Tail Fly Fishing Magazine - Issue 58 March/April 2022

CELEBRATING 9 YEARS AS THE VOICE OF SALTWATER FLY FISHING

FLY FISHING MAGAZINE

58 MAR/APR 2022 MARCH/APRIL 2022 DISPLAY UNTIL APRIL 30

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Fish aren’t the only creatures that inspire saltwater wonder. Photo by TFFM Staff

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Another day of permit hope dawns at The XFlats Lodge, Xcalak, Mexico.

Photo: Scott Morrison

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Something tells us they’re stealthier than we are on the flats, even if they wear bright colors. Photo by TFFM Staff

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Fly fishermen wade seemingly endless flats near Turks and Caicos as a rainstorm approaches in the distance. Photo by Mark Hatter

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Photo by Scott Morrison

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TAIL FLY FISHING MAGAZINE 11

— from the editor March is an active month in more ways than one.

It’s full of holidays, starting with Mardi Gras—Fat Tuesday—which falls on March 1 this year. Daylight saving time returns on the 13th, the first day of spring is the 20th, and throughout the month there’s the beloved March Madness college basketball tournament, an attraction that engulfs even those who rarely watch sports any other time of year. And who can forget St. Patrick’s Day? After one St. Patrick’s Day a few years ago, I can assure you I’ll never forget it.

My son was attending preschool at St. Patrick’s School in Miami Beach. The school has an annual parade to honor its namesake, and the children wear green to celebrate. I was out of town working night shifts that week and completely unavailable for anything that didn’t involve, eating, sleeping, or working. The day before the St. Patty’s parade, my wife called me in a panic. My son’s teacher had sent an email reminding parents to dress their children in green. My wife is Chinese, Buddhist, and completely unaware of Catholic customs. Our son didn’t have anything green to wear.

I suggested that she go to the store and find a shirt or some shorts to fit the bill. Instead, she found a green hat to satisfy the requirement. I slept through the parade the next day but awoke in the afternoon to text messages with photos of my son at the parade wearing a Kelly green hat with an embroidered quote: Irish whisky makes me frisky.

the water, with many things happening and so many valuable fishing cues to perceive. Here in South Florida, its the last month of “nice” weather, as air temperatures begin to grow uncomfortably hot in April through October. Ironically, though, despite it being a year-round fishery, it’s when things start to heat up again.

Backcountry tarpon become more active as they prepare for their migration. Longer days increase the air and water temperatures. The warmer waters cause the baitfish to begin moving around, which in turn gets the tarpon moving around. This activity is what brings tarpon and other gamefish back up on the flats with greater regularity. March days include almost three more hours of good light. The plants, skies, oceans, and bays are suddenly very much alive.

If you pay attention to all these little details and others like wind direction, tides, moving fronts, and other environmental variables, you can witness and almost predict the reemergence of life in the ecosystem. Take the time to observe and learn this spring; it is worth the effort.

And if you’re in the market for green children’s apparel this St. Patrick’s Day, check them twice for words like “whisky” and “frisky.”

As we say with each issue, this one is better than the last. We hope you enjoy it.

Sincerely,

My wife’s text read: Do you like the hat?

The story reminds me to pay attention to details, which applies to fishing, especially in this time of seasonal change. March is also an active month on

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Joseph Ballarini Editor in Chief

TM

On the Cover:

GUIDE TESTED.

Bonefish on dries? This one didn’t fall for a topwater presentation, but there are those who swear by the technique. (See “Dem Dry Bones” page 74.) Regardless of how you catch them, the raw power of a bone on the fly is always impressive.

Photo: John Morrison

GUIDE TRUSTED.

Editor-In-Chief: Managing Editor: Acquisitions Editor: Creative Director: Food Editor: Travel Editor: West Coast Editor: Consulting Editor: Contributing Editors: Historians: Editors-at-Large:

Copy Editor: Intern to the Editor:

Joseph Ballarini Trey Reid George V. Roberts Jr. Scott Morrison Jennifer Matsu Peter McLeod Al Quattrocchi Chico Fernandez Andy Mill, Nicky Mill Pete Barrett, Ed Mitchell Joe Doggett, Mark B. Hatter, Tom Keer, James P. Spica Jr. Leila Beasley Kiara Tounsley

Creative Contributors: Joseph Ballarini Alan Caolo Chico Fernandez Bob Haines Mark Hatter Jennifer Matsu Andy Mill

Nicky Mill John Morrison Scott Morrison Al Quattrocchi Lee Reddmann Trey Reid George V. Roberts Jr.

Dave Schonzeit Rob Schumske E. Donnall Thomas Jr. Lori Thomas Kiara Tounsley Kaettie Wenger John E. Wood

About Tail Fly Fishing Magazine is the voice of saltwater fly fishing in a bimonthly print and digital publication. We focus on delivering high-quality content, the very best photography, destination travel, reputable commentary, and technical features from the saltwater fly fishing culture. Tail Fly Fishing Magazine began as a digital publication in 2012 and debuted as a print magazine in 2016. Combined, the digital and print versions reach readers in more than 45 countries.

In many places throughout the world, fly fishing has become important to both people and the environment. As a method of fishing imbued with values of stewardship and conservation, it connects people with the marine world in significant and positive ways. We, the anglers, are the last line of defense for our outdoor spaces.

Tail Fly Fishing Magazine supports the arts and creativity, conservation, and organizations that trumpet this message. We’re grateful for your support and we welcome photographic and written contributions.

TFFM is published six times annually, and your print subscription includes the digital version. Subscriptions are available through our website. International subscriptions are also available for most countries. Please contact our general mailbox, admin@tailflyfishing.com, with any advertising, subscription, or submission questions.

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CONTENTS 20

FLEETING ATTRACTION - Alan Caolo The ephemeral nature of the Northeast cinder worm spawn gives rise to a fly fishing attraction that Alan Caolo likens to a gambling addiction. This comprehensive piece on the annual cinder worm spawn will put you in a frame of mind to roll the dice, which in this case means casting to stripers in search of this fleeting seasonal prey.

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REFLECTIONS FROM THE MILL HOUSE PODCAST – ANDY MILL AND NICKY MILL Andy Mill and son Nicky look back on great conversations with some of our sport’s most iconic figures. Andy reflects on podcast episodes with Flip Pallot and Steve Huff, as well as one of the last interviews with the late Billy Knowles, who died in January.

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GEAR GUIDE - TFFM Staff From keeping your stuff organized in the boat to keeping time with a watch designed for anglers, this issue’s Gear Guide will make your fishing life easier.

There’s also a review on a new app-based coaching platform to improve your casting, a headlamp you can’t live without, performance apparel, and more.

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INSIDE THE BOX: THE COCKROACH FLY - Andy Mill and Nicky Mill The Cockroach is a staple for tarpon throughout Florida, the Caribbean, and Central America. Andy and Nicky delve into the fly’s genesis and history and share excerpts from the Mill House Podcast interview with Cockroach inventor Norman Duncan.

THE FAMILY TREVALLY - E. Donnall Thomas Jr. GTs are the glamour species of the trevally clan for good reason, but numerous other species provide incredible fly fishing action throughout Pacific salt water. Don Thomas, who has been chasing them with a fly rod for decades, provides a tutorial on some of the fiercest fish that swim.

THE EVERGLADES SEVEN - Chico Fernandez Few fly fishers have the Everglades experience of our own Chico Fernandez, so when Chico makes a list of his favorite Glades patterns, it’s time to sit up and pay attention. Chico’s take on the most prolific patterns for his favorite fishery also includes details, tips, and techniques on the best ways to fish them.

ON THE PLATE: HOT SMOKED SALMON Jennifer Matsu When our new food editor bought her first saltwater fly rod a few years ago, she celebrated with a meal of hot smoked salmon. Jennifer Matsu has crafted her own recipe for the dish, and shares it here so you can celebrate your latest angling accomplishment with style and great taste.

Photo: Scott Morrison

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THE MULE - TFFM Staff The early 21st century resurgence of the Moscow Mule has spawned numerous twists on the classic original, including our favorite, the Kentucky Mule, which substitutes bourbon for the traditional vodka. You’ll get a kick out of TFFM’s Mule.

TOPWATER PERMIT - Bob Haines The standard philosophy of permit fishing stresses getting the fly down on the bottom, but maybe we should open our minds and focus on another part of the water column. As unconventional as it seems to entice a permit to feed on the surface, Bob Haines provides strong evidence that it’s not only possible but also a method that could change the way you approach the black-tailed devils.

FLY TYING: BOOGIE CRAB NUMBER NINE John E. Wood Cue the disco playlist and put on your boogie shoes.

John E. Wood lays out the discovery and evolution of Boogie Crab No. 9, which proves that if at first you don’t succeed, try and try again; you may wind up with an indispensable pattern that works anywhere you use crab flies.

80 84 90

DEM DRY BONES - A.J. McClane This story originally was published more than 36 years ago, but it’s no less pertinent today than it was then, remaining a timeless classic that we’re proud to revisit and share with TFFM readers. A.J. McClane was the longtime fishing editor for Field & Stream and loved chasing bonefish on foot. He showed fly fishers a new and different way to approach bonefish, turning conventional wisdom on its head in the process.

NEW GLASSES - Dave Schonzeit Perception and perspective change with age and experience, and what once was new and fresh too often becomes commonplace and mundane. By picking up a fly rod, Dave Schonzeit was about to see the world through a different and refreshing lens.

STRAIGHT PATH TO CROOKED ISLAND - Al Quattrocchi The Bahamian atoll that’s comprised of Crooked Island and Acklins isn’t as populated or well known as other parts of the archipelago, but with some of the largest wading flats in the southern Bahamas, it’s an off-thebeaten-path fly fishing destination that’s worth further investigation.

UNDERTOW: MINOR MIRACLES We often hear about the stories of fish we should’ve caught but didn’t. But what about the fish we really didn’t deserve to catch but did? This essay explores the minor miracles that allow us to land fish that should’ve gotten away. Is it blind luck or angling skill? We’ll let you be the judge.

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R E T A I L E R S C A R R Y T A I L

ALASKA Mossy’s Fly Shop 750 W. Diamond Blvd, Suite 114 Anchorage, AK 99515 907-770-2666 mossysflyshop.com CALIFORNIA Bob Marriott’s Fly Fishing Store 2700 W. Orangethorpe Ave Fullerton, CA 92833 714-525-1827 bobmarriottsflyfishingstore. com COLORADO Front Range Anglers 2344 Pearl Street Boulder, CO 80302 303-494-1375 frontrangeanglers.com Golden Fly Shop 710 Golden Ridge Rd #126 Golden, CO 80401 303-330-1291 goldenfly.shop CONNECTICUT The Compleat Angler 541 Boston Post Road Darien, CT 06820 203-655-9400 compleatangleronline.com FLORIDA 239 Flies 3431 Bonita Beach Rd SW Unit #205 Bonita Springs, FL 34134 (239) 908-3513 239flies.com

ORVIS Sandestin 625 Grand Boulevard Ste 101 Sandestin, FL 32550 850-650-2174 Orvis.com Seven Mile Fly Shop 1638 Overseas Highway Marathon, FL 33050 (305) 440-3406 sevenmileflyshop.com The Angling Company 333 Simonton St Key West, FL 33040 305-292-6306 anglingcompany.com The Tide 26 Grouper Hole Drive Boca Grande, FL 33921 941-964-2417 GEORGIA ORVIS Atlanta Buckhead Square 3255 Peachtree Rd NE Atlanta, GA 30305 404-841-0093 Orvis.com The Fish Hawk 764 Miami Cir NE #126 Atlanta, GA 30305 404-237-3473 thefishhawk.com LOUISIANA ORVIS Baton Rouge Perkins Rowe, Bldg. H 7601 Bluebonnet Blvd., Ste. 140 Baton Rouge LA 70810 225-757-7286 Orvis.com

NORTH CAROLINA OBX on the Fly 107 Sir Walter Raleigh St Manteo, NC 27954 obxonthefly.com RHODE ISLAND The Saltwater Edge 1037 Aquidneck Ave Middletown, RI 02842 866-793-6733 saltwateredge.com SOUTH CAROLINA Bay Street Outfitters 825 Bay Street Beaufort, SC 29902 843-524-5250 baystreetoutfitters.com ORVIS Charleston 535 King St. Charleston, SC 29403 (854) 999-4985 Orvis.com Southern Drawl Outfitters 1533 Fording Island Rd Hilton Head Island, SC 29926 843-705-6010 southerndrawloutfitters.com TEXAS Bayou City Angler 3641 Westheimer Rd Suite A Houston, TX 77027 832-831-3104 bayoucityangler.com

MARYLAND

Gordy & Sons Outfitters 22 Waugh Drive Houston, TX 77007 713-333-3474 gordyandsons.com

Florida Keys Outfitters 81219 Overseas Highway Islamorada, FL 33036 305-664-5432 floridakeysoutfitters.com

Alltackle 2062 Somerville Rd Annapolis, MD 21401 888-810-7283 alltackle.com

Gruene Outfitters 1265 Industrial Drive, Suite C New Braunfels, TX 78130 830-625-4440 grueneoutfitters.com

Forgotten Coast Fly Company 123 Commerce St Apalachicola, FL 32320 850-323-0266 forgottencoastflycompany. com

MASSACHUSETTS

ORVIS Austin 10000 Research Blvd - B04B Austin TX 78759 512-795-8004 Orvis.com

Mangrove Outfitters 4111 Tamiami Trail E Naples, FL 34112 239-793-3370 mangroveoutfitters.com Ole Florida Fly Shop 6353 N. Federal Hwy Boca Raton, FL 33487 561-995-1929 olefloridaflyshop.com Orlando Outfitters 2814 Corrine Dr Orlando, FL 32803 407-896-8220 orlandooutfitters.com ORVIS Ocean Reef 1 Fishing Village Drive Key Largo FL 33037 305-367-2227 Orvis.com

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The Bear’s Den 34 Robert W. Boyden Rd Taunton, MA 02780 508-977-0700 bearsden.com Kismet Outfitters 204 UPPER MAIN STREET Edgartown, MA 02539 860-944-5225 kismetoutfitters.com MONTANA Frontier Anglers 680 N. Montana St Dillion, MT 59725 406-683-5276 frontieranglers.com NEW YORK River Bay Outfitters 980 Church St Baldwin, NY 11510 516-415-7748 riverbayoutfitters.com

ORVIS Houston 5727 Westheimer - Suite A Houston TX 77057 713-783-2111 Orvis.com ORVIS Plano Preston Towne Crossing 2412 Preston Road Suite 200 Plano, TX 75093 972-596-7529 Orvis.com

Swan Point Landing 1723 Cherry Street Suite 4 Rockport, TX 78382 361-729-7926 swanpointlandingflyshop.net Tailwaters Fly Fishing Co. 1933 E. Levee St Dallas, TX 75207 888-824-5420 tailwatersflyfishing.com UTAH Fishwest 47 West 10600 South Sandy, UT 84070 fishwest.com 801-617-1225 WASHINGTON Peninsula Outfitters 19740 7th Ave NE, Suite 110 Poulsbo, WA 98370 360-394-1599 peninsulaoutfitters.com The Avid Angler 17171 Bothell Way NE #A272 Lake Forest Park, WA 98155 206-362-4030 avidangler.com WYOMING Lander Fly Shop 305 Main Street Lander, WY 82520 307-438-3439 landerflyshop.com Retail Chains: Barnes & Noble—630 retail locations in the USA Books-A-Million—260 stores in 32 states Bass Pro Shops—95 locations in the USA Dick’s Sporting Goods (select locations)—over 700 stores in the USA Field & Stream Stores—35 locations in the USA Indigo Books—over 200 stores under various banners BAHAMAS Blackfly Lodge Schooner Bay Abaco, Bahamas 904-997-2220 blackflylodge.com CANADA

ORVIS San Antonio 7427 San Pedro Ave. Suite 104 San Antonio, TX 78216 210-812-3017 Orvis.com

Drift Outfitters & Fly Shop 199 Queen St. East Toronto Ontario M5A-1S2 647-347-7370 Driftoutfitters.com

Sportsman’s Finest 12434 Bee Cave Road Austin, TX 78738 512-263-1888 sportsmansfinest.com

Fish Tales Fly Shop Ltd. #626, 12100 Macleod Trail SE Calgary AB T2J 7G9 Canada 866-640-1273 fishtalesflyshop.com

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g n i t e e l F ction

a r t t A

The Northeast Cinder Worm Spawn Can Be Hit or Miss, but It’s an Event Fly Anglers Can’t Ignore.

by Alan Caolo

In contrast to most perennial

fly hatches adored by trout fishers;

of fishing with on-the-water

opportunities that saltwater

for many of these folks, worm events

friends.

anglers anticipate each season,

are the only saltwater fishing they

cinder worm events remain

consider all season. But the worms

Similar to dry fly fishing, these

somewhat cloaked in mystery.

interest salty fly-rodders as well—lots

are entirely visual events. The

But I believe the unpredictability

of them.

riveting nature of technical

of the worm event is the magnet

fly casting to surface-feeding

that fuels its annual cult-like

School fish under 30 inches can

gamefish cannot be overstated.

pursuit—sort of like a gambler’s

become maddeningly difficult in the

Northeast worm events attract

addiction.

midst of a worm hatch, challenging

attention from many game

even the veterans. But despite there

species, including striped bass,

Worm “hatches” draw attention

being no guarantee the event will

bluefish, and hickory shad,

from fly-rodders from all walks of

even unfold as anticipated on any

and they represent a premium

the sport. They are enormously

given day, worm hatches consistently

angling opportunity for fly-

appealing to freshwater anglers

draw daily gatherings of like-minded

fishers.

because of the similarity to dry

anglers simply for the camaraderie

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Cinder Worm Spawning Dynamics Let’s clarify a common misunderstanding up front: The cinder worm event is a spawn, not a hatch. The label “worm hatch” is a misnomer likely derived from its similarity to insect hatches common in fresh water. Despite the unpredictable nature of the worm event, there are environmental and meteorological factors that clearly influence cinder worm spawning.

