earned island life we all dream about. Recently we had a chance to sit down with Josh to hear all about his adventure!

FL: So, where in the world is Cocos Keeling? 

JH: Cocos Keeling Islands are likely the furthest territory from Mainland Australia that is still considered a part of Australia. Basically, if you draw a line on a map between Perth, Australia, and Sri Lanka, then you’ll find CKI smack-bang in the middle of the Indian Ocean.

It’s a special place like any remote atoll, for obvious reasons. It was extra special for us at the time as it was the furthest we could travel from home during the height of the pandemic when Australia was locked off from the rest of the world – 9 hours flight time from Sydney, Australia.

FL: If you had to describe the fishery in one word what would it be and why?

JH: Bones.

Essentially this is a bonefish fishery. The place is loaded with bonefish, and good-sized ones too. We essentially DIY fished the whole week and had reasonable success. ‘Hello Backing Lodge’ has since brought a flats skiff to the island which will broaden the horizons of the fishery. 

FL: What was the hardest part of creating this film?

 JH: Travel logistics at the time were difficult. I was traveling from Sydney, Kane Chenoweth (our Videographer) was traveling from Cairns, QLD, and the other guys from Melbourne, Australia. In hindsight, it was one of the only short periods of time during the pandemic when all Australian states could freely travel back and forth with each other.

Thankfully all that mess is done, and Australia is officially reopened to the world.

FL: Take us through that GT and Shark blitz, that was insane!

JH: Yeah wow! Well, CKI is not short on sharks! But that particular session was insane!

We took the local ferry that day to Direction Island, one of the many Islands within the atoll. Not long after hitting the beach, we noted that big, black, ball of mayhem in the distance. James Norney, one of the fellas on the trip was loaded with the 12wt, so took the first shot. Immediately he got a hold of that big GT. 

Interestingly, those sharks were extremely aggressive and we caught several big ones on the fly. It was one of the best bait balls I have ever seen in two feet of water.

FL: Speaking of sharks, what is the fly fisher’s guide to shark encounters?

 JH: To be honest, I am typically not worried about sharks on the flats. But as seen in the film, a few of the CKI ones caught us by surprise. Generally, if I have a shark locked onto a fish I am happy to run at it, throw something at it, hit it with the butt of the fly rod, etc. But, some of the sharks we encountered were so fired up by the bonefish, nothing would deter them from coming in close. Even to the point when that shark charged me. Essentially I was hooked onto a small Trevally and it swam through my legs, the shark followed, crashing straight into my legs, catching me by surprise.

From that point, the best thing to do was to move on when sharks were in the area, for the sake of the bonefish.

FL: What is one piece of Australian fly fishing lingo you want to see spread around more?

 JH: Haha. There would be a lot of this. Aussie slang in general is quite broad. A few I don’t hear too often elsewhere in describing a good fish would be “Cracker” “Ripper”, “Stonker”… Interestingly we call a skinny fish a “Slab” I believe a “Slab” might actually be a good thing elsewhere.

FL: What was the most memorable fish of this trip and why was it so special?

JH: The Bumpy.

Bumphead Parrotfish had been on my list for sometime. And CKI presented itself as the best place to check that off the list in Australia. It didn’t come easy. On the last day, in the dying moments, when I least expected it. The right moment presented itself, and the stars aligned and I managed to hold one for the camera. A very rewarding moment.

FL: Any last words before we finish up?

JH: Australia is open for business! Come on Down-under and pay us a visit. Plenty of diversity on offer.

You can see more from Josh at his website aussieflyfisher.com

Check out Cocos in the 2022 F3T Tour, Buy your Fly Fishing Film Tour tickets here!

2022 F3T Behind the Lens: Common Ground

2022 F3T Behind the Lens – “Northbound”

Fishing Tips: How to Float a New River

Andrew Braker
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Fishing Tips: How to Float a New River

Adventuring into newfound territory is exciting, but it can also be intimidating. Check out this video from the Huge Fly Fisherman for all the information you need to float a new river.

