Highlighting their ambassadors’ talents on the water and the vise, Loon Outdoors has launched their “Tools of the Trade” video series. The first person to be featured is our friend, Chuck Ragan and follows him as he fishes and ties around his home waters in California!
“Tools of the Trade is about showcasing our Ambassadors that work on the water and at the vise every day to make a living. They are part of everything we design and the problems we try to solve with our tools and products. We want our customers to know that we design tools to last, be useful, and not just look good on a shelf or a computer screen. We build tools that professional guides, tiers, and anglers rely on every day to do a job and make a living. If they trust their livelihood to Loon tools we believe anglers around the world can trust our tools to tie great flies and help them chase fish anywhere they go.”
For most of us, the crutch of winter is in full effect. Heavy snowfalls, freezing rain squalls, and brisk wind gusts make their presence known, even if they are unwelcomed in our minds. That being said, winter fly fishing has its pros but also has its cons. Rivers are less crowded. We can experience a sense of solitude out on the water. Nymphing can produce great numbers if done correctly. The downside of winter fishing is well of course…..the cold. We have all been there, trying to cast and all of a sudden our line just isn’t shooting through the guides. Ice build up unfortunately occurs when our with fly line is met with brisk wind chills causing the guides to ice up. This can create issues for anglers often resulting in broken guides or even rods. In this tips and tricks video of the week, Angler’s All demonstrates a DIY method to prevent your guides from icing over.
Icy Guide Tips
Nobody likes a broken fly rod, right? Here is what you can do to prevent it.
First, wipe your rod down with a wet rag or paper towel to free the mud and debris that may be stuck to the rod.
Head to your local convivence or grocery store and pick up a container of Lemon Pledge. This polishing agent works wonders on hard surfaces and leaves a glossy finish without leaving a waxy build up.
Next, simply spray down each section of your fly rod. Be sure to coat the guides and rod shaft as best as possible.
Take a cloth or rag and wipe down your fly rod. By wiping the rod, you are ensuring the polishing spray adheres to each nook and cranny on your rod.
Lastly, piece your rod back together and its ready for your next winter outing.
This slick polishing spray allows water to bead up much like a freshly waxed car. Your fly rod is your most important tool on the water. Take care of your gear and it will last you a lifetime. Fly fishing in the winter months can be rewarding but also difficult. Take this tips into account the next time you hit the river in hopes that your guides stay clear and your line stays tight!
For Serene Cusack, finding gear that fit has never been a walk in the park, but nevertheless, she has found ways to navigate difficult size barriers in fly fishing and in life, and through the process has shed light on a very important, and rarely talked about issue in the fly fishing industry. In the most recent Women on the Water Interview, Serene tells her story of perseverance and love for fly fishing, as well as her vision for the future of inclusion in the fishing industry. Check out the full interview below.Â
Flylords: Tell me a little bit about yourself, who are you both on and off of the water?Â
Serene: Well my name is Serene Cusack, and I was born and raised in Bozeman Montana. I currently live in Missoula, I have been here for three years, I moved here in 2017. When I am off the water I am a psychiatric inpatient adolescent social worker working with teenagers who are having mental health crises. When I’m not working at the hospital, you would be hard-pressed to not find me on the water. I don’t know how to say it; I love to fly fish. I wish I was a purist for the dry fly, but the change of seasons sucks me into the nymping world. In addition to fishing, I grew up skiing, (in college I taught ski lessons in Big Sky), riding bikes, and doing my best to play outside all summer.
There is nothing better than spending time in the mountains. Photo credit: Serene Cusack
Flylords: How did you start fly fishing? Who was your biggest influence when you were just starting?Â
Serene: I would say that there were a lot of men in my life who fished, but I didn’t know many women who were on the water. That never stopped me, I was just a go-getter on my own. I started spin fishing when I was a little girl with my dad, who is still a spin fisherman himself. I started fly fishing when I was in high school. My woodshop teacher loved to fly fish and I would hear him talk about it and be so jealous, so I took it upon myself to learn. I had a lot of failed seasons of fly fishing, where I wouldn’t catch a single fish on the fly rod. Back then, I wore a fly vest when I fished. In the back pocket I carried this retractable spiderman pole with me so that whenever I wasn’t catching fish on the fly, I would just pull out the spin rod and catch fish. Then I knew that they were still in the river.Â
Flylords: What similarities do you see between the barriers of starting to ski and starting to fly fish?Â
Serene: People of size, or fat people as I would identify myself, have barriers in all activities that we want to do that are outside. I have had size access barriers my whole life; even as a little kid my parents had a hard time finding me the appropriate gear to wear when I was skiing, playing hockey, or playing soccer. I have been an active person my whole life, and we have just had to make things work, which is fine until it is a safety issue. My drive to fish, drive to ski, or drive to ride bikes really pushes me to make things work. Size barriers are hard in the sense that sometimes they can be navigated, but most of the time they are the one thing that keeps people from trying the sport.