From an angling perspective, the overall quality of the event depends on two elements: the timing and intensity of the spawn and the arrival

cycle and habits. But here’s what we

Island’s bays and estuaries, and certain

know based on years of anecdotal

of Maine’s coastal rivers and bays.

observation. Like all living creatures, they have preferred habitats and

So what ignites the spawn? As

need particular environmental

with all cold-blooded marine life,

conditions to flourish. In general, they

it’s principally water temperature.

prefer clean, relatively shallow (10

Conditions for worm procreation

feet or less), protected coastal waters,

are more delicate than with warm-

such as quiescent harbors, bays,

blooded animals that can regulate

salt ponds, estuaries, and the flanks

their body temperatures. With

of slow-moving coastal rivers. They

sedimentary creatures such as

appear to prefer full ocean salinity,

worms, favorable spawning conditions

rather than brackish environments,

become even more complex—the

and they like soft, fertile sediments

bottom strata within which the

such as mud and silt, as opposed to

worms reside must also attain a

coarse, granular strata like sands and

suitable temperature.

gravels. Similar to freshwater insect hatches associated with portions

What influences temperatures

of distinct rivers, certain inshore

within the cinder worm’s habitat?

locations sport renowned cinder worm

The sun? The moon? Is it ambient

populations. Fly anglers know them

water and tidal flow? To some extent,

interference from them.

well: Rhode Island’s salt ponds, the

it’s all of these. There’s a widely

rivers and bays along the Connecticut

held notion that worm spawning is

Cinder worms are not commercially

shoreline, the many salt ponds and

governed by moon phase—the full

creeks associated with Massachusetts’

moon, in particular. The full and

Cape Cod and Islands, many of Long

new moon phases are associated

and number of migratory gamefish.

Some years, the worms conduct their mating ritual entirely ahead of the migratory stripers’ arrival, with little

important, so there’s relatively little scientific information on their life

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with larger tides that result in

60-degree mark during the event,

greater tidal flow and exaggerated

generally ending up in the low 60s by

water levels (higher highs and lower

the end of the spawn.

lows), influencing both sediment and water temperatures. For

Despite these observations, the

example, extra-low tides enhance

belief in full moon magic persists.

sediment warming, especially when

Consider that annual cinder worm

occurring on sunny days. Conversely,

spawning can occur over as little as

increased water levels and tide flow

one week, or it may stretch as long as

may retard sediment and water

three weeks, depending on prevailing

warming, especially during cool,

weather. Even with a week-long event,

overcast periods. Water column and

there’s a 25 percent chance the full

sediment temperatures, however, are

moon will occur sometime during the

overwhelmingly governed by solar

spawn. The longer the event persists,

radiation and daily weather.

the more likely it will coincide with the full moon at some point. It’s wild

Based on years of observation, the

when it does overlap with the peak

magic conditions that ignite and

of the worm’s ritual—a rising evening

sustain worm spawning appear to be

moon illuminating a surreal swarm of

when sediments and waters approach

frenzied worms dimpling the surface

60 degrees Fahrenheit. Worms

adds immensely to the already eerie

begin to appear with sediment

experience. I have had stellar worm

temperatures in the upper 50s, with

fishing through the new moon, the

associated surface water a couple

full moon, and during both quarter-

of degrees warmer. With springtime

moon phases.

solar radiation increasing daily, water temperatures accelerate across the

After the event has seasonally

TAIL FLY FISHING MAGAZINE 23

commenced, there’s no guarantee

from the daily perspective—the

anchovies or juvenile menhaden, are

of daily consistency. Day-to-day

early stages are generally sparse

corralled and blitzed by gamefish.

weather plays a huge role in the

with worm activity and then build in

The essential problem with all of

event’s intensity and progression.

intensity before declining to a trickle.

these situations is the same—

Anything that disrupts gradual

At its peak, the number of worms per

getting your fly noticed among

warming into the low 60s will slow

square foot of water surface can be

throngs of naturals. For worm

or even shut down the spawn. Cold

staggering. This worm density heavily

swarms, simple strategies can

fronts, heavy rains, and cool weather

impacts the quality of fishing and

overcome this problem.

out of the east have the potential

your angling strategy.

to derail the event for a day or two.

First, success in worm events hinges

Ideal spawning conditions do not

While most locations present worm

on relative numbers rather than

unfold concurrently throughout a

spawns commencing in the evening

absolute quantity of prey. If there

given worm location with uniformity.

with action continuing well into

were 1,000 worms available and

It’s important to understand that

darkness, other areas offer late

one feeding striped bass, our odds

the action moves about an estuary

afternoon activity that runs until

of catching it would be much lower

or salt pond throughout the event,

the sun goes down before dwindling

than in a scenario of 1,000 worms

materializing in certain areas as

to a stop—another example of the

with 1,000 stripers feeding on them.

suitable conditions prevail, then

mystery associated with these

This example is exaggerated, but it

subsiding and commencing elsewhere

nebulous events. Local knowledge is

illuminates the point: Many anglers

in the pond or bay, as prime

invaluable when fishing unfamiliar

do well early and late in worm

spawning conditions are attained in

waters; tribal insight is readily

events, both daily and seasonally,

those areas.

available through online resources

when worm numbers are low and

and area tackle shops.

their ratio to gamefish numbers is

Worm spawning has a beginning, a

also relatively low. The deck becomes

throughout the seasonal event. It

Unique Event, Unique Approach

generally starts out slowly with a few

As is often the case with small

there are hungry fish and relatively

worms surfacing here and there and

prey, sheer numbers and density

few worms to go around, your fly is

intensifies to a crescendo, and then

can render a match-the-hatch

much more likely to be taken.

gradually subsides to its conclusion.

approach ineffective. We see this

At the start of the seasonal event,

during intense freshwater hatches

Stripers have extremely good

the first few days often have weak

and elsewhere in salt water when

vision, and when pursuing easy-to-

worm showings. The same is true

vast schools of small bait, such as

capture prey like worms, they can

middle, and an end—both daily and

24 TAIL FLY FISHING MAGAZINE

stacked in the angler’s favor. At the event’s onset and conclusion, when

take their time and be careful and

test monofilament leaders, which

and swim to it naturally. With all the

selective. During the latter portions

supports presenting tiny, lightweight

worms in the water, getting takes

of afternoon hatches and throughout

flies to fish sipping naturals within

remains a game of percentages,

evening hatches, however, the fish

the surface film. Light leaders

regardless of the fly you are fishing.

often take flies more readily and

enable more lifelike fly movement

Persistently presenting your fly

appear to be less leader-shy. I believe

with delicate worm patterns.

ahead of roving packs of fish—or

this is simply because they don’t

Fluorocarbon is an option, but I

within large clusters of feeders—

see hooks and leaders as clearly in

believe it’s unnecessary during low-

increases your odds. Eventually one

low-light conditions, making these

light conditions—it also sinks, while

will mistake your fly for the real

periods more productive.

mono floats. I often employ a two-fly

thing and take it.

Angling Tactics

rig (fishing two flies on a leader) as it’s a simple way to increase your

When a fish does take your fly, resist

Worm events can be challenging,

fly’s presence in the worm swarm,

giving a hard strip set. Worms are

but with common-sense tactics

effectively putting another good card

easy prey to capture, and the bass

tailored to this event—and attention

in your hand.

are barely sipping them. Instead, a

to detail—you will succeed. It’s most

slow draw coupled with a modest rod

important to know that no one kills it

Feeding is not random. By paying

lift—a “trout set”—will seal the deal

every time in worm events. Everyone

close attention to the surface boils,

better than yanking the fly away

has their share of good days and bad

anglers can determine where small

from a casually feeding fish.

days, with plenty of average outings

schools of stripers are slurping

in between.

worms and the direction they’re

Flies for Worm Fishing

moving. This enables you to position

Many cinder worm flies have been

For tackle, 7- and 8-weight rods are

yourself within presentation range of

developed. Every worm aficionado,

ideal for the small flies and light

where the fish have been surfacing,

it seems, has a unique pattern or

winds commonly encountered during

as well as anticipate where to

two to their credit. It’s impossible to

the worm spawn. And they’re a lot of

present your fly when they reveal

present them all in a single article,

fun when playing the 20- to 30-inch

themselves within range. Gauging

but by examining key pattern

stripers typically encountered. There

the path of the fish and leading

attributes, anglers can develop (or

may be larger bass in the mix, but

them with your cast is usually more

purchase) flies to establish their

there are far fewer of them, and

successful than randomly tossing

own favorites that they’ll fish with

they’re statistically hooked much less

at surface boils that have already

confidence.

often. Floating lines are standard,

occurred; you want to enable the

along with light 8- to 12-pound-

fish to spot your fly ahead of them

I can’t overstate how fickle striped

TAIL FLY FISHING MAGAZINE 25

bass can become regarding what flies

highlights are common at the tips of

hooks, and I’ve taken plenty of fish

they’ll take—or not—on a given day.

cinder worms and their imitations,

using flies dressed on size-4 or -6

In general, flies that roughly match

but not all worms display these

bronze freshwater streamer hooks.

the length of the prevailing worms

attributes, and I’m uncertain how

Bronze hooks rust easily and have

are a great starting point. During an

vital they are to a pattern’s success.

relatively short lives, but they make

evening’s fishing, worms may range

Closed-cell foam, popular with

for delicate flies that ride high in the

from 1 inch to more than 3 inches.

freshwater dry flies, can be highly

water and appear quite wormlike. I’ll

I generally shoot for the middle—2

effective in the composition of a

take more hookups over durability

to 3 inches. Light, delicate patterns

worm imitation. Flies using this

anytime.

that ride high in the water often

material ride on the surface film,

perform well. If they have inherent

creating an extremely enticing wake

Until We Meet Again

wormlike movement, that’s even

during the retrieve (credit this to

When the cinder worm spawn is over,

better. Keep in mind just how fragile

Captain Bob Hines, a venerable Rhode

that’s it for the season. It will not

the naturals are; scoop one off

Island worm hatch guide). Though

recur weeks or months down the

the surface by hand and you’ll see

cinder worms are not flashy, many

road. Toward the end of the event,

(cinder worms will not nip you, as

reliable patterns do include delicate

waters that were alive with bizarre

other worm species can).

flash material, perhaps enhancing

worm perpetuation and impressive

visibility to draw more attention. One

predation gradually go silent—until

As for color, most proven patterns

worm pattern attribute I consider

the cycle repeats itself the following

are in the pink-red-orange color band,

vital is a small, light-wire hook. Such

spring, when those same waters

but rust, brown, olive, and even

hooks are sufficient to secure even a

again come alive with cinder worms

white will take fish. I sense that the

10-pound striper, and with a sporting

and striped bass, magnetically

silhouette of the pattern against the

touch, these bass may be effectively

drawing a cadre of fly-fishers, many

water’s surface in the evening, and

landed with the 7- and 8-weight

of whom reunite but once a year for

its movement, are most important

tackle described earlier. I prefer size-

this special event.

to fooling fish. Dark (usually black)

4 or even size-6 Daiichi or Tiemco

26 TAIL FLY FISHING MAGAZINE

TAIL FLY FISHING MAGAZINE 27

Reflections from the Mill House Podcast

by Andy Mill and Nicky Mill Editor’s note: These excerpts are transcribed from Mill House Podcast episodes. They’ve been lightly edited for brevity and clarity. Andy Mill has added recent reflections on the clips that are signified by italicized text.

Tackle was barbaric and fish were

Archiving our giants is

plentiful. Before GPS and sonar,

our mission. For the rest

navigation and exploration was about

of time, generations to

timing with speed and compasses.

come will have a chance

What was the evolution like for

to listen and see their

fishing sophistication?

forefathers and icons.

Our goal at Mill House

Our history is told through decades

is to preserve these

of ageless, weathered anglers and

historical people and the

guides who dedicated their lives to

lives they’ve led.

the pursuit of gamefish far and wide.

Their quests and stories are riveting

Included here are examples of two

and compelling, instructive to those

of our sport’s greatest statesmen,

of us interested to know where we’ve

Flip Pallot and Steve Huff, speaking

come from and how we arrived where

about when life gets closer to the

we are today.

finish line, a firsthand account of how weighted permit flies came into

If these stories are not told and

existence, and also how epoxy flies

documented, and if the emotion

came to be. We also include moments

that accompanies them is not

from our time with Billy Knowles. We

captured on camera, our heroes one

thought it would be valuable to share

day may only be remembered by

these snapshots as moments in time

name, their stories eventually lost

when a reflection made becomes a

with the trade winds.

legacy for the ages.

28 TAIL FLY FISHING MAGAZINE

FROM THE MILL HOUSE PODCAST INTERVIEW WITH FLIP PALLOT

sports, never knew who the biggest

wish I was out there, and then at

hitters were. It was never part of my

some point I came to the full and

stream of consciousness. I remember

certain realization life has a finish line

more than anything else sitting in

and I was going backwards.

Andy: When I called you recently, I

elementary school classes looking out

asked, “What are you doing, what’s

the window at the birds and wishing

happening?” You said, “I’m sitting in

I was out there. School was always

my Yeti chair looking at my backyard,

terribly difficult for me, not because

when we didn’t really understand who

looking at the woods, having a

of the school; it was because I didn’t

we were, and what our voices were

cocktail, trying to figure out what kind

want to be there, and I finished school

saying, what our heart was saying.

of mischief I can get into tomorrow.”

because my parents wanted me to.

Are you listening to your conscience or

What’s your life like now?

It meant a lot to them. I wish I had

your heart, but we’re not really sure

Andy: You know, I think, too, Flip, that we all go through those early years

those years in college back and do

until you get to the point with some

Flip: I sharpen a lot of things—hooks,

something really cool with them.

experience and mileage. We all went

happiest when I’m sharpening

Andy: Your number-one rule, you’ve

through those years; it was painful

arrows, and bullet points. I’m always something or cleaning something.

said, is to follow your heart. It appears

but there was no way out, because we didn’t know the way out.

as if you’ve done that now.

Andy: I spoke to some of your buddies, great friends, prior to coming up

here and they all agreed you’re the ultimate outdoorsman.