If you don’t have time for the full video, here’s the main points:

  • Call or visit a fly shop.
  • Assemble your crew (it’s helpful to have multiple people).
  • Find a river that is suited to your abilities.
  • Check weather conditions.
  • Find access points.
  • Set up your start and end point.
  • Figure out your shuttle between your start and end point.
  • Choose your float distance (7 miles is a generally an average distance for a float).
  • Does the river have enough water to float? (this can change by seasons and conditions).
  • Check for permits and use fees.
  • Check for regulations.
  • Check for private land and the protocol for access.
  • Bring beverages and boat snacks.
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Searching for Salmon

Jessica Duffney
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Searching for Salmon

When chronic illness stripped away my drive for life, a newfound love of fly fishing brought it back with a new appreciation for life. Throughout the battles of dealing with a debilitating health condition that greatly affected my cardiovascular and neurological systems, I felt like I lost myself in the fight.

People came to know me as “the girl with a heart condition” or “the sick girl” With each day I felt less like the strong individual I once was. From being a competitive teen involved in many sports to a young adult grappling with a job as a deckhand on a commercial fishing boat, the strength of those days seemed to be out of reach.

One day, I spoke to a young physician, who had overcome the battle with cancer. He explained to me his story of fly fishing for wild Atlantic Salmon and how it helped him get through the many struggles he faced during his battle.

I wasn’t going through cancer, but I was definitely fighting a health battle I didn’t know, I’d ever see myself through.

I couldn’t get his story off my mind; It inspired me.

In mid-June just a couple of weeks into the salmon season, I bought myself a fishing license, a cheap fly rod and reel, and a pair of neoprene waders that were far too large for me.

Being from Newfoundland, I only thought I knew the extent of our woods and waters. I always loved the outdoors, but I really was oblivious of what was really at my fingertips, this entire time.

As my adventures began, I kind of just went with the flow. Never read too much into things. I joined a couple of local fishing groups, reached out to a couple of old friends who also enjoyed fishing on occasion, and asked my grandfather to join me. He wasn’t much into fly fishing or Salmon fishing for that matter. He was more of a spin cast for trout, kind of guy. But thankfully he was willing to join me on my adventures.

I remember, getting to the river many days and being hopeful today would be the day. To say I didn’t get discouraged would be a lie. But meeting anglers many days who were willing to share a tip or trick, such as how to properly tie on my fly, helped keep me encouraged.

3 weeks in, on July the 7th 2016, I stood on a river that ran along an old railway bed. I was fishing a random fly I had picked up at a gas station that wasn’t giving me any luck. A gentleman across the river walked over to me and handed me a fly. He told me to tie it on and told me I would get a fish on the line today. I will admit, I didn’t hold my breath on his word. But to my surprise, ten minutes after putting on his fly, I finally hooked into my first Salmon. A beautiful grilse that will stay as fresh in my mind as the fish was.

I really had no idea the true meaning behind it all until a few years later: My story changed…I was no longer defined as “the sick girl” Rather, I’m now “the girl who loves to fly fish”. That in itself, says a lot about how far I’ve come in my journey. Just when I thought my life was over, it was actually just beginning.

Six years later, I’m a fully dedicated angler, and a licensed fishing guide, who has grown passionate about fly fishing and particularly, chasing large Atlantic Salmon

Oftentimes in life and in fishing, the bigger the battle, the larger the reward. Never give up, because that difficult path might be leading you to a beautiful river as it did, me.

My fight now is to save the wild Atlantic Salmon as they saved me.

Article by Jessica Duffney, follow along with her fishing adventures on Instagram at @riverdreams16.

Summer Salar: Atlantic Salmon in Nova Scotia

A Reflection in Honor of International Women’s Day

How to Tie: Scandinavian Salmon Tube Fly

Greg Stohrer
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How to Tie: Scandinavian Salmon Tube Fly

In this week’s “How to Tie” video feature, the legend Davie McPhail ties a traditional Scandinavian Salmon Tube Fly that all Atlantic Salmon anglers should have in their fly wallets.