Flylords: In the last several years, have you seen more size inclusion in the industry?Â
Serene: It is the elephant in the room in the sense that we are not going to talk about the fact that people are trying to patch work their gear together to get on the water. For example, if you are going to go to New Zealand, or on any other trip around the world, you have to have all gear put together for that. For fat people, we want to go on these trips, but yet we are so afraid to arrive and not have everything we need. Heaven forbid that we get halfway around the world and our waders split or our rain jacket is ruined. We are really S.O.L because we cannot just find a replacement. It can feel intimidating to want to do bigger things because if we do not have everything together we are really in trouble. Â
Flylords: Going forward, what, as an industry and as people who fly fish recreationally can we do to be more inclusive?
Serene: The industry is changing, it is being forced to change as people are starting to ask more questions and anglers are starting to show up in new ways. I think that one thing that the industry can do is a better job of showing inclusion and representation in their ads, on their teams, and in their social media presence. Even sharing pictures of people that don’t look like your typical angler or your typical sportsperson in that way. For companies to be open to someone who challenges the previous norm. The industry can do a better job of being open and welcoming for people of size, as well as meeting them in their needs in the fly shop; being more inclusive in gear, being more inclusive in sizes of clothing, and overall being welcoming on the water for all bodies.
Winter cutthroat on the fly. Photo credit: Serene Cusack
Flylords: In addition to being of size, how has being a woman impacted your experiences?Â
Serene: Growing up a female in a male-dominated sport never stopped me from fishing, I never felt intimidated by men. Being a woman does make me invisible in the sense that I feel like sometimes men don’t really see women as true anglers until they feel threatened by them, and then things can get really ugly. Unfortunately, it can be a really tough crowd to break through and to stand your ground and be part of that. The good news is there are men that are equally excited about breaking the stereotypes in fly fishing. We are going to see the industry change when all the seats at the table are filled with people who represent all anglers.
Flylords: What role does social media play in inclusion, and how can we use it for the positive as opposed to all of the negativity that we see?Â
Serene: Social media is kind of a catch 22 in the sense that it can be a blessing and a curse at the same time. There are some really cool things and some really cool connections that I have made over social media, especially in the times of COVID. I have been introduced to some amazing angling communities and made connections with different people that I would have never had if it wasn’t for social media. At the same time, there is this ability to hide behind the screen that comes with an unwillingness to be open to change that is happening in the industry. There are some people that can be really mean behind social media that can be deterring for newer anglers.
Flylords: What resources do you use/how do you find gear that works for you?
Serene: There is one wader company that is making waders for women above a size 18 or 20; over 60% of women in America wear above a size 18. So 60% of women in America don’t have access to waders except for through one company, which is called Miss Mayfly Waders. Kim, the wader design, had done a phenomenal job of making size inclusive waders that fit all unique body types. Not just plus size, bodies that have curves and any shape at all. Miss Mayfly Waders has really changed the game of fly fishing for me. I am 32 years old, and my first pair of waders just came a few months ago, which is surprising because I have been fishing for many years now and have never had the opportunity to fish in the cold because it’s unsafe without waders.Â
I have not found any sun shirt or rain jackets or anything like that that is fishing specific that works for me. I have to wear a lot of clothes that are not made for fishing. I have a raincoat that I wear, as well as a puffy down jacket, but the sleeves are long and in the way. They don’t cuff inside of the raincoat so my arms get soaked when I reach into the water. There isn’t a company, big or small, that offers size inclusive gear outside of waders. I have to make what I wear on a day-to-day basis work for fishing.