Flip: I have with the exception of a

Flip: Exactly right! You have to find that, and there’s a price to pay for

few little detours that were important

that, as there should be. But when you

to people that were important to

break through the veil, clarity exists.

me, family. And so I spent some

You realize this is what I was made

Flip: Well, I don’t know about that

misguided years working in corporate

for, this is where I belong and this is

... but it certainly calls to me …

situations which was like elementary

where I’ll stay to the finish line. And,

always has. I never had an interest in

school. I’d look out the window and

just along those lines there is a point

TAIL FLY FISHING MAGAZINE 29

He couldn’t get the fly

at which you clearly realize that you’re

I remember because I spent so much

closer to the end than you are to the

time with Lefty, and I remember

beginning. And so then every moment

when he couldn’t pole anymore, and

becomes precious. I mean, sometimes

I remember when he couldn’t stand

and swam off into the channel, and Charlie

I’ll wake up in the morning and look

on the front deck of a skiff anymore.

at the clock and say what am I doing

And I remember how sad … it wasn’t

said, “Goddamn, man, I

here? I could be doing something

sad for him; he seemed to deal with

right now. And you realize there are

it marvelously. It was sad for me

only so many moments left, I should

because when vitality goes, you’re at

say so many vital moments left, and

the end of the trail.”

thought he was going to bite that thing!”

— Steve Huff

by vital I mean those moments you could spend on a poling tower poling,

For me, closing in on 70 with a worn-

wanted to take. Keep skiing, rafting,

pushing a skiff into the wind. That

out body makes it harder to stay in

hiking, and loving life to its fullest.

comes to an end. How many moments

the game. When Pallot spoke of being

Spend time with family members,

are left that you could walk up a

at 9,000 and 10,000 feet, I knew he

grandkids. You can be tired when

hillside at 9 or 10,000 feet and do your

was directing that statement to me,

you’re dead. Do something this

thing there? Those moments come

knowing that’s where I live in the

weekend so spectacular you won’t

to an end. And I don’t look forward

fall chasing elk. Since then, I dove

sleep all week. That’s a vital moment.

to the time when all I can do is sit

back into a weight room and onto

around and reflect and remember, I

my bike. I want to still be successful

really don’t look forward to that. I look

at the things I love. Pallot’s voice hit

forward to to those vital moments

me right between the eyes. But he’s

that I just described, and many other

telling us all to continue doing the

things as well. You know what I’m

things we love, the things we’ll be

talking about. It was so clear to me

talking about for the rest of time.

this past year when we lost Lefty, and

Take that fishing trip you always

30 TAIL FLY FISHING MAGAZINE

FROM THE MILL HOUSE PODCAST INTERVIEW WITH STEVE HUFF Andy: Tell me about those early years of permit fishing west of Key West with you and Del Brown.

Steve: Actually, I learned about

fly on, and he threw that floating fly

paper, and I tried to stick them on and

permit fishing on Del Brown’s money.

over there and it drifted over this fish,

they wouldn’t stick on, you know? So

So he called me in 1980. He wanted

and the fish had his head down and

I made this chenille body and I took

to target permit and fish for permit

he looked up and saw this fly, and he

some epoxy glue and I tried to stick

a lot, and I’d done a lot of permit

was trying to get his head up to the

these things on which made a mess.

fishing, but had only caught 15 or

surface but his tail was hitting on the

So I said, “Screw it! I’m just gonna

20 fish on fly so this was a learning

bottom. He couldn’t get the fly and

cover the whole head of this thing

experience … and we were using lots

swam off into the channel, and Charlie

with epoxy.” So that’s where the epoxy

of different kinds of flies. Del was

said, “Goddamn, man, I thought he

fly came from. Harry Spear came over

quite an innovator of flies. He was

was going to bite that thing!” And I

a couple days later. I think we caught

using other people’s ideas as well,

said, “Watch this.” And this fish went

a permit on it because there was more

so it wasn’t Del’s exclusively. There

out into the channel, got a head of

weight, it added more weight. Screw

were a lot of guys trying to catch

steam, and lunged up onto the flat

the eyes. The eyes didn’t mean a

these things more frequently, but for

and took the fly off the surface. His

damn thing. It was about the weight.

whatever reason we started to catch

head was completely out of the water,

So then we started adding more

a lot of permit and more permit than

like a 25-pound fish. So it makes your

weight. The epoxy fly had its day and

anyone had ever dreamed of catching.

hair stand on end to see something

we started putting on little barbell

It was like if you caught a permit in

like that.

eyes to get the fly down. I think the

your life it was a big deal. We had

real thing was the right amount of Andy: Was there point in time with

weight, because sometimes they’re in

permit fishing when you got over the

shallow and sometimes they’re deeper

seven with me one day. That was the

hump? Was it a fly design or you just

and sometimes they’re in 4 feet of

best permit fishing I’ve ever had, but

understanding the dynamics of permit

water along the edge of a channel

also how the fish were getting in a

fishing?

and you can see them down there

countless days when we caught five or six. Sandy (Sandy Moret) caught

feeding mode. Sometimes they were

mudding, and you need something Steve: So I could go through an entire

that gets down there, because they

talk about the evolution of permit

won’t see anything up there, you

coming down a channel eating flies

flies, but nobody was putting weight

know? But that’s how the epoxy fly

off the surface. It’s really cool, and

in flies back then for permit. You know

got started.

that’s a caught fish when you get a fly

Nat Ragland came up with a little fly

in front of that thing. The right kind

that had glass eyes on it, which was

The epoxy fly, as Steve said, “Had

of fly, something that floats, quiver

essentially weight. It had glass eyes

its day.” But the way Steve layered

it, don’t strip it, shake it, ‘cause these

on a piece of wire. Nat had somebody,

the transition to the epoxy fly and

things are just coming down … they’re

a guy by the name of Bill Levy, catch

ultimately fly weight is possibly

dead meat. The coolest permit strike

a couple of permit on this fly. So I

the most important transition in all

I ever saw, I was with Charlie Causey,

said, “Holy shit! We have to put eyes

of shallow saltwater fly design. In

and we were going down this edge of

on our flies.” I’ll tell you where the

another Mill House episode, Michael

a channel and the tide had fallen out,

epoxy fly came from. I was looking

Guerin said the inventor of weighting

and we had on one of these floating

for eyes, because all of a sudden I

flies was something on the order of a

flies looking for one of these cruising

knew that eyes were the deal, right?

genius. Well, we don’t call Steve Huff

permit taking crabs and we weren’t

So my wife had some shelf paper in

the “God of Guides” for nothing. This

seeing any. And this permit tailed

the drawers in our kitchen that had

story is one of a million pertaining to

in this little alcove maybe a foot or

daisies on it, but the center of the

Huff’s creativity throughout 50 years

so deep, feeding on the bottom, you

daisy was basically an eye, right? So I

of guiding.

know. And we had the wrong kind of

cut the centers out and it’s got sticky

eating crabs off the surface like a dry fly. Basically, you could see them

TAIL FLY FISHING MAGAZINE 31

his face. He got so mad he threw the fly rod and reel down in the boat, bent the reel all to hell, lowered the motor down, cranked up, and we came in.

And I said, “You’re a real sport, aren’t you?” He said to me, “Bring the boat back to Islamorada. I’m flying home.”

Now, he had his plane there then. I said, “Whatever you want.” That was my last year with him.

Billy Knowles died January 4th, leaving a profound hole in the collective heart of Islamorada, Florida, where his family homesteaded in the 19th century.

At 81, he was still on his tower chasing fish daily. He was one of the first skiff guides. He started fishing offshore as a youngster and over

FROM THE MILL HOUSE PODCAST WITH BILLY KNOWLES

said, “You’re serious?” I said, “Yeah,

time became one of the planet’s

it’s a big daisy chain.” Andy, when

best bonefish guides, winning some

the sun came up, we weren’t outside

of the biggest tournaments on

the daisy chain throwing in, we were

multiple occasions. Billy’s love for

Andy: Let’s talk about Homosassa,

inside throwing out. That’s how big

his fellow man was prevalent over

because you were there with Carl (Carl

the school was. And he said, “How

his entire life, and deep friendships

Navarre), right?

many fish do you think’s here?” I said,

resulted from it. Considered the

“I don’t know—1,000, 1,500, 2,000. I

“Mayor of Islamorada” and a father

Billy: No, I went there the first year

have no idea.” That day we caught

figure to all, his was the voice of

in ’71 with Jimmy Lopez. The first

seven and wouldn’t say how many we

reason. Over the years he fished

morning out, we were the first boat

jumped. But we did catch seven. We

with Ernest Hemingway, President

down the river, and we got down to

were there for ten days. We ended up

Herbert Hoover, President George

just before Chassahowitzka Point.

catching 77 fish in ten days. On the

H.W. Bush, and Ted Williams. The

I mean the tripod. He said, “Maybe

tenth day we never caught a fish. We

term legend often gets thrown

there’s a few fish right here. Let’s stop

hooked a fish in the morning about

around too casually, but Billy

and take a look.” And I shut down. We

7 a.m. and we fought that fish till a

Knowles was the real deal, and even

were in his boat, no electrics, strictly

little after 12. The fish was way past

“legend” falls short when describing

pole, and I was standing on the back

two (200 pounds). He said, “We got to

Billy. He was as big as they get in

of the boat and pushing around

get a shot with the gaff.” I said, “You

every way, Rest in peace, Billy. We

some. I see a fish roll. I said, “Jimmy,

fight the fish. Let me worry about the

miss you terribly, son.

stand up. A fish just rolled and there

gaff.” So not having electrics I had

might be more with him.” He starts

to pole outside of the fish to get up

If you’d like to hear more stories

shaking, and I said, “Hurry up!” I said,

wind of him so the wind could blow

from fishing legends such as Chico

“Five or six fish just rolled.” He’s still

me down on him. So I poled outside of

Fernandez, Stu Apte, Al Pflueger Jr.,

shaking, and I said, “Forget it.” And

the fish, laid the pole down real quiet,

and Mark Sosin, check out Mill House

he said, “Why?” I said, “There’s more

picked up the gaff, and the fish turned

Podcast on any podcast app, or watch

damn fish here than I can count. He

around and blew the fly right back in

on YouTube.

32 TAIL FLY FISHING MAGAZINE

Benny Blanco, renowned conservationist, guide, & Orvis ambassador, with his hands on the manual transmission of his client's destiny. Everglades National Park, FL.

HOW TO ECLIPSE THE SUN WITH A UPF RATING OF 50+ EVEN WHEN WET, PRO SUN SYSTEMS BLOCK 98% OF HARMFUL RAYS 100% OF THE TIME In real-world flats scenarios, you're just as likely to be in the water as you are standing on a poling platform well above it, so we've built the PRO Sun Systems with the industry's highest UPF 50+ rating to protect against constant sunburn even when wet.

On the flats and in the skiff, damp gear also chafes and chafed skin ruins days, so our quick-dry PRO Sun Systems lift moisture out and away from your skin.

Premium gear systems designed around legendary technologies.

Learn more at orvis.com/pro

TAIL FLY FISHING MAGAZINE 33

GEAR GUIDE WATER RESISTANT MARINE STORAGE BIN You can never have enough dry storage when fishing, and the new Plano storage bin provides ample room to keep your gear in the dry. It measures 16.25 x 13 x 9.5 inches, has an O-ring seal, and an adjustable interior divider for customization. It’s perfect for camera gear, phones, wallets, and any other items you need to keep dry but need quick access to. This new storage box also comes in at an affordable price— so affordable that you might just buy two. $33 (planomolding.com)

RUTLEDGE VEST Spring is just around the corner, meaning temperatures and the fishing action soon will be heating up. But March, especially the early days of the month, still can bring chilly days on the water. One of the coldest boat rides of our lives was on Mobile Bay after a strong March cold front and a lack of preparation for it. But you’ll always be prepared with Marsh Wear’s Rutledge Vest. Designed for the “do-itall sportsman,” it features a water-resistant outer shell and hits the sweet spot for insulation, providing comfort without bulk. Generous arm openings allow freedom of movement in the shoulder and arms, good for making a shot on an early-spring redfish in the marsh. The Rutledge Vest comes in buck and old-school camo. $89 (marshwearclothing. com)

34 TAIL FLY FISHING MAGAZINE

THE WAHOO This is a lightweight, breathable button-up shirt that has the just the right amount of stretch. We like the Wahoo for its useful details, like the big hidden pockets and the custom slit for sunglasses or readers. But our favorite attribute is its versatility. While it’s a great flats shirt, it also wears well at the lodge or for a night out on the town. The slim fit/athletic cut reminds you to do a few more sit-ups and watch your beer intake.

Thumbs up, Poncho Outdoors. $85 (ponchooutdoors.com)

TAIL FLY FISHING MAGAZINE 35

GEAR GUIDE NEBO TRANSCEND HEADLAMP We often gear up and drop in before the sun is up, requiring flashlights and headlamps.

The Transcend is a 1,000-lumen headlamp that’s extremely bright and provides all the visibility we need for those early-morning launches. It is fully rechargeable and adjusts 180 degrees. Another fantastic feature is the magnetic base, which functions as an extra hand. You won’t realize you need this until you have it—perfect for tying on flies or holding nippers in the dark or standing in the surf. $45 (nebo.acgbrands.com/en_US/)

SPORTFISHER WATERPROOF WATCH If you’re in the market for a new waterproof titanium watch with a Swiss quartz movement, you might want to check out the Sportfisher.

The latest version uses H3 technology for its illumination, consisting of triggalight® glass tubes, a Swiss innovation that provides longer-lasting illumination for the dial. The titanium is heat resistant, and the watch is available in four styles of bands in a multitude of colors. This South Carolina company has cut out the middleman and now only sells online, so these fine watches are reasonably priced.

Hook and Gaff also supports organizations like the Bonefish & Tarpon Trust and Coastal Conservation Alliance. $500 and up (hookandgaff.com)

36 TAIL FLY FISHING MAGAZINE

ONFORM VIDEO ANALYSIS AND COACHING PLATFORM The best tool for learning and teaching fly casting was not invented by a fly angler. Nearly five years ago we reported on the Hudl Technique video sports analysis app. Hudl has been bought out and upgraded by OnForm, which is being used by coaches and athletes in more than 75 sports, including baseball, golf, and fly casting. In short, you shoot a video of your cast with your smartphone or iPad. Playback features include slow-motion (down to 1/8 speed) and scrubbing— that is, moving through the clip frame by frame.

Drawing tools allow an instructor to highlight various aspects of the cast using lines, arrows, circles, and other graphics. Perhaps the most valuable feature of the app is its ability to create voiced-over reviews and share them with others.

This literally would allow you to take lessons from a casting instructor on the other side of the world.

On our recent hosted trip to Andros, TFFM editor and casting instructor George Roberts shot video of several of the anglers and created a video review for each of them (the only glitch was Andros’ sketchy wi-fi service). OnForm offers several subscription packages. The coach’s subscription is not inexpensive—about $300 per year. A working casting instructor will pay for that with only a couple of lessons, and there is no charge to students. A personal subscription is about $50 a year. Taking advantage of this technology will do much more to improve your casting than will the most expensive rods and lines on the market. $50 and up (getonform.com)

TAIL FLY FISHING MAGAZINE 37

GEAR GUIDE MARINE EMERGENCY BOX Boaters are required to have functional safety gear onboard at all times when underway. It’s not only the law, but also the smart thing to do. After replacing our safety equipment twice in one year, the flares, whistle, Krazy Glue, duct tape, and emergency medical kit are now kept in the Plano Marine Emergency Box. This unit is not water-resistant, but it provides organization and convenience for needed and required safety gear. $15 (planomolding.com)

SHERPA PEN COVERS Sherpa Pen Covers started out as a way to sheath a Sharpie Marker within a Montblancclone housing for short money. The company learned by accident that the Sherpa would take a number of other widely available pens, including uni-ball and Pilot Precise rollers. Consider that a real Monblanc could cost you more than your car, and a single Montblanc refill can cost $20.

The pen refill you can buy at your local pharmacy or grocery store is less than two bucks. Frankly, we think the Sherpa looks every bit as good as a Montblanc and feels like quality when you write with it. Each Classic or Special Edition Sherpa comes with a Sharpie Permanent Marker in black, a Sherpa Medium Rollerball (0.7 mm) in black, and a black velvet pen sleeve that is tres chic!