Difficulty: Intermediate 

In the world of Atlantic Salmon fishing, there are little variables that can be controlled. Whether it is unexpected weather, water conditions, or a lack of subsurface presence, many things seem to always go awry. Traditional salmon flies, the tried and true for this mystical species, seem to be a go to for the most experienced anglers. This Scandinavian Salmon Tube Fly is one that may not guarantee you fish, but will certainly fair better than others when fishing for Atlantic Salmon.

Tube flies are more popular now than ever and for good reason. Depending on regulations, different hooks can be used or replaced if damaged. This makes for less hours on the vise or less money spent paying for different styles of the same pattern. Building this Scandinavian Salmon Tube Fly with a heavier front taper allows for more resistance in the front, creating a swimming motion like a small baitfish. When it comes to Atlantic Salmon fishing, any little advantage you can make goes miles and this fly does just that.

On your next trip to Scandinavia or other areas with large salmon rivers, this fly is a must to have in your wallet. Although I have never personally experienced this thrill, I would imagine catching one of these leapers on a traditional pattern is much like using a dry fly on the River Test. For those looking for their next next weapon or savior for salmon, look no further. This Scandinavian Salmon Tube Fly is the tool for the job and might just take the mystical element away from that fish.

Ingredients:

  • Tube: 15mm T-Tube from Frank N Snaelda from Sean Stanton
  • Thread: Uni-8/0 Fire Orange
  • Tag: Opal Mirage Tinsel Large
  • Hackle: Flu Orange Hen or Cock
  • Middle Wing: Flu Orange Fox
  • Body: Rainbow Lite-Brite Mixed with Black Dubbing
  • Under-Wing: Hot Orange Fox and Orange Krinkle Flash
  • First Hackle: Hot Orange Badger
  • Wing: Fiery Brown and Black Fox
  • Hackle: Blue Hen or Cock
  • Eyes: Jungle Cock
  • Head: Glo-Brite Floss No.4 Flu-Red

Now you know how to tie a Scandinavian Salmon Tube Fly!

Video and ingredients courtesy of Davie McPhail.

Flavor on the Fly: Psari Plaki (Greek-Style Snakehead)

Kirk Marks
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Flavor on the Fly: Psari Plaki (Greek-Style Snakehead)

It may require a connoisseur’s eye to appreciate the physical attributes of northern snakehead, but just about anyone can get onboard with the taste. These predatory fish are native to Asia, but they’ve been thriving throughout parts of the United States for twenty years now. Their explosive strike, brute force, and delicious meat have made them a popular target among anglers. On top of that, they’re an invasive species that could be causing some sort of ecological harm. Although discussions on this tend to generate more heat than light, the truth is, we still don’t fully understand their impact. For the time being, it appears snakehead are here to stay. So let’s grab an 8wt, a handful of flies, and give some of those struggling native species a day off.

snakehead, teeth, fish, fishing
The smile we’re all after. Photo: Dylan Taillie (@dylightful)

Snakehead will test you. They’ll test your gear, your patience, and your stamina. They live in some of the most vegetated and algae-ridden waters around. One day you’ll be scratching your head, miles from the launch, wondering; “why do I do this?” And the next, you’ll get a ten pound reminder. Their inconsistent nature is one of the reasons why targeting them is so addicting. Without years of historical knowledge at our disposal, we’re still paving the way forward, learning their patterns and behavior with each trip. Sometimes you don’t need to travel internationally to target some new, exotic species. Every once in a while, you can make the best of hometown accident.

snakehead, fish, grip, grin, big fish
Ten pound reminder. Photo: Kirk Marks (@kirkymarks)

Firm, flakey, mild; these adjectives are commonly thrown around when describing snakehead. In reality, their flesh resembles saltwater fish more closely than it does freshwater fish. It doesn’t fall apart or become mushy when cooked, and it contains little to no fishy flavor. It’s the perfect fish for baking, and in this recipe we’re doing just that.