Flylords: Have you found a community of women in Montana who fly fish?Â
Serene: The local women’s group here in Missoula is called the Missoula Fly Gals and it has been awesome to connect with them. They are not particularly for just fat women, but they are for all women in Missoula that are getting involved or are involved in fly fishing. As we have developed a relationship together, I have been able to encourage them to be more size-inclusive. We have conversations about inclusion on the water, about bringing people of size into the group and making people feel comfortable on the water. It is so intimidating, fishing is so intimidating to get involved in and to stay involved. Women’s groups are trying hard to break down the barrier of fear that so many people have, not just fat women, but women in general, of showing up and just trying it. There is this stereotype of who fly fishes, trying to whittle that down and make it a connection point of showing that all people can fly fish.
Also, communities outside of Missoula are excited to be involved in. One example is Confluence Collective, an intersectional group of people who love fly fishing. That is more of an internet/Instagram connection that I have, but I have made some really good friends out of that.
Nothing beats fishing with friends. Photo credit: Serene Cusack
Flylords: Years and decades from now, what is your fantasy of what the fly fishing industry looks like?Â
Serene: I want fly fishing to feel like the grocery store. To me, the grocery store is a common place where everyone goes with limited barriers. I dream about an experience that is accessible, diverse and represents an opportunity for all. An intersectional place of healing, exploration, and self-discovery for everybody to be out on the water.
Flylords: What advice would you give someone who is struggling to start fly fishing, whether that be because of a gear barrier or because they are just intimidated?Â
Serene: I would encourage them to reach out and be looking for people who look like them, and try to get connected in places that feel comfortable to ask questions. I would encourage them to try it, and keep trying it, not just one time, but try it a few times. Have conversations with people. Invite someone to join you when you are trying something new for the first time, sometimes having the buddy can take the pressure off of you for learning all at once. Look for opportunities in your own community, finding a connection point where you feel included and welcomed, they exist!Â
A big thank you to Andrew Braker for making the introduction and for setting this interview in motion.Â
With cold weather arriving around the country, time on the water can be limited for many fly anglers. I feel fortunate to have access to year-round trout fisheries but there are certainly some days that I end up staying home looking for some angling-related activity to pass the time rather than freeze my butt and toes off. Sometimes it’s reading or tying flies and other times I’m looking for DIY fishing hacks or projects to enhance my time on the water the next time I venture out. Below are 5 ideas for DIY fly fishing hacks or projects and accompanying Youtube videos that can help you be readily equipped without breaking the bank.Â
DIY Fishing HACK #1. Homemade Rod Sleeves
Rod Sleeves are designed to protect fully rigged fly rods during transportation and storage. You can purchase them from manufacturers like Scientific Anglers but you can easily make them at home in a variety of different lengths and diameters to accommodate all your favorite rods, from lightweight single hand rods to longer two-hand Spey rods. Whether you store your rods in a closet, garage, rod vault, or drift boat, rod sleeves can provide extra protection against chips and scratches and also prevent your rigged flies and line from unnecessary tangles. While the video below from Blue Line Fishing focuses on conventional tackle, the same principles apply to making a fly rod sleeve.Â
DIY Fishing HACK #2. Homemade Fishing Net
Upcycling and reusing items around the house is a great way to outfit yourself with some fly fishing essentials. Repurposing tennis rackets into fishing nets is easy and can be accomplished in a few minutes with a replacement net bag, a needle, and some string. If you like the idea but would rather purchase a tennis racket net, be sure to give the “River Rat†net from Urban Anglers USA a look. Check out the video below from The Hank Fishing Show on Youtube for more info.
3. DIY Fly Boxes
Homemade fly boxes are a great way to maximize your fly storage without breaking the bank. Some DIY fly boxes are pretty easy to make, simply glue some foam and/or magnets into a small container like an empty Altoids tin, and voila. If you’ll be tying flies all winter without a place to store them, be sure to check out the DIY Fly Boxes video from Tim Cammisa of @troutandfeather.
4. Homemade Fly Fishing Seine Net
Matching the hatch can be the name of the game at certain times and a fly fishing seine net is a great way to determine what bugs you need to match. Making a seine is quick, easy and can help you land more fish by narrowing down your fly selection. The following video from Kayak Hacks Fishing shows a simple, homemade seine net and how to use one effectively.