Sherpa also makes a fountain pen insert, a jetball adapter, a ballpoint adapter, as well as some other neat stuff for the pen lover. $39.95 (sherpapencovers.com)

38 TAIL FLY FISHING MAGAZINE

TAIL FLY FISHING MAGAZINE 39

40 TAIL FLY FISHING MAGAZINE

TAIL FLY FISHING MAGAZINE 41

The COCKROACH FLY

by Andy Mill and Nicky Mill

If you’ve ever wondered who invented

melanoma when reaching his prime.

staple for tarpon throughout Florida,

the Cockroach, it wasn’t Lefty Kreh,

Flip and Chico became Flip and Chico.

Central America, and the Caribbean.

as many websites and fly shops

Norman joined the common man’s

Most well-stocked fly boxes have at

erroneously report. It was Norman

workforce and fell from the limelight,

least a few Roaches in different color

Duncan.

but he’s always had an indelible

combinations.

reputation for his foresight in those Norman was great friends with Flip

early years. Norman is responsible

The Cockroach requires only a few

Pallot, Chico Fernandez, and “Little

for many innovations including the

materials and is easy to tie. It looks

John” Emory in the early 1960s.

Inside/Out fly, the Mutton Cockroach

great in the water and will elicit an

Together, they put fly fishing in

fly, the Permit Puff, and of course, his

eat more often than not.

Miami and the upper Keys on the

Cockroach for tarpon.

map with their inventions and creativity. Little John died from

42 TAIL FLY FISHING MAGAZINE

Duncan was interviewed on the Duncan’s Cockroach fly remains a

Millhouse Podcast and when asked

about his most well known creation,

“I’ve got some flies that Norman tied

and the rest is history. We kept it

he had this to say:

in my tackle box; let me tie one on.” Joe

quiet for a few years, and one day I

looked at it and said, “What’s that?”

went down to Sea Center on Big Pine

Andy Mill: You were one of our sports’

and throws it in the water next to the

Key, where all the guides went out. I

great innovators. Tell me about one

boat, and Joe said, “That looks like a

didn’t think anybody knew about the

of the greatest tarpon flies for

damn cockroach—no self respecting

fly. I know all the guides, you know,

decades, the Cockroach.

tarpon would ever eat that!”

and all the rods were rigged; it was

Norman Duncan: Joe Robertson and

Andy Mill: So that’s how it was named?

and they all had my fly on, and I

fishing at Loggerhead Point, and they

Norman Duncan: Yeah, he said, “That

“Oh, John told us about it, but he told

early in the morning. I looked down Little John (John Emery) were out

were throwing orange flies and others, and the fish had lockjaw. John said

thing looks like a damn cockroach!” So

asked, “Where did you get that fly?” us you were the one who tied it.”

John threw at the first tarpon he saw

TAIL FLY FISHING MAGAZINE 43

T

ly

y l i T r m eva a F l e h

Terrors of the Pacific, Whatever Their Size

by E. Donnall Thomas Jr. I was living in Alaska when Christmas

When the great British navigator

Whatever I knew about bonefish—

Island—once known, if at all, as

Captain James Cook arrived at

which turned out to be not nearly

nothing but a remote speck of land

Christmas Island in 1777, he launched

as much as I thought—I’d at least

in the mid-Pacific—began to emerge

a skiff from HMS Resolution and sent

had enough experience to get me

as a saltwater fly rod destination.

it through the leeward gap in the reef

started with them in new water. But I

One of the first lessons one learns

to explore the atoll’s inner lagoon. His

admittedly knew nothing about a new

upon arrival in Alaska is that going

log reports that the crew returned

Christmas Island species that was

somewhere warm and sunny during

with tales of abundant “crevallies”

generating a lot of buzz: the giant

the winter is more a matter of

(perhaps a clue to the origins of the

trevally (hereafter GT in the interest

necessity than indulgence. For several

name for our Atlantic jack crevalle).

of brevity). After reading whatever

years running I’d headed to the

This was welcome news to a hungry

I could find on the subject, which

Caribbean, where I’d learned at least

crew eager for a break from salt

wasn’t much at the time, I realized

the basics of flats fishing for bonefish

pork. The crew’s report of sharks

that targeting GTs would require new

and other species. Traveling due

aggressive enough to make them

techniques as well as new, heavier

south to Christmas by way of Hawaii

withdraw was less welcome. At any

tackle. I surmised, correctly as it

sounded a lot easier than traversing

rate, members of the trevally family

turned out, that the edge of the reef

the continent, and in the wake of

have been recognized as an important

would provide a more target-rich

glowing preliminary reports, a regular

component of the Christmas Island

environment than the flats. Endlessly

fishing partner and I signed up.

marine biosphere from the time of its

blind casting with a heavy fly rod

first written description.

didn’t sound all that appealing, so I

44 TAIL FLY FISHING MAGAZINE

came up with an alternative.

plug from which I’d removed all the

to fly rod anglers such as pompano,

hooks.

roosterfish, cobia, amberjacks, and

According to Plan A, one of us would

various mackerel. The genus Caranx,

cast a defanged teaser plug against

After half an hour of tedious,

the largest within that order, consists

the reef from a skiff while the other

unproductive casting, a dark shape

of the fish we know as jacks and

stood by with a 12-weight rigged with

shot up from the rocks and engulfed

trevally. Biologically, there isn’t much

a big popper. Once we had coaxed a

the plug. My plan was to jerk it

difference between the two, although

GT within fly rod range, we’d quickly

away and lead the fish in one step

those called jacks generally inhabit

jerk the teaser away and replace it

at a time, but the GT—a small one

the Atlantic as opposed to trevally in

with the live ammo on the end of the

of perhaps 25 pounds—had other

the Pacific, where I have had most of

fly line. The idea looked good to us, at

ideas. After an improbable 15-minute

my personal experience with them.

least on paper.

fight on heavy conventional tackle,

We’ll concentrate on trevally with no

I assumed the fish had somehow

disrespect intended toward Atlantic

After spending our first day wading

become entangled in the leader.

permit, pompano, or horse-eye and

and catching a lot of bonefish, we

When I finally horsed it in beside us,

crevalle jacks.

decided to go into GT mode. It took a

however, we recognized the truth.

while to get underway, since we spoke

The harmless plug remained clamped

Nowadays, the GT has firmly

no Gilbertese and our delightful local

between its jaws, and the fish had

established its reputation as the

guide spoke no English, as was the

simply refused to let go. We had just

glamour species of the lot, largely

case with most island inhabitants

learned an important lesson about

on the basis of size. In most waters,

back in those early days. After drawing

personality traits and attitude within

a weight of 100 pounds is the

lots of pictures in the sand with a

the trevally family.

benchmark for a trophy GT. (Good luck

stick, we finally headed out through

with that on a fly rod.) But dozens

the open horseshoe on the west side

Power Play

of the atoll. A quick game of rock-

The order Carangiformes is one

Pacific, ranging in size downward

paper-scissors (which our guide found

of the world’s most diverse and

from the GT to include several species

hysterical) left me in the stern armed

widespread groups of marine fishes,

of panfish-sized papio in Hawaiian

with a big spinning rod and a surface

including a wide variety of interest

waters. Don’t underestimate any

of other trevally species swim the

TAIL FLY FISHING MAGAZINE 45

of them. In addition to overall

none with anything in the large

and reminded that he wasn’t fishing

body shape, almost all of these

trevally class. On our first morning

in Kansas anymore. “Tighten your

fish demonstrate certain common

in the Gulf of Carpentaria, our

drag and reef on them!” I called across

characteristics of particular interest

three skiffs were spread out across

the water. “Otherwise, you’re going to

to us: aggressive predatory behavior,

an estuary on a rising tide when

spend all day getting towed around

willingness to attack flies, and

I watched Bruce hook something

the ocean like a barge!” He took my

remarkable power and endurance on

substantial. Soon, his guide had pulled

advice, although he still marveled at

the end of a line.

the anchor and set off in pursuit. As

the strength of the various trevally

I watched them cross the maze of

species he hooked whenever we

That strength can seem

sandbars at the river mouth, I could

debriefed at the end of each day.

overwhelming to those unaccustomed

tell that Bruce wasn’t putting nearly

to strong saltwater fish. On one

enough pressure on the fish. When

Diversity Down Under

recent trip to northern Australia, our

they returned half an hour later after

At least in terms of variety, Australia

party included a friend with extensive

landing and releasing a 20-pound

tops my list as a fly rod trevally

freshwater fly rod experience but

golden trevally, I congratulated Bruce

destination. While some isolated offshore islands within Australian waters are developing reputations as GT destinations, the golden sits at the head of the trevally class in the waters I usually fish. They are truly beautiful, and a 20-pound golden is plenty of fish on the end of a fly line. Then there are brassy trevally, bludger trevally, tea leaf trevally, and others too numerous to mention—all powerful, entertaining fish despite their smaller size. Although relatively rare, diamond trevally are one of the most visually striking fish in the sea, with flanks like polished chrome and long, dark filaments trailing backwards off the dorsal fin for improbable lengths.

Although perhaps not technically trevally, queenfish (both Talang and double-spotted) are closely related and are very similar in appearance and behavior on the end of a fly line, with one interesting exception. Unlike most trevally, queenfish jump, and the bigger the fish the more likely it is to go airborne. Known locally as “skinnies” or “spikeys” (accurate descriptions of two anatomical features), queenfish aren’t highly regarded, and small ones can become a nuisance when they repeatedly

46 TAIL FLY FISHING MAGAZINE

intercept flies meant for other fish.

But when a 15-pound queenfish is turning cartwheels in the sun, it’s easy to forget the sins of its smaller cohorts.

This discussion isn’t complete without mention of the Indo-Pacific permit, a member of the Carangiformes order even if the word trevally doesn’t appear in any of its common nicknames (oyster cracker, giant dart, and so on). Lori and I have taken a number of them from Australian waters, and I wish I had an opportunity to fish for them more often. On the end of a line they are as powerful as our Atlantic version, from which they differ primarily in the beauty of their golden dorsal fins and tails.

Hawaiian Omilu Hawaiian waters also hold their share of inviting trevally species. There are GTs, although I’ve never landed one in Hawaii. While I encounter them occasionally while wading the flats for bonefish, they’re usually moving too fast to offer a shot. When I do hook one, the fish inevitably heads for the ubiquitous coral and leaves me happy to settle for escaping with my fly line. I generally feel content to leave Hawaiian GTs to my friends with

enough to provide plenty of challenge on fly rod tackle but small enough to offer a reasonable chance of landing one. They are more common on the flats than GTs, although they, too, can be hard to approach because of their rapid cruising speed. Although jacks and trevally generally aren’t highly regarded as table fare, bluefins make some of my favorite sashimi. Like all predatory inshore fish, omilu can cause ciguatera poisoning, so consume with caution even though the problem

conventional tackle.

is uncommon in Hawaii.

Hawaii is home, however, to a nice

Breaking Hearts —and Gear

intermediary between small papio and uncatchable ulua (GTs): the bluefin trevally, or omilu. Inshore specimens usually weigh around 10 to 15 pounds with larger fish occasionally encountered. Typical bluefins are large

It should perhaps come as no surprise that I lost the biggest GT I ever hooked, an admission many anglers familiar with the species would also have to make. It happened when Lori

TAIL FLY FISHING MAGAZINE 47

and I had a welcome assignment to visit Midway Island near the northwestern end of the Hawaiian chain, during the brief period of time it was open to fly fishing. Even then, Midway wasn’t just another Hawaiian island. The flight from Honolulu took several hours to cross over a thousand miles of open ocean.

Although technically part of the United States, we still had to have passports stamped (with a lovely image of an albatross in flight). We had to land at night to avoid collisions with the teeming population of various pelagic seabirds that nest there seasonally. The islands (there are actually two of them, closely adjoined) are home to the world’s largest population of endangered monk seals, which we encountered regularly. Midway played a pivotal role during the Second World War’s Battle of the Pacific, and evidence of its military history remains even after all these years. The trip would have been fascinating even without our fly rods, but fortunately it didn’t come to that. Unfortunately, Midway, which is administered by the National Park Service, is now closed to fishing and most visitation.

The day got off to an exciting start when Lori hooked and landed what would likely have been a women’s fly rod world record amberjack while casting from an old World War II gun emplacement. Neither of us cares about world records, which was fortunate since her reel came off while she was playing the fish and the assistance I had to provide getting it back on would have been disqualifying.

It was still a terrific catch, and I had little hope of bettering it that day.

An hour later, though, I spotted a big

48 TAIL FLY FISHING MAGAZINE

GT cruising the channel in front of

that principle on Christmas Island,

option I could imagine was to try

us. An onshore breeze made casting

but with a happier outcome. We had

reclaiming some backing, and since

my large streamer difficult, but I

found GTs cruising an open sand flat,

we couldn’t bring the fish to us we’d

managed to get it close enough to

and for once they weren’t moving at

have to bring us to the fish. Although

attract the fish’s attention. The take

Mach 2. The absence of underwater

the water was waist deep on me

proved surprisingly subdued, but

obstructions promised a reasonable

(which meant it rose to another set of

as soon as I strip set the hook, the

chance of landing one, if she could

anatomic landmarks on Lori’s 5-foot-

fish took off like an (insert overused

manage to hook it. After studying the

tall frame), the firm sand provided

cliché here). Although coral heads lay

position, she made a well-executed

easy wading, and we sent off gently,

scattered about on the sand, a clear

cast, and a nice fish veered off course

trying to avoid provoking another

channel ran from the WWII vintage

and struck. Her prompt strip set left

calamitous run by the fish. That run

concrete platform straight out to

the hook solidly embedded in its jaw,

eventually came, but it wasn’t as long

open water, and the fish followed it

and the rodeo began.

and determined as the first, and by

right down the line.

that time we had reclaimed enough In Hawaiian waters, I have seen

line to avoid the treacherous knot.

Despite my rapidly dwindling supply of

hooked GTs dive into holes on the

Lori then led the exhausted fish to

backing, I actually began to think I had

deep side of coral reefs, from which

our feet like an obedient dog on a

a chance of landing the fish, which I

they are nearly impossible to extract.

leash and claimed her first GT.

guessed would weigh 60 or 70 pounds.

Absent this option, Lori’s fish had

Then, suddenly and inexplicably,

nothing to do but run—and did it ever.

Part of this piece is simply an ode

everything went south, leaving me

(Insert trite screaming-reel simile

to the giant trevally, which I regard

dejected as I reeled in a limp line. The

here.) Cranking her drag down had

as one of the most challenging—not

good news was that I still had my

remarkably little effect on the GT, and

to mention intimidating—fish in the

fly line, but the bad news was that I

most of her backing had disappeared

sea. The rest is a simple reminder

had lost the fish due to a simple knot

by the time the fish finally stopped for

of all that other members of this

failure between fly line and leader. I

a breather. That’s when I looked down

wonderful, diverse family of fishes

had neglected to adhere to a basic

in horror and noted that a loop had

has to offer the saltwater fly angler.

rule about GT angling that I should

formed a knot deep in the reel spool.

The GT may garner the lion’s share

have learned already: One cannot be

With the line taught as a bow string, I

of the press these days, but all of the

too meticulous when preparing to

saw no way to undo the tangle.

trevally are fast and strong, and wise

tackle fish as unforgiving as GTs.

anglers seldom pass up a chance to At this point, a second run by the fish

Several years later, Lori reconfirmed

pursue any of them.

would have spelled disaster. The only

TAIL FLY FISHING MAGAZINE 49

THE EVERGLADES SEVEN

by Chico Fernandez I’ve fly fished in many places around

It’s no coincidence that today I

the world, from Tierra del Fuego to

live about 90 minutes from the

Alaska, and I love it all. But when it

Everglades—and go as often as I can.

are even more important.

A fly that is lighter and/or more aerodynamic, for example, is usually

comes to my favorite place to fly fish, it would be, hands down, the

After spending so much time in

easier to cast, which makes it easier

Everglades.

that world through the years, I have

to make accurate casts to tailing fish

accumulated a large collection of

or long casts when necessary.