fishing, walking, beer, marsh
A walk through the marsh. Photo: Dylan Taillie (@dylightful)

Psari Plaki is a Greek dish made by baking fish in the oven with onions and tomatoes. Traditionally, the protein would have been a fish native to the Mediterranean Sea, but we’re substituting snakehead because it exhibits the right characteristics from a texture and flavor standpoint. This recipe is a great way to utilize frozen fish, as the rich Mediterranean flavors overpower most off-flavors. Of course, it works beautifully with fresh fish too.

snakehead, fly, fly fishing, canoe, lure
A small snakehead that was caught off of a fry-ball. Photo: Kirk Marks (@kirkymarks)

Processing Snakehead:

Field Care: Make sure to bleed snakehead by slicing the gills with a knife or scissors. The benefit is twofold; (1) it decreases the amount of blood in the fillets, resulting in a cleaner taste, and (2) it kills the fish quickly, which is especially important when dealing with snakehead as it is illegal to transport them alive.

snakehead, canoe, cooler, fishing
A good day at the Snake Farm. Photo: Kirk Marks (@kirkymarks)

Filleting: Snakehead are real slimy. Place the fish on a towel to prevent it from sliding around your work station. Fillet just like any other fish. Make an incision behind the gill plate, follow the spine down to the tail, cut the meat away from the center of the fish, and then remove the skin from the fillets. Snakehead have one short row of pin-bones; remove these with needle nose pliers or cut around them. Rinse the fillets in cold water and pat dry with paper towels. You can freeze the fillets for later use or go straight into the recipe. If freezing, dry the fillets as much as possible, then vacuum seal.

Until next time, enjoy and good luck out there!

baked fish, greek, snakehead, pasta
Psari Plaki served over pasta. Photo: Kirk Marks (@kirkymarks)

Psari Plaki (Greek-Style Snakehead) Recipe:

Serves: 4

Ingredients:

  • 2lb snakehead fillets, pin-bones & skin removed
  • 1 large white onion, sliced
  • 6 garlic cloves, minced
  • 12 Kalamata olives, sliced & pitted
  • 0.5 lemon, juiced
  • 15oz diced tomatoes
  • 15oz tomato sauce
  • 0.25 cup olive oil
  • Fresh basil, chopped for topping
  • Fresh parsley, chopped for topping
  • 0.5 teaspoon crushed red pepper flakes
  • 2 teaspoons dried oregano
  • 1 teaspoon dried dill
  • 0.5 teaspoon sugar
  • Salt, to taste
  • Black pepper, to taste

Method:

  1. Combine onion slices and olive oil in a saucepan over medium heat. Once the onion is translucent, add minced garlic, diced tomatoes, tomato sauce, dried oregano, dried dill, crushed red pepper flakes, sugar, and salt & pepper to taste. Simmer for 15 minutes.
  2. While sauce is simmering, preheat oven to 375 degrees.
  3. Season fish fillets with lemon juice, salt, and pepper.
  4. Pour half of the sauce in a baking dish. Place the fish fillets on top, then add the rest of the sauce. Top with Kalamata olives.
  5. Bake in the oven for 35 minutes, or until the fish flakes easily.
  6. Top with freshly chopped basil and parsley.
  7. Serve over al dente pasta or bread. Pair with your favorite pale ale or white wine.

Article by Flylords Food Editor Kirk Marks, an angler, photographer, and culinary aficionado based in Kent Island, Maryland. Give him a follow at @kirkymarks. 

Flavor on the Fly: Grilled Snakehead & Fried Wild Turkey with Caprese Skewers

Flavor on the Fly: Shellfish Side Mission – Oysters

Flavor on the Fly: Grilled Redfish Collars & Lowcountry Grits

 

Questions with a Captain: Tanner Hylek

Monica Auger
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Questions with a Captain: Tanner Hylek

Community showers that might have hot water, basic electricity powered by a generator (so don’t forget to fill it), bears that prowl through camp at night, and sleeping in a wood and tarp tent for six months – these are just a few things that ensure that the guides up at Alaska’s Naknek River Camp never have a dull moment.