5. DIY Rod Vault
Rod Vaults, River Quivers, and the Ultimate Rod Case are just a few of the products on the market designed to securely transport and store fly rods on vehicle roof racks. Rooftop rod carriers are particularly useful in the winter when spending an extra 10-15 minutes rigging your rod means extra time standing out in the cold. You can simply rig your rods the night before and head to your favorite spot ready to hit the water. These products can tend to get pretty expensive but there are homemade versions that can be assembled for around $50. Check out this video below from Drenalin Adventures that breaks down the materials and processes required to make your very own rod vault.Â
Hopefully one or some of these DIY fishing hacks will help you pass some time this winter and also help you be more prepared for your next adventure to your favorite waters. I’m always curious to hear other DIY ideas that have worked for our readers so leave a comment below.
Article by Evan Garda, he is on the Content Team here at Fly Lords. He can be found chasing trout throughout the west with his trusty fly rod. Check out his adventures at @evangarda.
Nestled deep into the wilderness along the shores of one of the largest lakes in Alaska, lies a grouping of fly-fishing lodges that encapsulate what it truly means to be wild. Within those boundaries, endless quantities of Salmon, Rainbow trout, char, and other freshwater treasures move throughout the territories, creating an environment so wild, it feels like something that could only be found between the pages of a Jack London novel.
Last September, we had the chance to trade our wheels for wings and make our way to Pedro Bay, to spend a week at Iliamna River Lodge, as well as Rainbow River lodge, and Fish and Float Alaska. While there, we experienced the truest Lodging, Cuisine, and of course, Fly-fishing that Alaska had to offer. With days spent jet boating around the wildest terrain in the country, we had the chance to experience freshwater fishing unparallel to anywhere else in the world.
Feel free to take some time to check out the most recent release of our brand-new short film, “A Dream we Call Alaska”, shot in partnership with Iliamna River Lodge, Rainbow River Lodge, and Fish and Float Alaska.
Note, that while we attempted to culminate our unforgettable adventure, however, the only way to truly experience something of this scale is to do it yourself. To plan the Alaskan adventure of a lifetime, head over to www.iliamnariverlodge.com, Rainbowriverlodge.com, or fishandfloatalaska.com.
Lodges:
Iliamna River Lodge
Sitting in the pristine wilderness of the Iliamna River of the Bristol Bay Watershed, Iliamna River lodge is the premier destination for targeting anything from Native Char and Rainbow trout to massive Pike. With premier quality lodging, food, and transportation; IRL is the fly angler’s paradise.
Rainbow River Lodge
Rainbow River Lodge is located on private land in the heart of Alaska’s phenomenal Bristol Bay and Lake Illiamna “Trophy Alaska Rainbow Trout†watershed, conveniently adjacent to the Katmai Wilderness. The fly fishing lodge offers magnificent views of the Alaska wilderness and the “Home River†is the beautiful Copper River, one of Alaska’s original “fly fishing only†designated streams
Fish and Float Alaska
Fish and Float Alaska rafting adventures offers guided and self-guided fishing and ecotourism float trips that are based on the same level of excellence as our fly-out lodge program at Rainbow River Lodge and Iliamna River Lodge. These float trips take place in the heart of southwest Alaska offering the finest Salmon, Rainbow, Char and Grayling fly fishing in Alaska. Provided is everything including float plane flights, guides, food, fishing equipment, rafts, tents, camping/cooking gear, etc. Self-guided trips include all the above except the guide, food, and fishing equipment. These are the best trips for adventurers looking for the true “wilderness†experience of Alaska.
For more information on how you can experience an epic fly-fishing adventure, feel free to shoot us an email at travel@theflylords.com.
To Pennsylvanian trout anglers, the name Charles Charlesworth is a familiar name. Charles was just named Fly Fisherman Magazine’s 2021 Conservationist of the Year for his work restoring PA’s trout waters. Charles has served as the president of Pennsylvania’s Trout Unlimited Council and currently serves as a commissioner for the state’s Fish and Boat Commission.
According to the announcement article penned by Barry Beck, Mr. Charlesworth received the award for his lifetime of conservation service and work, as well as several of the large river restoration projects he helped spearhead.