It’s not just about the snook, the

brackish water flies. And I’m often

redfish, and all the other wonderful

experimenting with some new fly in

Certain areas in the southern part of

fish that live there. It’s also about the

an effort to learn more. To me that is

the Everglades, like Flamingo, often

wading birds, the beautiful shallow

very exciting.

have a lot of floating grass. In those conditions, a fly with a weed guard

flats with the fluctuating tides, the red mangrove trees along most of

But as much as I love trying different

is of the essence. When fishing a

the shorelines, the other menagerie

flies, the truth is that I only use a

shoreline, a weedless fly also does not

of trees, plants, and flowers, and so

handful most of the time. And these

get caught as often on branches when

much more. I love that world. I love

favorite flies were not chosen just

we miss. You just slowly retrieve your

brackish water—I feel it runs through

because fish like to eat them; other

fly, jumping it from branch to branch,

my veins.

conditions requiring certain qualities

and then softly drop it on the water.

50 TAIL FLY FISHING MAGAZINE

It works quite often. So even in areas

fly is a great choice in muddy waters.

As a rule, the snook and redfish run

that do not have as much problem with

I like to add a bit of flash to these

bigger in the northern portion of

floating grass, such as Chokoloskee

dark flies, preferably in gold, purple,

the Everglades than in the southern

in the north, I still use weed guards.

and green, saving silver flash for

portion. For southern areas such as

Actually, most of my brackish water

light-colored fish patterns.

Flamingo, my flies run about 3 inches

flies have weed guards. And if I

or smaller—unless I’m blind casting

encounter situations in which I don’t

Often when fishing shorelines, you’ll

in off-color water, when I’ll go with a

want the weed guard, I just cut it off.

get 99 percent of the strikes within

bigger fly. Up north, my flies run from

a short distance from the edge. You

3.75 to more than 4 inches.

Muddy waters reduce a fish’s visibility

want to retrieve slowly for the fly

to see prey (or a fly), so it’s important

to stay in the hot zone as long as

These scenarios, however, are

to use a fly that the fish can see or

possible. The fly I often prefer here

generalizations; there are always

feel. For fish to see it better, a dark

is one that breathes and wiggles at

exceptions. But these rules work

color or black fly can make a big

the slightest movement from your

well for me—not only in the Glades,

difference. To help the fish feel it, a

stripping hand or rod tip. And while

but also in similar conditions farther

bulky fly that pushes water as it’s

there are several materials that

north in Florida, and anywhere else

retrieved is easier for a fish to sense

will accomplish this very well, my

redfish live.

through its lateral line. A bulky black

preference usually is marabou.

1. Marabou Madness For a long time, I had an idea for

with no action, it’s alive as it moves.

fishing with Captain Steve Huff, I

tying an all-marabou Sea-Ducer.

And when working a shoreline, I can

sight casted and landed a 20-pound

Then, while working on my redfish

keep the fly breathing, wiggling,

snook with that color. I had tears in

book around 2011, I finally put a No.

acting alive, while moving it very

my eyes when I held him for Steve to

1 hook in the vise and started to tie

slowly, thus staying in the zone close

take a photo. I was that excited.

one. After a few weeks of trial and

to the mangrove roots longer than

error, I had a fly I liked. The tail was

with many other flies.

a whole marabou feather, stem and

Today, my friend Chris Dean ties them for me—from small ones just

all, with a bit of flash. The head was

For a while, I only fished it in all black,

over 2.5 inches on a No. 2 hook to

marabou feathers wrapped around

and caught all the gamefish in the

more than 4 inches on 1/0 hook.

the shank.

Glades. I loved it. Then I went to other

He ties them in a variety of colors,

colors, like white with a red head,

mostly with a bead chain, but

In the water, the fly breathes—even

all chartreuse, and more. The black

sometimes with lead eyes. The small

standing still. Indeed, I’ve taken many

pattern now has a purple hackle.

sizes are also great for baby tarpon.

fish that ate the fly when I wasn’t

Another great color combo has been

The Marabou Madness is my favorite

moving it. When stripping it straight,

all tan with a pink hackle. Last year,

fly for the Everglades.

TAIL FLY FISHING MAGAZINE 51

2. puglisi baitfish patterns I’ve used these patterns to catch fish

the Everglades I use the white body

and the snook and baby tarpon are

in fresh water, brackish water, and

with a green or brown back when the

spooky, I generally pull out a small

blue water—from black bass to snook

water is very clear, and the purple

Puglisi baitfish pattern in white

to blackfin tuna. As you retrieve

and black pattern in muddy or low-

with a green or tan back, and use a

it, the combination of a great

visibility water. The sizes I use most

12-foot leader and a 6-weight clear

translucent silhouette and the large

are from 2.5 inches to 4 inches. In

floating fly line. This combo is deadly

eyes makes it look very realistic. In

areas where the water is very clear

in those conditions.

52 TAIL FLY FISHING MAGAZINE

3. Clouser minnow Designed by Bob Clouser, this fly can

a sinking line. The classic pattern

to fish deep shorelines, potholes,

do almost anything, but I generally

was tied with bucktail in white and

and the mouths of creeks and

use the fly when I want it to go down.

chartreuse, and I like it just fine that

rivers— often with a sinking fly line.

It is great with big bead-chain eyes.

way. It’s an excellent imitation of

Bouncing the heavy Clouser on the

And if I need to go deeper, I use lead

a minnow and many other juvenile

sandy bottom of beaches can be

eyes. I also use this fly when fishing

fish. In the Everglades I use a Clouser

deadly.

4. borski’s chernobyl crab For many years I have been using

hair pushes water that the fish can

redfish think it is, but they love it.

Borski’s Chernobyl Crab to fish the

feel as you retrieve the fly. It was

I use the fly in all tan or all orange,

Glades. The deer belly hair on the

designed to ride inverted, with the

which is my favorite. If you want to

head does two things that I love: It

point of the hook up. And using mono

fish the fly deeper, it works great

lands quite softly on the water—in

for a weed guard is perfect for an

with lead eyes. There are always

spite of the fact that I use large bead

inverted fly. For me, the fly imitates

a few Chernobyl flies in one of my

chain on this pattern—and the deer

a shrimp hopping. I don’t know what

Everglades fly boxes.

TAIL FLY FISHING MAGAZINE 53

5. the sea-ducer

(and his cousin the Crystal Shrimp)

The hackle body and tail of a Sea-

Around 1995 or so, my son Stephen,

the feathers. The result was a fly that

Ducer are constantly moving and

who tied lots of my flies until he went

has a bulkier body to push water and

breathing, whether you retrieve it or

to college, came up with a variation

more flash on the head. It also sinks

let it sit still for a second or two. The

of the Sea-Ducer that I ended

a bit faster. The fly has produced lots

bulk of the hackle pushes water when

up calling the Crystal Shrimp. He

of fish when you need the fly to sink

retrieved, helping attract predators

wrapped heavy cactus chenille on the

more in the flats but you don’t want

when they feel its presence. The fly

shank of the hook before wrapping

it to sink head first.

is always seducing, always working for you. I’ve caught big snook in the Glades and big dolphin in the ocean with it.

6. dave’s little tan shrimp Every time I go fishing with Captain

The fly is small, with a No. 4 hook, all

Dave Denkert, this little tan fly is on

tan with painted bars and a little bead

at least one of his fly rods. Dave says

chain. It weighs nothing, and it’s very

he and his clients have caught every

aerodynamic, so it’s easy to cast, even

gamefish in the Glades with it, and

with your lightest rods. It’s perfect for

it’s mostly what he uses. I’ve caught

tailing fish in shallow water. And yes,

many fish myself. You watch it

it’s very simple, but sometimes those

moving through the water, and it’s a

are the best flies.

very good imitation of a small shrimp.

54 TAIL FLY FISHING MAGAZINE

7. hot lips Nothing is more exciting to a fly

of noise. It’s like a shrimp on the

fisher than the surface strike on a

surface. When a fish takes it, the

loud popper. But when fishing the

soft foam feels more realistic than

flats, and especially in clear water, a

most flies. It’s chewable. I find fish

popper would scare fish right and left.

keep it in their mouths much longer

It’s too loud. And even if you retrieve

than a popper, so you have a better

it slowly, it still scares fish. It doesn’t

chance of hooking up. The Hot Lips is

belong there. But don’t despair; there

also quite durable. I’ve caught many

is a great fly for those conditions.

snook, baby tarpon, and redfish with the same fly. And after a good rinse

The Hot Lips, created by Captain

with fresh water, the fly is still in my

Steve Huff, is such a fly. Made with

fly box waiting to fish again.

feathers and bucktail for a tail, and a foam body, this fly lands softly on

Just remember to use monofilament

the water, so it doesn’t spook fish as

leader and especially mono

heavier surface flies often do. And it’s

bite tippets with this pattern.

not hard to cast.

Fluorocarbon, with a much higher density than mono, will pull the

When retrieved, the little mouth up

surface fly down and ruin the action.

front makes just the right amount

TAIL FLY FISHING MAGAZINE 55

ON THE PLATE Text and recipe by Jennifer Matsu Photos by Rob Schumske

56 TAIL FLY FISHING MAGAZINE

hot smoked salmon

I’m a native Houstonian, but I grew up fishing summers in the Okanag

an and Quadra Island of British Columbia. I’d spend days in a jon boat on Okanag an Lake, targeting rainbow trout and landlocked kokanee salmon. I’d also fish for sockeye and chinook in the waters of Discovery Passage. I took a hiatus from fishing, but over the last couple of years I’ve found a passion in fly fishing. I’ve loved learning a new sport, challenging myself, and enjoying all the victories along the way.

I thought I was just discovering another way to catch fish and experie

Little did I know that I had made a life-altering choice. Fly fishing is

hope and presence, and it connects our community in a special way.

celebrating the little things like a longer or more accurate cast and

nce nature.

the epitome of I found myself

went on to celebrate the bigger accomplishments like my first redfish on fly and catching a permit on fly.

When I purchased my first saltwater fly rod, I went to Houston’s Restau

rant (now and a glass of

known as Hillstone) to celebrate. I ordered the hot smoked salmon

Schramsberg Blanc de Blanc. It felt like the perfect celebratory meal.

been a staple in my food repertoire for as long as I can remember.

memories of the freshest sockeye imaginable and fishing with my

Salmon has

I have fond

dad in B.C. We enjoyed salmon grilled, roasted, canned, tempura style–even raw in sushi. One of my absolute favorite preparations is hot smoked salmon. It’s elegan t, simple, and so satisfying—toasty ciabatta, a smear of aioli, and a slab of hot smoke d salmon.

Perfect when paired with a glass of bubbles or especially with a crisp Ranch Water– good silver tequila, sparkling water, and a squeeze of lime.

I’ve wanted to recreate this meal for quite some time, to remind me

of home and to reward all my moments of success–both on and off the water. Now that we have a Traeger, I can do it easily and quickly. Because of the simplic ity of this dish, quality fish is extremely important. I recommend wild-caught sockey e salmon, fresh and never frozen, if possible.

Give yourself a reason to celebrate soon, and bring along the bubble

smoked salmon.

s and this hot

TAIL FLY FISHING MAGAZINE 57

Hot

Smoked Salmon Hot smoked salmon is a versatile protein that can be enjoyed many ways.

For lunch or dinner, try a mixed green salad topped with chilled, smoked salmon, or flaked it into a lemony pasta topped with fried capers.

Ingredients

1-2 lb. filet of wild-caught sockeye salmon, skin on or skinless Olive oil Kosher salt Fresh cracked black pepper Fresh squeezed lemon juice, lemon zest optional Ciabatta bread, sliced and toasted Capers

Directions

Heat smoker to 250 degrees Fahrenheit (if using a traditional smoker, heat it to 225 degree). Pecan or any other medium-flavored wood works well with the salmon, which can stand up to a bit more flavor versus a more delicate white fish.

You’ll want a clean, thin stream of smoke before adding the salmon. The filet can go directly on the grill grates, or use a piece of pink butcher paper beneath the filet.

Prepare the sockeye filet by brushing it with olive oil and seasoning each side with salt and cracked pepper (even if you’re using skin-on salmon).

Smoke the fish for about 20 to 30 minutes until just done, depending on the size of the filet.

While it’s hot, drizzle with olive oil and fresh-squeezed lemon. Break off chunks of the flaky salmon and serve with crunchy ciabatta slices and aioli.

For the fried capers, pat capers or caper berries to remove excess moisture and fry in 300- to 325-degree olive oil for 3 to 5 minutes or until crisp. Drain and use them to top salmon.

58 TAIL FLY FISHING MAGAZINE

Citrus and Herb Aioli I love this herb aioli in appetizers or to elevate mid-week meals. It’s easy and starts with lots of fresh herbs and a good store-bought mayonnaise — Sir Kensington’s is my favorite. For an appetizer, top deviled eggs with hot smoked salmon, herb aioli, and fried capers.

Ingredients

1 cup mayonnaise 1 1/2 tsp anchovy paste 2 large garlic cloves ¼ tsp cayenne ¼ cup chives, minced ¼ cup parsley, minced 2 tbsp tarragon, minced ½ cup fresh lemon juice Whisk mayonnaise with anchovy paste until incorporated, then grate fresh garlic into mixture and whisk again. Fold in fresh herbs, season with cayenne, and taste for salt. Season if needed with cracked black pepper or a pinch of salt.

When ready to serve, whisk in lemon juice and taste again for seasoning. Adding the lemon juice upon serving keeps the herbs tasting as fresh as possible, rather than wilting in the sauce.

Garnish with lemon zest and more fresh chives. Enjoy with the hot smoked salmon.

TAIL FLY FISHING MAGAZINE 59

THE MULE

by TFFM Staff

60 TAIL FLY FISHING MAGAZINE

The Moscow Mule is said to be the invention of

John Morgan at New York’s Chatham Hotel in 1941. John “Jack” Morgan was owner of the Hollywood Cock’n Bull Restaurant and president of Cock’n Bull Products, which made a popular ginger beer.

Morgan’s decision to combine his ginger beer with vodka came from friend John Martin, the man who introduced vodka to American drinkers and the owner of Smirnoff Vodka. “Moscow” came from the vodka and “Mule” came from the ginger beer’s kick. They added fresh lime juice and a mint sprig for aroma and garnish, and a timeless classic was born.

There have been many variations of this drink, modifying the liquor that’s mixed with the ginger beer. Whatever distilled spirt you mix for your favorite version, the Mule is a popular cocktail choice because it’s easy to make and its ingredients are readily available at most stores.

One of our favorite iterations is the Kentucky Mule, which substitutes bourbon for vodka. The Kentucky Mule is a bit sweeter than the original, with the bourbon’s woody character melding nicely with the spicy ginger.

Ours uses Wyoming Whiskey, a small-batch bourbon from, you guessed it, Wyoming, and Bundaberg, an Australian ginger beer that’s as good as it gets. We use fresh key lime and substitute the traditional mint garnish with chunks of crystallized ginger, which we borrowed from PF Chang’s version of the Moscow Mule.

Any mule is simple, fresh, and crisp. Great in the summer and even better in the winter. You can use the traditional copper mug, but we make ours in a Ball jar mug with crushed ice.

Recipe

3 ounces bourbon 3/4 ounce lime juice, freshly squeezed Ginger beer, to top Crystalized ginger

Directions

Place crushed or cubed ice in mug until it’s three-quarters full.

Add 3 ounces of Wyoming Whiskey and lime juice. Top with ginger beer. Stir very lightly and garnish with crystallized ginger on a long toothpick.

TAIL FLY FISHING MAGAZINE 61

TOPWATER

PERMIT

by Bob Haines Perhaps the first indication that I’d been doing it wrong was the day after I finally caught my first permit. While sitting over a Belikin and a hot dog at Jets in the outbound terminal of the Philip S.W. Goldson International Airport in Belize City, two likely fishermen sidled up to the bar to do the same. We exchanged the usual pleasantries—How’d you do? Alright, you? About the same. Then it was time to board a plane back to reality after a month in the Belizean salt.