After spending last summer with this crew we couldn’t help but be impressed by their passion and dedication for what they do… and the sheer insanity. Get to know a little more about the guides that really make Alaska tick.

Flylords: So, tell us, who is Tanner?

Tanner: I am a 28-year-old trout bum that spends his summers in Alaska guiding. I’m a very easy-going guy. I like long walks on the beach, top movie would have to be Saving Private Ryan, I love Xtra Tuff boots and that’s a little bit about me.

Flylords: How did you end up in King Salmon, Alaska?

Tanner: Destiny. Haha. I was very unhappy with my sales role, working a 9 to 5 back home, I wanted to find a job that I truly enjoy and didn’t feel like I was working. I knew that fishing was something I enjoyed and wanted to find a way that I could support my addiction as well as support myself and that led me to Alaska. The Johnsons have a lot of ties in Michigan so that’s how I got connected with them: through a local fly shop. And the rest is history. 

Flylords: What does a typical day look like for you?

Tanner: That’s a loaded question because there isn’t a typical day here in Alaska. Every day is different and that’s what I love about it most. It’s not repetitive, every day is different, you learn something new every single day, everything is constantly changing. Your typical day is not very typical. 

But a typical day is fishing the main river here, out of a boat with two clients. 

Flylords: How do you prepare for a season in Alaska?

Tanner: A lot of preparation definitely goes in. I have a lot of sticky notes in my phone, little reminders, and stuff I think about as the year goes on. I try to write down an idea when it’s sparked in my head so when it is time to come up here I have a list of everything I need.

A lot of prep going into tying flies. I spend most of my time in the winter tying flies, getting prepared, making sure that I have two of everything. It’s kind of a pain getting things up here so it’s better to be prepared. Make sure you aren’t just cramming one week before you come up here. It’s a year-round thing.

Flylords: What’s one thing you wouldn’t hit the water without?

Tanner: A good attitude!

Flylords: Where do you live in the off-season?

Tanner: West Michigan.

Flylords: What occupies your time in the off-season? 

Tanner: Trout and steelhead occupy a lot of my time back home. As well as my lovely girlfriend Kendall. We have a house together so what’s occupied a lot of my time is turning our house into a home.

Flylords: Do you guide anywhere else? If so, how if that different from guiding in Alaska?

Tanner: I do not guide back at home.

Flylords: What is your favorite fish to target in your own backyard?

Tanner: Brown trout. They’re so pretty and smart.

Flylords: If you were a fly or streamer pattern which would you be and why?

Tanner: Hmm. I would probably be a Circus Peanut because I like to get down and dirty. 

Flylords: What’s your favorite part about being up in Alaska?

Tanner: My favorite part about being up in Alaska is being surrounded by so many people that share the same passion as I do. It’s not bad being able to walk out your front door, step in the boat, and head out fishing too.

Flylords: What do you miss most about home?

Tanner: Probably Wendy’s – a Dave’s single, medium, with a 4 piece nugget.

Flylords: What is your favorite AK memory? 

Tanner: The day I leave, just kidding haha. There’s too many but if I had to pick one… I don’t know this is like when someone asks me what my favorite song is my brain is like like ‘eeeeeeeh’. I mean there’s definitely got to be one.

Flylords: Final Thoughts? 

Tanner: No, but I think we are very fortunate to do what we do up here and I’m grateful that I get to do what I love and do it around so many awesome people. I’m forever grateful for the opportunities that have been available to me since I’ve been coming up here.

To keep up with Tanner, follow him on Instagram @tannerhylek

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Skwala Fishing Launches New Fly Fishing Brand with “Ground-Breaking” Apparel Line

Dan Zazworsky
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Skwala Fishing Launches New Fly Fishing Brand with “Ground-Breaking” Apparel Line

It’s not every day that a new wader manufacturer pops up in the fishing industry, but the team at Skwala Fishing in Montana has done just that.