The northernmost stretches of the Rocky Mountains in Alberta face the serious threat of destructive coal mining. The wild and powerful Rockies define Alberta’s western border and contribute heavily to the Canadian province’s identity. The eastern slope is home to robust populations of wildlife and comprises Alberta’s most popular recreation areas. “A world class resource like we have here draws people from all over the globe,” said Josh Nugent, owner and guide at Out Fly Fishing. “I’ve had the pleasure and honor of guiding people from close to 50 different countries who came to Alberta to experience our pristine and protected Rocky Mountain fisheries.” A recent move to initiate large scale mountaintop coal mining threatens everything these mountains provide. Out Fly Fishing put together a list of all the ways concerned individuals can oppose the mines: Help Save the Eastern Slopes.
The eastern slope is Alberta’s most popular recreation area, and it has remained wild, beautiful, and ecologically diverse for years. These ranges provide essential habitat for grizzly bears, caribou, mule deer, big horn sheep, and many other prolific mountain species. In addition, the streams and rivers that grow from the massive drainages offer world class westslope cutthroat and bull trout fishing. This ecosystem, as well as the miles of trails and breathtaking views, produce a significant economic impact for fly shops and guides, hunting outfitters, towns, and ranchers. The people of Alberta are passionate about their mountains, and they have protected these peaks for nearly 50 years.
In 1969, the prospect of coal mining in Alberta’s Rockies grew. Concerned, the men and women who work and recreate on these mountains made their voices heard; so much so  that the government took notice and developed the 1976 Coal Policy, which essentially prohibited any surface coal mining on Alberta’s Rocky Mountains.
Unfortunately, the government withdrew that policy this past June under the haze of COVID. Moving at breakneck speed, open-pit, mountaintop removal coal mining is imminent for Alberta’s Rockies. The proposed Grassy Mountain Project nears a permit decision. The mine would span nearly 7,000 acres and quite literally blow up mountains to extract coal that would then be shipped overseas. The biggest concern with this mine–and the general practice of open-pit mining–is the threat to the water resources. All of the nearby streams and rivers are fed by these mountains. The massive disruption and amount of pollution from large open-pit mines would poison the water and have grave consequences for the wildlife, notably the threatened westslope cutthroat and giant bull trout.
Look no further than over the mountains in British Columbia, where open-pit coal mines are currently in operation, and are having profound negative impacts to the native species. “The adult population of genetically unique westslope cutthroat trout in a river in B.C.’s Kootenay region dropped by 93 percent this past fall compared with 2017 levels, according to a monitoring report from Teck Resources,” which operates a string of mines in southeast BC. That is the fate for Alberta’s prized trout and gin clear streams, unless mine opponents can band together to block the mine.
“I’ve been so fortunate to have made a living the last 20 years in the outdoor industry, so it is with great obligation and passion I ask and urge people to stand up and make their voices heard on the Grassy Mountain Coal Mines,” said Josh Nugent, owner of Out Fly Fishing. “The Teck Mines in British Columbia have already resulted in a 93% crash in trout populations downstream of the Elk Valley Coal Mines. They have shown no ability to control for the selenium poisoning that we’ve seen in BC as a direct result of these open-pit coal mines.”
“Allowing an open-pit coal mine at the headwaters of the Oldman Drainage could effectively be a death sentence for these drainages and fisheries for all future generations. Â We need to continue to protect this resource if we want tourists from around the planet to want to continue coming to visit Alberta’s world class fisheries.”
Opponents of the Mine are pushing several petitions–which are listed all in one location HERE–but they’re running out of time. Tomorrow, January 15th, is the last day to submit comments. In under 10 minutes you can visit and sign all of these petitions and letter writing campaigns. Step up and protect Alberta’s Rocky Mountains! “This is our Pebble Mine, and we may be new at this, but this region is too breathtaking to permanently destroy,” concluded Nugent.
In this week’s episode, we take a look at Alex Waller’s (@Trippin_on_Trout) most recent video from his solo trip to the South Island of New Zealand. On this trip, Alex’s goal was to fish new rivers and new water. This particular new river really challenged Alex, a bouldery bottom made wading difficult, spooky fish, and to top it all off Alex has one of the hardest fights of his life with one of his biggest browns. The disparity, hope, the challenge you can hear in this fight is something we as fishermen can all relate to.  Check out the video below to see if he Lands this monster on 5x!