62 TAIL FLY FISHING MAGAZINE

Because it was the day after my first

Conversation between fishermen

permit and subsequent grand slam, I

is quick and easy, so we began

carried a thick and vicious hangover

conversing about our trips. He was

onto the plane. (Somehow I ended up

traveling with his father and was

as guest bartender at the Lazy Lizard,

returning from a week at one of the

mostly pouring drinks for myself.)

fly fishing lodges out of Dangriga.

As soon as I hit my window seat, the

The story he started seemed typical

earphones went on and the eyes went

of permit fishing: “The first four

closed. I woke up cotton-mouthed

days were tough. The wind blew and

somewhere over the Gulf of Mexico

the light was shit. Dad probably had

between Belize and Dallas to find that

the best shot on Wednesday, but a

one of the fishermen from the hot

ladyfish got to the crab before the

dog joint occupied the aisle seat in my

permit.”

row.

Photo: Scott Morrison

He then told me about a Thursday

described some sort of spun deer hair

river, where they were greeted to a

rainstorm that I also experienced

body dangling with legs and eyes and

sight the fisherman and his father

out in the cays, but it evidently was

yum. The guide excitedly told them

never expected to see—rising permit

much more of a weather event on

that sometimes after a huge rain a

selectively hunting crabs floating

the mainland. His guides were willing

river south of them would overflow its

down an engorged river. He said the

to fish in the morning, but the rain

banks and wash a bunch of land crabs

water was still pretty clear and the

was borderline biblical. They decided

into the current. He was tying large,

depth was no more than 3 feet. The

to wait and see if it would let up at

clunky, floating crabs in hopes that

strategy was to pole the panga until

some point. It didn’t. Hanging at the

he’d be prepared for the next day.

they located permit. The fish would

lodge that afternoon, they noticed

hang in the current on the bottom

one of the guides working over a vise

The sun was shining, and the guides

just like trout and await their prey.

in the tying area. At first glance, the

wore huge smiles at breakfast in

The fishing was similar to trout

bug he was spinning looked more like

the morning. From the lodge, they

fishing as well—upstream casts

a bass popper than a permit fly. He

went straight to the mouth of the

and drifts to feeding fish. After a

TAIL FLY FISHING MAGAZINE 63

few casts, he instinctively did some mending to ensure a drag-free drift.

But the guide corrected him, saying that a little drag was preferable because the crabs always try to swim back to land. This point was verified shortly thereafter, when a tennis ball-sized brown crab came floating down near the fish they had located.

The fisherman said two of the fish left their position on the bottom of the river to investigate, but neither ate.

They spent the rest of the day drifting

I was skeptical. My goal to that

for bottom feeding. Benthic-feeding

flies of varying sizes and weights to

point in my permit addiction was

fish eat in the benthic zone, right?

fish they could see in the current,

to get a fly down to the bottom in

Upon landing in Dallas and additional

boating three—all on the deer hair

front of every permit. Permit eat

conversation over a non-Belikin beer,

floating crab the guide had tied the

off the bottom. It’s what they do.

the fisherman’s grainy flip phone video

previous day.

Their eyes and mouths are both built

started to change my thinking.

64 TAIL FLY FISHING MAGAZINE

Photo: Scott Morrison

In the years following that flight back from Belize, I found yet another salty passion that manifested in the form of skinny-water redfish in the bays and lagoons of North Florida.

Temporarily putting permit on the back burner, I scratched out part of my living each year on the poling platform of my Hog Island skiff along the Redneck Riviera. We saw it all aboard Ms. Piggy, my beautiful, ugly, do-everything plastic boat. One thing that always stood out was making a popper elicit that tell-tale push of water directly preceding a redfish topwater eat. The accomplishment of getting a fish with a downwardprojecting eating apparatus to

TAIL FLY FISHING MAGAZINE 65

As pompano are very close cousins of permit, I harkened back to that DFW cell phone video and immediately started putting the pieces together.

Of the family Carangidae, Trachinotus falcatus shares many physical characteristics with its cousins.

Fly fishers have traveled the world targeting all species trevally. From the Seychelles to Australia to Christmas Island and beyond, countless fortunes have been spent in pursuit of these aggressively feeding bruisers in the waters of the Pacific and Indian oceans. The Atlantic analogue would be the jack crevalle. Seeing and fighting these beasts leaves little wonder as to why there are such tight similarities of the words crevalle and trevally. These ferocious fish will eat in every zone of the water column, preferring to pursue anything smaller than they are—as long as it tries to swim quickly away from them.

Many of the fish in the Carangidae family, including the permit, have physical similarities and ancestral backgrounds. Why wouldn’t it follow that at least some of their feeding habits align?

This idea was verified a few years back on the Costa Maya, when a friend break from the watery world and

close the deal.

find its meal above the surface is remarkable. A redfish strike on the

When the wind would howl, we

surface is comparable to people

occasionally shifted to the Dark Side—

bobbing for apples—lots of hunger

walking the dog with spinning rods—

and hopefulness from a creature more

hoping to see the same push of water

designed to eat a different way. Don’t

before the redfish explosion. One of

get me wrong; when a redfish decides

those high-wind situations was playing

to eat off the surface, it almost

out, and I was chucking a She Dog on

always accomplishes its mission.

a massive turtle grass flat when I was

But prior to the actual eating, the

surprised by a flash and a tug that

fish must push most of its head and

sent my drag screaming. At the end of

body above the water line before its

it, I netted a 4- or 5-pound pompano.

downward-directed mouth is able to

66 TAIL FLY FISHING MAGAZINE

who lives there relayed that he had a new tactic for getting permit to eat. The idea goes pretty much like this: If you spook a permit with a bad cast, good cast, false cast, or even just by thinking about a cast, pick your fly back up and cast it in front of their line of escape and strip as fast as you can. He swore that this technique had produced three of the last four fish he had caught. Given my propensity for spooking permit, it didn’t take long to test his hypothesis.

Less than a week later I was wading

a clear, sand-bottom flat when two

Mexico, down the Yucatan Peninsula,

large fish slid off a coral head and

through Central America, all the way

started toward me. My cast seemed

to Venezuela, as well as the islands of

good, in front of them enough to be

the Caribbean, have been confronted

stealthy, but something inherent in

with sargassum, an impediment

them caused them to freak out and

that seems evermore relentless

swim to either side of me. As the fish

and permanent. The Sargasso Sea

passed, I picked up in front of me

is bound by four currents in the

and simply dropped a back cast past

Atlantic Ocean. Sargassum blooms

the fish. I started stripping as fast

and the floating weed from which

as I could, and the bigger of the two

the Sargasso Sea takes its name

fish turned on a dime and absolutely

have exploded in the last decade.

hammered my heavily weighted,

While there are many reasons

swiftly swimming crab.

for the unprecedented blooms of sargassum, the consensus is that

Another time I was wade fishing in

they’re predominantly a result of

a shallow lagoon when two large

excessive and growing amounts of

permit were moving from small rock

nutrients flowing down the Amazon

pile to small rock pile, tailing as they

River. The large, iron-rich dust clouds

ate. Armed with a heavy Casa Blanca

that originate from Saharan African

Raghead crab fly, I kept trying to get

deserts also play a role.

I began stripping very quickly again, and immediately both fish started fighting each other for my fleeing crab.

into position to get a decent shot before they frantically made a move

No matter the cause, these large

to the next rocks. Finally, they started

mats of sargassum that come

moving toward some rocks within

ashore along the coasts and beaches

casting range. I immediately dropped

of affected areas have had negative

a cast, along with an extra ten or so

impacts well beyond fishing. Tourism

feet of line and a good splash, into

is negatively impacted by the

a pile about 30 feet from where I

smell and sight of the rotting piles

was aiming. I quickly tried to strip in

of this floating weed, and native,

enough line to get another cast when

established grasses like turtle grass

both fish jumped all over my crab. I

are being choked out of existence by

instinctively let the crab sink to work

the mats of weed that wash ashore.

the fish, and they immediately lost

But the sargassum also brings an

interest and started moving away. I

entirely different ecosystem to

began stripping very quickly again,

which the fish in these areas are

and immediately both fish started

starting to adapt. The seaweed

fighting each other for my fleeing

serves as food, cover, and breeding

crab. One of them finally ate just

habitat for all sorts of animal life.

before my leader went into my guides.

I could feel the rush of water on my

Most relevant to this conversation

legs as the big fish ate my crab and

are the Sargasso crab and Sargasso

turned to run. These were both very

shrimp. Some of a permit’s favorite

“jack-like” eats. More pieces of the

foods are crabs and shrimp; the

puzzle fell into place.

sheer number of shrimp and crab fly patterns for permit are

Since 2011, fishermen from the

strong evidence of this partiality.

Florida Keys through the Gulf of

Sargassum is now prevalent along

TAIL FLY FISHING MAGAZINE 67

the entirety of the Yucatan Peninsula.

pompano on clunky topwater lures,

turned into the status quo instead

Having fished the area both before

whitefish (the Western river kind) on

of something I brag about to my

and during the infestation, I’ve seen

grasshoppers, and I even watched

friends. While it does take a bit of

the habits of target species change

a high school friend catch a small

the mystique away from the much-

a bit. My introduction to fishing a

Namekogen River sturgeon on a Zara

revered permit by understanding it’s

floating Sargassum crab pattern led

Spook. If these bottom-feeding fish

jack roots, maybe it puts us on more

to catching three bonefish on the

readily eat things that are not on the

of an even playing field that will allow

first day I deployed the small floating

bottom, why wouldn’t permit do the

for more success.

fly. With bonefish eagerly feeding on

same?

surface crabs, it became clear that

Catching permit that look up for a

bottom-feeding fish on saltwater flats

I now spend most of my time on the

meal isn’t a foolproof method—they’re

did, in fact, eat on the surface.

water fishing for permit with very

still permit. But if you’re always

lightly weighted or floating flies that

trying to get your fly down to the

More and more, I meet guides and

are much less likely to spook fish with

bottom into that magic window

anglers who have come to understand

that dreaded plunk. I fish these flies

of opportunity that we’ve been

that there are more ways to catch

with varying rates of retrieve, but very

conditioned to think is the ticket to

permit than history has made popular.

seldom slow enough for the fly to get

catching permit, you might be doing

In putting this new information

near the bottom. I now basically view

it wrong.

together, it’s important to remember

permit as fancy, spooky jacks that are

what we already know: Permit are

more likely to eat out of instinct and

Bob Haines is a Northern Wisconsin-

easily spooked by false casts, bad

opportunity than they are to eat a

born saltwater fisherman who

casts, loud flies, and birds. This tells us

slowly moving fly they can scrutinize

currently resides in the mountains of

they look up more than people want

until they realize it’s not real.

Southwest Colorado. He enjoys clear

to think they do. So why wouldn’t they

tequila and refuses to use tippet

notice food sources above them as

I’ve caught more and bigger permit

that’s measured in Xs, preferring

they’re scanning for danger?

since adopting this line of thinking

instead the pounds designation. This

and way of fishing. Catching a

is his first appearance in Tail Fly

I’ve caught large catfish on bluegill

permit—or watching a permit

Fishing Magazine.

poppers, carp on floating spiders,

be caught on a floating fly—has

Photo: Scott Morrison

68 TAIL FLY FISHING MAGAZINE

TAIL FLY FISHING MAGAZINE 69

Boogie Crab Number Nine Slowly and silently drifting across the surface of the Texas marsh in a borrowed kayak, my “bug guy” mentality was showing. Nick Haxhijaj (hi-gee-eye) had just called for the second time in ten minutes, “Where are you? Get out here; there are dozens of fish tailing at the opening to the bay.”

His tone was urgent, as if the fish would suddenly disappear, which they sometimes do. But I was busy checking out the crabs.

I was struck by the behavior of the seemingly endless population of these energetic little crustaceans.

As I drifted over them in the kayak, the majority would scramble for cover or bury themselves. The rest took on a defensive position, body elevated on eight tiny legs with claws raised toward their perceived threat. My guess is they were trying to appear larger than their 1.5-inch diameter size and letting me know they were ready to fight.

70 TAIL FLY FISHING MAGAZINE

The first thing that came to mind was the crabs feeding on the pipe in Disney’s Finding Nemo.

Still mesmerized, studying one from about 6 feet, the spell was broken when a sheepshead darted from several feet away and engulfed the distracted crab.

Undisturbed by my presence, another sheepshead picked off another crab a few feet from the first. Just like that, the show was over. The phone rang again. It was my first time on a kayak in this marsh, and Nick was getting concerned I had taken a wrong turn in the labyrinth of channels. I told him what I was up to. “I’m not surprised,” he said. “Get out here.”

I met up with Nick a few minutes later on the southern edge of East Matagorda Bay. The inchesdeep water with hard-packed sand bottom was scattered with sheepshead happily munching

by John E. Wood

small crabs. Over the next hour we each had numerous follows. Those finicky, striped crab crunchers would follow our slow-crawled crab flies, meticulously inspecting every detail. They would trail our flies for 10 to 20 feet or more, making our hearts race, then turn away for no apparent reason.

We finally landed one toothy specimen each—the aggressive ones from the bunch that sped in with abandon and ate when the fly was paused. It was my first sheepshead on a fly.

That day left an impression and sparked an obsession, with sheepshead on fly and the idea for a new fly pattern. But exactly how to execute it eluded me for some time while Nick and I concentrated on working out the finer details of a pair of weedless marsh/flats flies.

It’s an arrangement that keeps me vicariously fishing the salt

Materials Hook: Umpqua XS425 BN5X, size 1 or 1/0 Thread: Orange Uni-Thread, size 6/0 Weight: Medium channel lead Abdomen: New Age Chenille, Henry’s Lake Legs: Sili Legs, one pair each of barred sand/orange-tipped and olive/black flake.

Cephalothorax: CCT Fibers, a mixture of olive, brown, tan, gold, fluorescent orange, silver gray, purple, and red

while living 1,500 miles away in Montana.

Several months after the initial idea, a call from Nick requesting whatever prototype I might have got me thinking about it again. It was stacking deer hair that finally sparked the idea of stacking CCT Fibers made by Cascade Crest Tools, the same fibers used to create my weedless Scimitar Minnow and Scimitar Shrimp.

It took a few experiments to get the look I was after, a mottled coloration and a crab body that stood almost perpendicular to the hook shank.

Just days after I sent the first batch of Boogie Crabs to Nick, he called and excitedly said the redfish ate the fly with abandon.

But there were two drawbacks:

The dumbbell eyes caught on vegetation—the Scimitars had spoiled Nick into not having to deal with snags—and the No. 4 hook didn’t hold the fish on the fly.

I made some modifications and sent another batch of flies—sans dumbbell eyes and tied on bigger hooks.

The report on the second batch was encouraging and disappointing. The redfish and black drum eagerly ate them, but only 50 percent of hooked fish were landed. The next batch had even bigger hooks, but still only half of the takers were brought to hand.

Successive tweaks to the fly yielded worsening results, with the percentage of fish that came off the fly increasing with every modification. Nick became as frustrated as I was when he lost what he described as the biggest red he’d ever hooked in Texas. “I know the fish will eat it,” he said, “but I don’t want to lose another huge fish because it won’t hold!”

Pete Shanafelt of Bighorn Anglers in Montana helped solve the problem. He was looking for new or weird crab patterns to take to Mexico for permit. When I showed him the eighth version of the Boogie Crab, he agreed with my suspicions about the fly’s problem: The hook shape was wrong. It worked great with other weedless patterns, but all things considered, it made the crab fly weedless—but also fishless.

I soon sent another batch to Nick.

Less than a week later, he called from the marsh. When I answered, he said, “Six for six!”

“Six for six what?” I asked “Fish—on the new Boogie Crabs!”

He went on to recount the details of landing five redfish and a 34inch black drum. “But let’s not get too excited,” he said, which was funny coming from a guy so anxious to report the results that he called from his kayak. “I want to try it again on Thursday.”

He called me from his truck on the drive home from Thursday’s testing in the marsh. There weren’t as many fish where he was fishing, but five fell for the Boogie Crab.

He was so impressed with version Number 9 he tried to “shake off” a couple of the reds that ate it. “No dice, they didn’t come off,” he said.

“I think we can talk about it now.

I’m convinced.”