From Skwala Fishing: 

The fly fishing world has a new brand that is primed to push the limits of fly fishing apparel. Skwala, based in the heart of fly fishing in Southwest Montana, announces it is launching to consumers today with an impressive array of apparel.

“We have been working on this brand for well over two years and now we are pleased to let the world to see what we have been up to,” said Kevin Sloan, Skwala’s CEO and Founder. “We think the fly fishing apparel world is ready for some new thinking about apparel design and construction that allows anglers to go further in their fly fishing pursuits.”

It all starts with passion for the upstart company and the desire to rise above the mundane. The passion comes from decades of experience—nearly a 100 years—in the fly fishing industry that steers business and product decisions.

Skwala anglers will appreciate the attention to detail by barely recognizing the gear is there—leaving the angler free to chase connection on the water.  And fabric technology and design have evolved to the point where Skwala can match its mindset with product that lives up to their quest.

“The team has roots in best-in-class brands like Sitka, Yeti, Simms, Patagonia, and Orvis,” said Sloan. “This accumulative experience has created what we think is an amazing product line at launch that will definitely resonate with anglers who are looking for the best gear in the world.”

The company launches with an impressive array of core products, including two waders, two jackets, two insulation pieces, two sunshirts, wading pants and shorts. The RS Wader ($799) is built for demanding angling environments while the Carbon Wader ($499) is perfect for warmer days, travel, or times when an angler can take advantage of the quick conversion to waist high and highly breathable fabrics.

The RS Jacket ($499) and Carbon Jacket ($399) compliment their wader counterpart and build on the brand’s philosophy that a system approach to building gear leads to a better experience. Skwala’s Fusion 3/2 Puffy ($299) and Fusion Hybrid ($199) both utilize innovative insulation design and technologies to keep anglers warm in the coldest environments while incorporating industry-leading stretch textiles.

The sun collection showcases Skwala’s pursuit of using the best available fabrics and design for a full day on the water. The Sol Tactical Hoody ($119) and Sol Hoody ($89) feature 50+ UPF rating and wicking and fast-drying fabrics. The Sol Wading Pant ($119) and Sol Wading Short ($89) utilize Primeflex™ DotAir® stretch fabric that enhances comfort and breathability while drying quicker than other available fabrics.

The Skwala team’s quest is to combine design and technical expertise and blend that with a unique channel strategy.  The complete line with is available online at www.skwalafishing.com and at a select few of the country’s best fly fishing retailers. These include Headhunters Fly Shop in Craig, MT; Grizzly Hackle Fly Shop in Missoula, MT; WorldCast Anglers in Victor, ID; and Charlie’s Fly Box in Arvada, CO.  

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5 Fly Fishing Tips for the Beginner Angler

Patrick Perry
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2
5 Fly Fishing Tips for the Beginner Angler

If you are reading this article congratulations on taking the step into the world of fly fishing. As you’ll soon realize there is so much to learn about fly fishing and even the most experienced anglers never stop learning. Fish are smarter than we often credit them, getting them to eat a hand-tied fly is actually quite harder than you would think. But with a little practice and basic knowledge about fly fishing, you can travel the world with a fly rod in hand tricking fish to eat a fly.

So what exactly is fly fishing?

Fly fishing is a fishing method that uses an artificial hand-tied “fly” that resembles some sort of bug or small invertebrate like a baitfish. The “fly” is presented using a fly rod, reel, and weighted fly line. The angling method is very popular for smaller fish species like trout and bass but you can target all types of fish with this method.

In this article presented by Tin Cup Whiskey, we will focus on 5 basic tips and techniques for the beginner fly angler. These fly fishing tips will help you get on track to become a competent fly fishing angler.

Tip 1: Stop by Your Local Fly Shop

If you are interested in getting into fly fishing or have received or purchased some fly fishing gear, the next place to stop is your local fly fishing shop or outfitter. Fly shops are located throughout the world and provide anglers with a supportive community of like-minded anglers and resources that can help you learn more about fly fishing. Specifically fly fishing in the local waters that you can access.