Fishing new waterways we dream of hooking that fish we see in our dreams. Well in this video not only does Alex catch multiple browns that we in North America would lose our minds over but his final fish is something that is hard to comprehend. Alex is a fishing guide and YouTuber on the North Island of New Zealand, make sure to connect with him here @trippin_on_trout to follow along on his adventures!
Make sure to check out these other articles as well!
Picture this, you’re standing at the bow of a boat on a mid-September day on Cape Cod. You’re armed with a 9wt fly rod and a hunch. Well, it turns out that your hunch was right, because out of nowhere, small baitfish fly out of the water in every direction, quickly followed by the swimming torpedoes with a constant bad attitude known as False Albacore. You cast right in the middle of it all, but your fly doesn’t get touched. You, my friend, have just found yourself an Albie blitz. Frustrated, you pack it up and head home to do some research for the coming days. You type into google “what just happened†and conveniently, you click the first link and this article pops up (yeah, trippy).Â
Photo: James Manning
A blitz is when gamefish work together to corral a school of baitfish into a ball (baitball), and then all at once munch on that baitball creating a large surface commotion. This creates a very convenient situation for all anglers, as the fish make their presence known, and you can often see what they are feeding on. Species like Striped Bass and Bluefish to False Albacore and even Bluefin Tuna all feed in blitzes, giving us fly anglers a shot at some of the most exciting fishing the world has to offer.
Throughout the New England saltwater season, the most common fish to find feeding on the surface are Striped Bass and Bluefish. These species are grouped together because they are often found feeding together in the same blitzes and display similar behavior while blitzing. When looking for blitzes of any variety, finding birds is key. These birds also feed on baitfish and take advantage of the surface action to feed. So, always keep an eye out for feeding, or “working†birds.Â
When talking about Bass and Bluefish blitzes, there are a few different baitfish species that rule the discussion. The vast majority of blitzing bass and blues are feeding on small bait species like peanut bunker, silversides, and sand eels. These small baitfish are all over the place, from deep in the backwaters to the middle of the bays and sounds. Smaller Striped Bass known as schoolies, and Bluefish of all sizes never pass up a school of these baitfish and can be routinely found feeding on them if you know where to look. My favorite spots to find these blitzes are the mouths and insides of backwaters. The small baitfish congregate in these backwaters and move in and out with the tide. While most of the fish you’re going to find are on the smaller side, you never know when a cow might show up, so be ready for anything. The best flies for these blitzes are simple. My go-to’s are Clousers, Deceivers, and Gurglers. There is no need to use anything fancy because it only takes one or two bluefish to tear just about any fly to a bare hook. The fishing itself is pretty simple, position yourself outside the action, make casts into the action, and strip steadily. Since the adrenaline does get flowing, many people end up stripping their flies too fast, which is definitely possible for Stripers and blues, so just keep it at a nice, medium pace.Â
It is impossible to talk about Bass and Bluefish blitzes without talking about Bunker. Bunker, also known as Pogies and Menhaden are a bait species in the same family as shad and herring. Unlike their juvenile form called peanut bunker, full-grown bunkers are quite large. Growing to around a foot long, Bunker are no small fish’s snack. Some of the biggest fly rod Bass and Bluefish caught each year are caught in bunker schools. Although finding an active bunker blitz is uncommon, they most definitely do happen and there are places where they happen more often depending on the year. If you do happen to find one, then you are in luck, but success is not guaranteed. When there are 30-40+ inch bass coming out of the water, crazy things happen. The best thing you could do is take a breath and try to stay all in one piece. You want a 10-11wt (some guys use a 12) fly rod with a sink tip line and a large white fly. The heavy rod gives you enough backbone to fight the big fish, and the sink tip lets your fly get down a bit while you strip it in. These blitzes can get pretty hectic, so as long as you stay cool, calm, and collected, you’ll do just fine.