Since that time the results have been outstanding. We now have a full set of what Nick calls the only flies you need to fish the marsh or flats: baitfish, shrimp, and crab. All you have to do is change the size and colors. I suddenly feel a trip to the marsh coming on.

John E. Wood is a writer, photographer, and fly designer currently living in Billings, Montana. Find his other creations at jwoodflyfish.com.

TAIL FLY FISHING MAGAZINE 71

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3

4

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Step 1. Start the tying thread at the midpoint on the hook shank. Press the channel lead onto the top of the hook shank with the end just behind the hook eye. Cover the channel lead with tight thread forward to the hook eye then back to the center point of the hook shank.

Trim the back end of the channel lead so it falls just beyond the start of the hook bend.

Step 2. Completely cover the channel lead with thread wraps. (Optional: Coat the thread wraps with a thick layer of head cement or UV resin.) Bind the chenille to the top of the hook from the midpoint back to just off the back edge of the channel lead. Bring the tying thread forward onto the level surface of the channel lead.

Step 3. Invert the hook in the vise and secure it with the hook shank level. Attach one pair of Sili Legs at their center point, one on each side of the hook shank, with three to four thread wraps. Position the legs so they are at the 10 and 2 o’clock positions on the hook shank.

Step 4. Move the thread forward to a point even with the center of the spear of the hook. Attach one Sili Leg to each side of the hook shank with three to four thread wraps. Position the legs so they are at the 10 and 2 o’clock positions on the hook shank.

Step 5. Build a slight thread bump just in front of the forward set of legs, then move the thread up to the eye of the hook in two wraps. Pull the forward set of legs forward and temporarily secure them with one thread wrap between the hook eye and the channel lead.

Step 6. Pull the rear legs up and forward. Make one and a half wraps of chenille behind the rear legs. Pull the legs up and back, and make one wrap of chenille in front of the rear legs. Make two additional wraps of chenille to fill the space between the rear and forward legs.

Step 7. Release the forward set of legs by unwrapping the thread at the hook eye. Pull the legs up and back.

Make one-and-one-half wraps of chenille in front of the forward set of legs. Secure the chenille with thread wraps to the top of the hook shank and trim the excess.

Tilt the hook shank slightly upward in the vise jaws and cover the hook point with a piece of plastic tubing or other solid plastic object.

Step 8. Prepare the CCT Fibers by cutting one small bundle of each color from the hank at the zip tie.

Align them lengthwise in two groups of four bundles each. For a more blended coloration in the final fly, use a small nylon brush to groom each bundle to blend the fibers and colors. Once groomed, cut each group of CCT Fibers into thirds by length, yielding six 2-inch sections of fibers.

8

9

Step 9. Secure a cut group of CCT Fibers to the underside of the hook shank at its midpoint using two loose thread wraps. Distribute the fibers across the lower 180 degrees of the hook shank. Then make two or three tight thread wraps over the attachment point to lock the fibers in place.

Step 10. Fold the forward half of the fibers back and make four to six thread wraps against the front edge of the fold. Make these thread wraps as tight as possible against the fold; this locks the fibers securely onto the hook.

Step 11. Repeat Steps 9 and 10 five more times, securing the remaining 2-inch sections of CCT Fibers to the hook shank. Alternate the colors as you move toward the eye of the hook to vary the mottled coloration. The last group of fibers should be attached to the hook with just enough space to build a slightly bulky, tapered head.

Step 12. Remove the hook point guard and groom the CCT Fibers so they are perpendicular to the hook shank in a 180-degree fan.

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11

12

Step 13. Remove the fly from the vise. Looking at the fly from the front, use scissors to trim the ends of the fibers into a shape similar to a scallop shell.

At this point you can decide how large you want the body of the fly to be.

Step 14. Trim the front and back of the fanned oval of fibers so that the outer edge is tapered almost to a point. The intention is to mimic the shape of a crab shell. When the body of the crab is trimmed to shape, you can trim the legs or leave them full length.

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14 TAIL FLY FISHING MAGAZINE 73

Dem Dry Bones

by A.J. McClane Illustrations by Kiara Tounsley

No fish is more humbling than a big

working out the line, then dropped

tailer who ventures into glass-calm

the fly—a dry Salmon Irresistible—on

shallows—a mere presence that dares

his incoming path. The fish stopped

My last fish of the day was a sunset

you to make the first move. I’ve

to poke his head in the sand, about

loner who came tail-wagging across

forgotten how many myotomes, those

five feet short of the fly. The squirrels

the sand like a hound dog looking for a

explosive elastic bands of muscle, are

pounded in my rib cage. When

long-buried bone. The water was little

contained in that torpedo-shaped

he resumed swimming I gave the

more than ankle deep. Staring into

body, but once spooked, an old forktail

Irresistible a twitch, and 9 ½ pounds

the smoky blue and gold reflections,

can take off like a Ferrari Testarossa

of bonefish dashed at it in a splashy

waiting for him to come into range, I

from a standing start.

rise. He streaked away with that

had that old squirrels-in-the-stomach

stunning acceleration that throws

feeling, wondering whether he would

Although the fish was zigzagging,

spray from a disappearing fly line,

turn, trying to guess when he would

when he was about forty feet away

and was down in the backing before

be most vulnerable.

I got down on my knees and began

I even got on my feet.

74 TAIL FLY FISHING MAGAZINE

TAIL FLY FISHING MAGAZINE 75

Until 1982, I didn’t realize that bonefish could be caught on dry flies. Over the years I had hooked a few fish on the surface with a bucktail wing wet pattern that didn’t immediately sink, and even a few on topwater plugs intended for barracuda. But I was conditioned to the belief that bonefish are strictly bottom feeders and I couldn’t think of a logical reason for them to deviate from that behavior. As every student knows, most of their food consists of benthic or burrowing mollusks and crustaceans, prey probably located by “hearing” and “smell-tasting,” senses that must be highly developed in the albulids. The fish literally stand on their heads as they root in the bottom with tails waving seductively in the air. But bonefish also enjoy a bounty of alpheid and penaeid shrimps, crabs, and other mobile food forms that are flushed in panicky flight, and the tailing activity you see then is in quick, jerky movements as the food is pursued visually.

The most productive way to use the dry fly is on tailing fish. Exactly what a floating pattern represents, I have no idea, but presumably when twitched on the surface, it suggests a crustacean of some kind, such as the snapping shrimp or the miniature pitho, ornate, or spider crabs that will, in mere inches of water, pop to the top when disturbed. Although the vast majority of anglers pursue their quarry from a skiff, going after them on foot with the floater is a totally different adrenaline-pumping game– both a physical and a mental exercise.

For my part, stalking bonefish by wading is the ultimate method. It can’t be done everywhere in bonefish

76 TAIL FLY FISHING MAGAZINE

country because it requires flats with

at the waist or crouching is little

bonefish’s pointy snout. They will

a fairly solid substrate–preferably

better than standing upright like

disappear with the next tide. If there

sand or firm marl with a minimum

a scarecrow in a berry patch with

are any marl in suspension, and a

of grass. This is far more common to

eyeball-to-eyeball encounters. And

dig looks like it holds a little puff of

the Bahamas than Florida, where soft

there’s a vast difference between an

smoke, you are within casting distance

marl bottoms are dominant, especially

angler standing on a bow platform

of a fish–or about to step on one.

on the bay side of the Keys. When

looming eight or nine feet above

wading soft bottoms in Florida, our

the surface in the bonefish’s cone of

Inevitably, there are many frustrations

resourceful Saltwater Fishing Editor,

vision, and the kneeling caster with

in this kind of angling, especially when

Bob Stearns, wears his boat sneakers

his derriere flat against his heels. I

you follow a big bonefish swimming

bolted to a pair of plastic snowshoes,

have squatted perfectly motionless

uptide in the “wrong” direction for

taking big fish in water so shallow

without casting and had tailing

about 200 yards, tailing but staying

that they jet off the flat in a contrail

bonefish come so close that I could

just at the outer limits of a cast,

of mud.

almost reach out and touch them;

only to have him spooked by the

when the school exploded, it was

shadow of a gull passing overhead.

According to Stearns, snowshoes

like taking a shower bath. In the

I have followed individual fish for

slide easily through water. However,

thirty- to thirty-five-foot range, I can

a half-hour before finally getting

in the Bahamas there are places

sometimes make as many as a dozen

close enough for a cast. Bob Stearns

like Ambergris Cay, the Joulters,

dry fly presentations before hooking,

stalked one for forty minutes on

Deadman’s Cay, Santa Maria Point,

or spooking, a tailer. Bear in mind, the

his plastic snowshoes and finally

French Wells, and the many excellent

floating fly doesn’t make a splash, and

nailed it—a 10-pounder. This kind

locations near Deep Water Cay such as

you’re not throwing yards of fish-

of fishing doesn’t add up to large

Big Mangrove, Little Harbour, the Bird

frightening taper across the sky.

scores at the end of the day, but

Bar, Brush Cay, and East End Creek, which offer miles of easy wading.

there’s a tremendous satisfaction in I’ve been fishing with my old friend

a one-on-one contest. Those are the

Gilbert Drake for twenty-five years.

parameters of our game.

Sight fishing from a poled skiff is

Our system is to park the skiff at the

often more productive of numbers, as

edge of a flat, then go our separate

To me, top-water strikes are always

you can cover a greater area and find

ways, keeping about a fifty-yard

much more exciting, whether I’m

more targets. But when there’s visible

interval. Depending on the sun’s

casting for trout, salmon, bass, or

feeding activity, it’s more exciting

glare, I can often spot fish working

any other gamefish. Under the right

to go after bonefish on foot. The

in Gil’s direction and signal him, or

conditions, ladyfish, baby tarpon,

advantage of wading, and indeed the

vice versa. Starting our stalk on the

and even small creek snook can be

real thrill, is that you can get much

downtide side of the flat, if ebbing

taken on dry flies. But there are three

closer to the fish and also take them

or flooding, and wading toward the

distinct advantages to the dry-fly

in the shallowest water, where a skiff

flow, we sometimes meet a constant

method on bonefish. First, you always

would go aground. Tailing incomers

parade of incoming pods and singles.

know where the fly is in relation to the

will sometimes swim within ten feet

Even when no tails are showing,

fish—a critical factor on tailers who

before spooking, provided you get

there are some flats that invariably

often move randomly, slowly changing

down on your knees when casting.

hold feeding fish, and we follow the

direction a few feet left or right. With

In a sense, it is comparable to the

same routine–watching for surface

a sunken fly, it’s easy to misjudge

matador’s classic pase de rodillas

disturbances and bottom sign. The

exactly where the feathers are, or

(literally a pass at the bull while

bottom sign, incidentally, is a visible

when to give the fly some action.

kneeling) as the fish almost blindly

trail of excavated sand or marl. These

Secondly, a floating pattern won’t

charge the fly.

bluish-gray holes in a marl substrate,

hang in the bottom. Even reverse-

individually somewhat triangular in

wing and keel hook wet patterns will

shape, are fresh “digs” made by the

get stuck in turtle grass or pick up

The polite position of simply bending

TAIL FLY FISHING MAGAZINE 77

weeds when cast in what is often

too splashy for spooky fish. A 9-foot

a refusal while fishing with Captain

little more than ankle-deep water. The

leader tapered to an 8-pound-test

Sammy Collins at Bush Cay north of

third advantage is that the fish has

tippet is standard for bonefish and

Deep Water Cay. That would be hard

a much better chance of seeing a dry

provides enough rigidity to turn over

to duplicate even with live shrimp.

fly when you are casting over humpy

#4 and #6 dry flies, which have more

I haven’t done half as well as Ed,

bottoms. Bonefish will often feed in

air resistance than wet patterns.

because I always manage to spook a

places where patches of substrate

few between takes, for one reason

are almost emergent on a falling tide;

So far, I’ve had my best results with

or another. I still get an awful case

they literally squirm from hole to hole,

the Irresistible, the Bomber, the

of buck fever when fish are working

and often a wet fly will sink out of

White Wulff, the Gray Wulff, and a dry

all around me, and my casting goes

sight on the opposite side of a slope.

Muddler. I don’t think pattern is too

to hell. And so far, I haven’t found

important in a surface fly–giving it

the dry fly very effective on cruising

I took one fish of about 8 pounds

a few slight twitches is usually what

fish in water much over knee depth,

recently on a turtle grass flat

triggers the strikes. Although I spray

especially when they are traveling in

bordering a channel near Jacob’s Cay.

the fly with a floatant, salt water is

compact schools, “window shopping”

Even when the tide has almost fully

rather than actively feeding. The wet

ebbed, individual bonefish will often

fly is still the ticket for deeper water.

linger until what seems like the last drop of water, as long as a safe deep channel is nearby. When I spotted this bonefish, his back was out of water and he was rooting like a hog in lush pasture, slowly finning from one pocket to another. By the time I waded into casting distance, he was about to ease over another slope, so I dropped the fly in the next hole. There was no hesitation. I twitched the Irresistible and he swam directly for it, poking his head half out of the water at the take. In the same situation with a wet fly, I almost invariably get hung in the bottom, or the fish

LIKE WINSTON CHURCHILL’S CLASSIC DESCRIPTION OF RUSSIA, THE BONEFISH REMAINS “A RIDDLE WRAPPED IN A MYSTERY INSIDE AN ENIGMA.”

After almost four decades of emptying conch shell out of my wading shoes, I’ve learned that making positive statements about Albula vulpes is fatuous. Like Winston Churchill’s classic description of Russia, the bonefish remains “a riddle wrapped in a mystery inside an enigma.” But I see no reason why the largest fish will not surface-feed in shallow water. The problem is, of course, that we don’t meet trophy fish every day, and as in all new angling methods, we will learn from collective experience.

doesn’t see the fly at all. more dense than fresh water and

A.J. McClane was a former editor for

The ideal outfit for bonefish on the

thus helps flotation. On the negative

Field & Stream magazine, respected

dry fly is an 8- or 8 ½-foot graphite

side, salt water also rusts lightweight,

angler, and skilled wild game cook.

rod calibrated for a #6 line. When

bronzed-wire dry-fly hooks, so washing

McClane published more than 20

fishing from a skiff on windy days,

them in fresh water at the end of the

books, including McClane’s New

I prefer a 9-foot rod with a #9 line,

day is essential.

Standard Fishing Encyclopedia and

and regardless of calm morning

International Fishing Guide, which

weather conditions I bring along

How effective is the dry fly on

had sold nearly 1 million copies at

both, as sight fishing while wading

bonefish? Well, my neighbor, Ed Reddy,

the time of McClane’s death at age 69

becomes impossible when the wind

whom I now count as a pioneer in

in December 1991. This article first

rises. For lines, I prefer a standard

this new dimension (I haven’t met

appeared in Field & Stream February

weight-forward, or triangle-taper; I

anybody else who throws dry patterns

1986 and was collected in The

find saltwater tapers with the more

on the flats), took eight consecutive

Compleat McClane.

terminal, heavy belly section much

bonefish with a floater before getting

78 TAIL FLY FISHING MAGAZINE

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FLY FISHING MAGAZINE

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Ask for Jim Negen TAIL FLY FISHING MAGAZINE 79

NEW GLASSES

by Dave Schonzeit The older I get, the less I want. Or

That’s because life invariably has a

a little girl chase the same monarch

maybe I’ve just realized that I don’t

way of weathering us.

butterfly—completely captivated for

really need the things I once wanted.