While going into a fly fishing shop can be a little intimidating for someone who might be a beginner angler, fly shops are willing to help anglers get into the sport. Let the fly shop know that you are a beginner and are looking for some help whether that may be seeing if they offer any instructional classes or if they have some time to walk you through the basic gear involved with fly fishing. Fly shops are also a great resource to figure out where to go fishing in that specific area and they can provide you with a fishing report and some recommended flies that you can use based on the current bug hatches and fishing conditions. Many fly shops have fishing reports on their websites that can be very helpful.

Tip 2: Use the Internet as a Resource

Like anything these days, the internet is a huge resource for learning all things fly fishing. You can check out our specific Tips and Techniques section of our blog where there are various different resources for anglers to hone their skills. YouTube also has some great instructional videos that you can learn a lot about fly fishing.

Another important point to mention is to check the local fishing regulations. Be sure to retain the proper fishing license and be aware of any specific water closures, fishing seasons, and bag limits. Most States have plenty of resources about the fishing regulations including methods to purchase a license.

Tip 3: Learn the Basics of Fly Casting

Once you have stopped by your local fly shop and surfed the internet far and wide the next best step to jumpstart your fly fishing journey is to learn the basics of fly casting. If you have access to some local lakes or ponds head out with your fly rod setup to practice some casting. If you don’t have any water nearby you can always take your fly fishing setup to a local park and practice some casting on the grass.

If you don’t have anyone to assist you in instruction, check out YouTube for some basic videos. Try videotaping yourself so can see exactly how your fly casts are progressing and use the video to help aid in the improvement of the fly casting. Check out this article for some great fly casting instructional videos: The Beginner’s Guide to Fly Fishing.

Tip 4: Understand the Entomology Behind Fly Fishing

One of the most interesting and intriguing aspects of fly fishing is the science behind the “fly”. Unlike traditional fishing, with fly fishing, you will typically use a hand-tied “fly” to imitate a source of food for a fish and you’ll trick the fish into eating this imitation. A lot of the time you are actually will be imitating an insect, that the fish will feed on to survive.

Throughout the world, there are different insects, and these insects hatch at different times of the year and are found in different colors and sizes. So understanding the “Entomology” of aquatic insects becomes a very valuable skill for a fly angler. When you can head to the river and observe and know exactly what kind of bug is hatching and you have a specific fly to imitate that bug you will often have great success.

So how do you learn about Entomology? Many fly shops offer courses and even some offer online classes. The in-person classes are very valuable as you can learn and see the four main types of aquatic insects, mayflies, stoneflies, midges, and caddis in the water. So get back in the science class spirit and take some time to learn and observe the bugs on the water!

Tip 5: Have Fun: It’s Not All About the Fish

Learning how to fly fish can be frustrating. Straight up, not catching fish can be not fun. Especially when you scroll through your phone and see all these great catches. But, don’t sweat it, getting skunked (catching no fish) is part of learning how to fly fish. Every angler should have the goal every time that they hit the water that they learn something from that experience. Whether that may be a new method of casting or mending or learning about a new stage of a lifestyle of a bug.

Fly fishing is much more than catching fish, it’s about the experience of constantly learning, being outside, and enjoying the surprises that come along. Hopefully, these fly fishing tips will aid in your journey.

This article is presented by Tincup Whiskey. To learn more about Tincup, check them out HERE.

The Beginner’s Guide to Fly Fishing

Tips with Tatum: Winter Weather Fly Fishing

 

Unsettling Video Shows Breeding-Class Stripers Trapped in Seine Nets in Chesapeake

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Unsettling Video Shows Breeding-Class Stripers Trapped in Seine Nets in Chesapeake

A couple weeks ago, videos began circulating on social media of large striped bass and gizzard shad contained in commercial fishing net. The amount of fish enclosed in the net, which was also tied up to a skiff for safe keeping (presumably), made for a crowded, unhealthy environment for these breeding-class stripers. During these late winter months, striped bass stage in parts of the Chesapeake Bay and other spawning estuaries before migrating far up into tributaries to spawn.