Speaking of getting a bit hectic, let me introduce you to False Albacore and Bonito. These fish lie somewhere in a biological grey area between Tuna and Mackerel, but everything about them screams Tuna. Rampaging inshore waters throughout the late summer and fall as they make their way from Cape Cod down to the Carolinas and Florida, Albies and Bonito are a favorite target for many saltwater fly fishermen. They give anglers a taste of offshore fly fishing, sometimes without even needing a boat.Â
Photo: Max Holmes
The Boat Approach:
The vast majority of Albie and Bone fishermen target them from a boat. The fish move very quickly and are quite sporadic, so the use of a boat allows anglers to cover more water searching for these fish, and to better position themselves to get higher quality shots. Positioning your boat on the outside of a blitz and casting into it allows you to get your fly in the right area while still keeping enough distance between your boat and the fish for them not to spook. Albies and Bonito may seem reckless, but they are very smart and aware of their surroundings. If you get your boat too close or your fly doesn’t resemble what they are feeding on, they will not cooperate. Everyone has their own preference for Albie flies, but I like small white or white and green baitfish flies with little to no weight fished on an intermediate line. I fish these flies because most of the baitfish Ablies and Bones feed on fall under the category of small white baitfish. Silversides, Anchovies, Peanut bunker, and sandeels are all favorite targets of Funny fish (another nickname for False Albacore and Bonito).Â
Fly Fishing for False Albacore and Bonito from shore is a game only for those few dedicated, hardcore funny fish anglers who love to be challenged. These fish often do feed close enough to shore to get a fly in front of one, but the limitations from fishing by foot make the shore game quite challenging. Your best bet is to find a spot that you have confidence in, and log some time there to figure out what tides the fish like, and how to best fish for them. All my favorite places are long jetties near the mouths of harbors, or along long sandy beaches. On an outgoing tide, the current flushes bait out of the harbors, and Albies and Bonito use these mouths as a food highway. As you may have assumed, Sandeels congregate in sandy areas, and Funny Fish will cruise up and down long beaches munching on them heavily. If you get lucky and are in the right place at the right time, these open beach blitzes can be nothing short of amazing both to see and to fish.
Hopefully, it has been made clear that fly fishing New England’s blitzes can be incredibly fun and productive, but also a bit crazy. When fish are coming out of the water everywhere, it can get pretty intense, especially when you add inexperienced or uneducated boaters and anglers to the mix. These crazy blitzes bring out some of the best fishing, but unfortunately on some occasions bring out the worst in a handful of people. The best thing you can do if someone is running over the fish, or just generally being rude is to ignore them. Everyone else around sees them and is likely thinking the same things as you, so there is no point in confronting them. Yes, it does slip out occasionally but for the most part, you will just escalate the situation. If you let them be, 9 times out of 10 they will get frustrated because the fish keep “disappearing†and will leave. The best way to avoid accidentally being this guy yourself is to know your etiquette. If there are other people fishing the same school of fish, don’t zoom around and cut other boats off, and make sure you don’t run right in the middle of the blitz. In general, just be courteous. If the fish pop up near another boat, don’t crowd them, let them fish to their fish and they’ll likely return the favor. Just follow the golden rule, treat others (including the fish) the way you would want to be treated.
Recommended Gear:Â
Everyone has their preferences but a nine-foot 8 or 9 or 10 weight fly rod, with a large arbor reel (capacity of at least 200 yards of backing), and an intermediate fly line like the Airflo Ridge Striper Line to match the rod weight. If in fact, you plan to go subsurface and throw topwater flies, the floating version of the Airflo Ridge Striper Line will work out great.
Images courtesy of James Manning (A.K.A. @TheAnglersLens on Instagram) an immensely talented angler and creative photographer from the Northeast. You can find his work on his Instagram and on his website!
Fishpond and Landon Mayer come together to produce a beautiful short film about the impacts guides have on those around them, and how they can continue to positively impact their clients and the waters they ply.
“Some of our most formative experiences come from time on the river. Those lessons equip us to live a more meaningful life, one of responsibility to the natural resources that have given us so much. For many, fly fishing guides are the conduit through which those lessons are shared. Guides are the backbone of the fly fishing world, and their job goes far beyond showing someone how to fish. They are teachers, gurus, friends, and advocates for wild places. Now, more than ever, they deserve our support and appreciation.
Fishpond Ambassador Landon Mayer has been guiding the rivers of Colorado for over two decades and has shared his passion for education with countless anglers over the years. Spending a day on the water with Landon is to witness the tireless work that defines the life of a full-time fly fishing guide.”