15 minutes—through a neighborhood

Ideally, wisdom piggybacks Father

During childhood, everything is new.

park. (Monarchs are a common site

Time and we end up a bit wiser with

Wonder and curiosity gush like a

here in California. During their annual

age and experience. That wisdom,

firehose, and that curiosity leaves us

migration, they’ll pass through San

however, comes at a price, and the

eager to turn over every rock and see

Diego—sometimes by the tens of

process can leave a person reeling.

what’s underneath. I once watched

thousands.) Eventually, the butterfly

80 TAIL FLY FISHING MAGAZINE

flew across the street and the girl

a sort of biological portal to wistful

sooner or later we start to pick at

was called back by her parents.

nostalgia. We only see the world

it. After seeing a thousand monarch

Although I have no children, I suppose

through those eyes once.

butterflies, allure and captivation

this is one of the most fulfilling

can succumb to redundancy and

aspects of raising them: watching

Time hasn’t yet dried life’s fresh

monotony. Later in life, you probably

them experience different facets

morning dew, but we are human

wouldn’t even pay that butterfly a

of life for the first time and living

beings, and no matter how beautiful

glance, let alone stumble around

vicariously through their fascination,

or intriguing something may be,

in awe of its majesty. Something

TAIL FLY FISHING MAGAZINE 81

so exquisite can inevitably become

friend, David Hurley, had been

putting eyes on this species for the

prosaic.

doing it awhile and was excited to

first time. I admired the fish for a

help me make the transition. He

good 15 seconds before sending him

I grew up on the San Diego coast. If

picked me up, we grabbed donuts

back home, a paradigm shift from

I wasn’t chasing bass and bluegill in

and coffee, and we headed for the

the typical “grab the hook with pliers

the local lakes and ponds, I was surf

coast. I remember getting battered

and shake” that I employed in my

fishing the beach with light spinning

by waves while flailing a 7-weight

spin-fish days. Appreciation restored,

tackle. A basic Carolina-rig setup,

in an attempt to cast a constantly

I’d go on to catch three more perch

baited with a sand crab, could earn

tangling full-sink fly line. I couldn’t

that day, and they were all equally

you a multitude of species. More often

keep the line in the stripping basket

special. It also didn’t hurt that they

than not, though, I’d catch barred

to save my life and always seemed to

were taken on my first self-tied fly,

surf perch. Some days, I’d catch a

be stepping on it. The whole situation

an orange Surf Rat.

dozen or more in an outing. But those

was cumbersome, and I took out

perch eventually became monarch

my frustration by yelling an absurd

Life moves quickly—too quickly,

butterflies; no longer fulfilled through

amount of profanity on a crowded

sometimes. Society has its own

the act of simply catching a fish, my

public beach.

agenda, and we can become conned,

focus switched to what I deemed

losing ourselves amid the hustle and

more intriguing surf species such as

I’m happy to say, however, that

bustle. It’s hard to remember to live

corbina, croaker, and halibut.

my persistence eventually paid off.

before you die. Sometimes, it seems

Frustrated but not defeated, I was

the world wants you to forget. We

I didn’t start fly fishing until my

quickly stripping back my fly when

must continue to realize and nurture

mid-20s, and it proved to be a

my line suddenly got heavy. Raising

our passions; they are imperative in

tremendous rebirth. That long

the rod, I watched the tip dance and

bringing us back to center, keeping

parabolic rod really accentuated the

thought, “My God, I actually have a

us inspired, and defogging the lens of

entire experience, and I was now

fish on.” After some gentle coercion,

our perception. These days, my fly rod

fooling fish on my own self-spun

I reached down and cradled my first

is the predominant catalyst for that

creations of feather and fur.

fly-caught surf species, an 8-inch

inspiration. Every fish caught is a life-

barred surf perch. But this perch

enriching microdose of goodness, just

I began fly fishing the surf soon

seemed different. Its pearlescent

as butterflies are always majestic,

after taking up the sport. That first

body shimmered vibrantly in the sun,

regardless of how many we’ve chased

morning, almost 20 years ago, is

complemented by lustrous golden

through the park.

still fresh in my head. My closest

bars and markings. It was almost like

82 TAIL FLY FISHING MAGAZINE

FLY FISH THE EVERGL ADES SCOTT SOMMERL ATTE

TAIL TAIL FLY FISHING MAGAZINE 83

STRAIGHT PATH TO

by Al Quattrocchi

Wading across warm, clear, ankle-

ago. Traveling there still isn’t easy:

single early-Saturday charter flight

deep water on endless flats with a fly

Entering the Bahamas and traveling

out of Nassau each week, so it’s best

rod in hand, as large schools of tailing

between islands requires a Bahamas

to stay in Nassau on a Friday night

bonefish wake through the current,

Travel Health Visa (travel.gov.bs),

to catch the flight the following

can be as good as it gets in saltwater

proof of vaccine card, and a negative

day. There’s also a Wednesday flight,

sight fishing. Crooked Island and

PCR test taken within 72 hours of

but most guides take off Saturdays,

Acklins, part of a Bahamian atoll

entry. Proof of a negative test also

so you’ll likely miss a day of guided

nestled between the more populated

is required prior to reentry to the

fishing with a midweek round-trip

Grand Bahama to the north and

United States. It’s inconvenient, but

schedule.

Turks and Caicos to the south, is

it’s worth the hassle when you step

home to some of the largest wading

off the plane in Crooked Island.

flats in the southern Bahamas.

Prior to pandemic shutdowns, these islands had suffered the devastation

It’s a relatively sleepy, not-too-

of Hurricane Joaquin, which struck

I visited Crooked Island for the first

touristy fly fishing destination that’s

the area October 1, 2015. I was

time with a small group of my fly

easily accessible to US anglers by

concerned about what we would

fishing friends in December. Our

charter plane through Nassau. Home

find after the pummeling from the

anticipation was sky high after covid-

to the country’s first post office

Category 4 storm, but it seemed that

related travel restrictions knocked

and high school, it’s the Bahamas’

the pandemic and the associated

us out of a trip a year and a half

definition of seclusion. There’s a

absence of visitors had allowed

84 TAIL FLY FISHING MAGAZINE

TAIL FLY FISHING MAGAZINE 85

residents time to rebuild. The lodge

Island. It feels like an off-the-grid

Our fly fishing game plan consisted of

had been rebuilt and sported fresh

destination, one I’d wanted to explore

targeting bonefish and permit. Both

paint. The staff was friendly and

since the days 20 years ago when

species are plentiful on this island,

professional, and the guides were fly

Jose Wejebe and Carter Andrews did

and on days with good visibility and

savvy and worked hard to find fish.

a few episodes of The Spanish Fly

light winds, they weren’t hard to find.

The only signs of the hurricane’s

there. Memories of large bonefish

When we encountered big schools of

devastation were the damaged

and massive schools of permit were

bonefish, it wasn’t uncommon to rack

mangrove systems that still dotted

still burned into my imagination.

up big numbers. Our group’s largest

the edges of the channels and flats,

fish were in the 6- to 7-pound range,

resembling a snarled pile of dead,

Despite our hyped expectations,

but we all saw a few double-digit fish

sun-bleached pick up sticks. Some of

we were not disappointed. Crooked

that had our knees knocking. Wading

the wind-swept mangroves had been

remains a wild, unpopulated fly

proved to be the most productive and

completely cleared, leaving large open

fishing paradise, just as it was

enjoyable way to stalk these ghosts

areas for bonefish to forage.

when Jose and Carter put it on the

of the flats. Size-6 tan Gotchas with

map. Pink flamingoes tiptoe across

Sili Legs or tan EP Spawning Shrimp

Crooked Island meets all expectations

expansive white flats while lemon

yielded automatic hookups on the

as a fabulous fly fishing destination.

sharks and sea turtles glide along

bonefish.

It has low fishing pressure and lots

the edges of shallow reefs. Migratory

of large flats with happy bonefish

schools of tarpon pass through these

Most of the permit fishing took place

willing to eat well-presented flies.

islands in the early summer months,

closer to Acklins, which is southeast

With its solitude and diversity of

and resident snook can be found

of Crooked Island. We fished primarily

species, it almost reminded me of

along the edges of the mangroves

from skiffs in water depths of 4 to

an East Coast version of Christmas

year round.

6 feet. Acklins can be accessed from

86 TAIL FLY FISHING MAGAZINE

Crooked Island only by ferry or boat.

bottomed out, bait stacked up in

I dedicated one full day to permit

front of the mangrove edges, making

fishing. We had calm and sunny

them easy to locate. Three tosses of

conditions in the morning and saw

the net put enough bait in the live

many schools of permit. Large schools

well for chumming.

of more than 100 fish were tightly balled up, slowly cruising the surface,

We would anchor along a channel

but they were skittish. Casts had to

or cut and toss out a few baits into

be well in front of the fish, with the

the tidal current; moving water is

hope they’d stay on course toward

critical. It was an exciting and visual

the fly. You have to commit to permit

way to catch many species of fish

fishing to be successful; it often

we wouldn’t have normally targeted

takes days of dedication to catch one.

on the fly. The live baits awoke a

Our best opportunities came from

smorgasbord of exotic species that

fish that were feeding off the back

blew up the surface. I took an extra

of sting rays. The flies of choice were

sinking line for this specific purpose

light tan Danger Muffin Crabs or tan

(a clear intermediate line would work

Strong Arms in size 4.

just as well). Small tan-over-white

Large schools of more than 100 fish were tightly balled up, slowly cruising the surface, but they were skittish.

baitfish patterns or Clousers cast On windy or overcast days, we fished

and swung into the current with

for multiple species. Most of the

an occasional twitch evoked violent

guides carry cast nets, so I asked

strikes. Species like cero mackerel,

them to make bait. When the tide

horse-eye jacks, blue runners,

TAIL FLY FISHING MAGAZINE 87

88 TAIL FLY FISHING MAGAZINE

Half the fun was not knowing what would eat your fly, which made the best of poor sight-casting conditions.

TAIL FLY FISHING MAGAZINE 89

triggerfish, groupers, and mangrove

for skills they learned from Carter and

snappers were common and plentiful.

Jose—expertise they still use today to help

We even hooked and jumped a few

support their families.

local tarpon in the 30- to 50-pound class. Half the fun was not knowing

It was a very productive fly fishing week

what would eat your fly, which

set in a laid back island paradise, filled

made the best of poor sight-casting

with conch fritters, aqua blue water,

conditions.

incredible sunsets, exotic fish, and happy anglers. The people on Crooked Island

I was fortunate to speak with Carter

were knowledgeable, friendly, and willing

Andrews prior to visiting Crooked

to go out of their way to make us feel at

Island, and he provided invaluable

home. I can’t wait to return.

intel. Back in the day, Carter and Jose had taught the locals how to

Al Quattrocchi is the West Coast editor

throw cast nets when they first

for Tail Fly Fishing Magazine. He lives

visited Crooked and Acklins to record

in Los Angeles with his wife, Janet, and

episodes of The Spanish Fly. Many

daughter, Quinn, and loves to fly fish

of the guides on our trip sang their

along the Southern California coast.

praises and expressed gratitude

90 TAIL FLY FISHING MAGAZINE

TAIL FLY FISHING MAGAZINE 91

THE U DERTOW N

Minor Miracles: Landing fish we never should have landed

by E. Donnall Thomas Jr. We had timed our long walk perfectly.

rhythmically, confirming that she was

the waterline adjacent to a small

During the hour required to slog our

firmly attached to a good fish.

coral head. Moments later, her rod tip

way out to the reef, the sun had risen

was bouncing up and down vigorously

high enough to let us see fish and the

As I started to wade in her direction,

just as it had before. Somehow, she

tide had just started to rise. Lori and

a decidedly unladylike burst of

had untangled her line from the coral

I took up positions 50 yards apart

invective rose above the freshening

before it broke, and the chase was on

on the upwind side of a well-traveled

breeze. Her rod tip was still bent, but

again.

sand channel and waited for bonefish

the vital movements I’d seen earlier

to start moving onto the flat with

had disappeared. Diagnosing the

the rising water.

problem was not rocket science. The

***

fish had taken her line around one of

Even heavy fly tackle often feels

The first hour produced nothing but

the channel’s numerous coral heads,

inadequate when confronted by a

a few “maybe, but probably not”

and her chances of landing it had

powerful saltwater fish, and some of

sightings before the long, silent wait

plummeted. At least her line hadn’t

those fights feel doomed from the

exploded. No fish in the sea inspires

broken … yet.

start. Throw in complications like

a whoop! like a big Pacific bone, and

underwater obstructions or a faulty

no one whoops like my wife. When

As I drew nearer, I saw her charge

drag, and it’s usually time to abandon

I glanced in her direction, I saw her

ahead and reel down on her backing

all hope. The fish win the majority

9-weight bent double and pulsing

until she stopped and reached below

of those battles, and I even lose fish

92 TAIL TAIL FLY FLYFISHING FISHING MAGAZINE MAGAZINE

that should have been easy to land—

three circumnavigations of the island

angling companions refuse to believe

in ways varying from the humorous

later, I somehow did. Lori wasn’t with

my claim that I have mastered the

to the tragic. Like most of us who

me then, probably because she was

technique of hooking these fish

have stuck with this challenging

still in high school. My fishing partner

where their teeth can’t reach and

form of angling, I have learned

showed remarkable forbearance,

landed them as a result of skill. Even

to be philosophical, savoring the

even though I’d cost him hours of

Lori insists that it’s pure, dumb luck.

excitement the fish provided before

fishing time. This encounter led to

its departure and analyzing the event

the 20-Minute Rule. From then on,

in search of ways to make the next

whenever one of us jumped a tarpon,

such encounter end differently.

the other looked at his watch, and

When Lori successfully freed her line

***

within 20 minutes the fish was either

on that Pacific bonefish flat, she

There are times, however, when

landed and released or broken off. As

wasn’t out of the woods—or, more

someone actually lands a fish that

soon as I returned home, I started

accurately, the coral heads—yet.

never should have been landed,

buying real saltwater tackle, some of

By the time I reached her side, she

because of difficult circumstances,

which is still with me today.

was working her backing free from

inadequate tackle, or operator error.

another snag. We commonly lose

I’m not a big believer in anglers’ luck,

Not all miraculously landed fish are

fish on those flats whenever a leader

but that’s exactly how most of those

welcome. I was casting beneath birds

meets the sharp edges of the coral.

unexpected successes arise.

in the mid-Pacific one day when

Surviving one such encounter is

a kawakawa struck my streamer,

rare and doing it twice on one fish

I caught my first tarpon in Belize

only to be hammered instantly by

is practically unprecedented, but

nearly 50 years ago. The country

a large bull mahi, in whose jaw my

moments after I arrived at her side,

had not yet emerged as a fly rod

hook somehow found a purchase.

Lori was sprinting away across the

destination, and the vast flats

Fair enough … until a dark, hulking

sand in pursuit of her fish … only to

between San Pedro and the mainland

shadow that looked like a leftover

have her line foul a third time.

were virtually empty of boats.

Jaws prop smacked whatever was

They were also loaded with tarpon.

left on the end of my line, once again

By the time I caught up with her

My first sight cast produced an

leaving me connected, however

again, she not only had the line

immediate strike from a fish in the

tenuously. I had no interest in landing

free but also was watching the

60-pound range—hardly a monster,

the intruder—which turned out to be

exhausted fish swim docile circles

but more than enough under the

a 300-pound Galapagos shark—but I

around her feet. Appearing to weigh

circumstances. The take looked

badly wanted to recover my fly line.

7 or 8 pounds, it was no monster by

surreal and magical, as did the

Since I was fishing without a wire

Hawaiian standards, but still enough

acrobatics that immediately followed.

tippet, I assumed the shark would

fish to have broken her line anywhere

Just like Apollo 13, however, we had

solve that problem quickly by biting

along the way.

a problem, Houston. I’d brought

through the leader.

the heaviest tackle I owned at the

“Three coral heads,” I mused as I

time—a 7-weight glass rod and a reel

But it didn’t. When I finally hauled

reached for my hemostat to release

with inadequate line capacity and

the shark up beside the boat an

the fish. “I married a lucky lady.”

no functioning drag. When the fish

hour later, I saw that the hook had

“Luck, hell!” she replied defiantly.

stopped jumping and began to tow us

somehow embedded safely in the

“That was pure skill, just like the

slowly around a small islet, I couldn’t

side of its jaw. I never should have

time you lip-hooked that big Spanish

do much but hold on and enjoy the

landed that fish, but at least I

mackerel and landed it with no wire

ride.

recovered my fly line. Over the years

leader!”

since then, I have repeated that trick That was my first tarpon, and I really

with a number of toothy species

wanted to land it in a way I seldom

ranging from barracuda to Spanish

care about anymore. Two hours and

mackerel. For some reason, my

Case closed.

TAIL FLY FISHING MAGAZINE 93

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TAIL FLY FISHING MAGAZINE 97

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