Considering where we are with striped bass–overfished, subject to overfishing, more than 25-year low, and almost done with Amendment 7–this video angered a ton of concerned striped bass anglers. The public comment period for Draft Amendment 7 is now open until April 15th–check out the American Saltwater Guides Association for more info and get engaged to protect these resource. It’s worth highlighting that commercial fishing comprises roughly ten percent of total removals, but killing or harming large, egg-laden stripers before they can spawn is more salt in the wound. Keep reading for the account from the kayak anglers (Brennan Thompson and Chris McIntee) who saw this unfold in real time.

Quick overview of what is going on in the videos…some of this may be sensitive and posting it may be risky. I found a lot of this information out after I originally posted the videos, and it is quite shocking and concerning.

A friend and I were kayak fishing in the Chesapeake for 3 days. We were looking for the pre-spawn striped bass that have entered the Chesapeake Bay to prepare to spawn in the spring. I had some really excellent catch and release fishing one day the week prior, so when we returned to fish for 3 days we were pretty optimistic.

Day 1 of our 3 days we saw tons of life. There were endless amounts of bait and a good number of large bass. At some point around mid-day, we noticed a large commercial boat and 3 skiffs had moved into the back of this bay. At first, we thought they were just doing some kind of shoreline construction work and really thought nothing of it. We later realized they were seine netting for Mud Shad. This was disappointing knowing that large pre-spawn stripers are in the area, but we assumed and hoped they were most likely professionals and would be responsible with any accidentally caught bass.

 

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A post shared by Brennan Thompson (@bthompson_12)

At this point they were pretty far in the back of the bay and it seemed pretty normal. Over the next couple of days, they continued to come in and out with multiple boats all throughout each day and began moving their nets out more into the main areas of the bay. They started netting the main areas with all of the concentrations of fish. At this point, the fishing went off a cliff and the bass and bait appeared to be disappearing. We started to get suspicious of how they were behaving, and the fact that they kept leaving and coming back all throughout the day seemed a little bit off.

On the morning of our last day fishing, (at this point the fishing was completely dead) we decided to go over where they had been netting out of curiosity. To our surprise, we found a net still in the water with an unknown amount of large breeder-sized stripers stuck in the net, amongst Shad and other fish. I would say there was anywhere from a half dozen to a dozen bass in the net. Most of which were in the 30-40lb range (all pre-spawn females).

The net was opened up pretty widely and the fish seemed to be alright. We assumed they’re probably going to come back and release the bass and finish landing their shad. As we left and fished we noticed they came back around 10 am but left fairly soon after.

Around 3:30 pm we decided to go see if they had taken the net out or released the bass. This is when the videos were taken. The net had been drawn together and left hanging on a boat. The bass and other fish in the net were all beginning to die, some were already dead. The bass were bloodied from trying to get out of the net and many of their tails were mangled from the nets. At this point, we realized these bass had been in the net since the day before and it was now nearing 4 pm the following day.

 

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A post shared by Brennan Thompson (@bthompson_12)

We were now really suspicious these guys had been poaching striped bass. This was one net of what we believe was many more and only one day. They had been doing this for days, and we had not checked any of the other nets those days. We thought if they are trying to poach these bass they were just being really irresponsible in how they were netting and dealing with their bycatch.

We tried contacting Maryland’s Department of Natural Resources which was bizarre. They seemed very unwilling to help us, they were rude and seemed irritated we would call them. Kept giving us the run around “call this number”. We’d call that number and be told “oh no you need to call this number”. Within about 15 minutes of calling DNR all of a sudden these guys whipped back in and began working very fast to dump the bass which were now almost all certain to die or already dead. An officer finally reached out to us and said they would come to investigate but it would take over an hour to get there.

Now DNR has commented that there are NO RULES around having to get accidentally caught breeder striped bass out of commercial fishing nets within any set time frame. This is unacceptable and put a big damper on our trip.

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