Flats Fishing 101 by: Joel Dickey
Posted By Kent Klewein on November 17, 2008
Practice, Practice, Practice……
As winter arrives many people start dreaming of warmer weather… Many of these people are also thinking of making the transition from fly fishing in freshwater to fly fishing in saltwater. The fact that every outdoor channel in the world is showing some professional angler in an exotic destination chasing bonefish, permit, and the king of the flats the mighty tarpon, doesn’t help either. Like most anglers during this time of year, you’re probably stuck inside watching football.
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Florida Keys Flats Guide, Capt. Joel Dickey
Saltwater flats fishing, has many more elements to it than fishing in a stream. The biggest difference is the fish aren’t stationary. They’re constantly moving and at best you might get a couple of shots at them and that’s it. To make your trip less frustrating here are some helpful tips…
Florida Keys Tarpon
Tip number One: Practice your casting.
It is so imperative that your casting be the last thing you’re thinking about when flats fishing. Thankfully, there are some things you can do to help eliminate this. Instead of watching football all day Saturday and Sunday go outside and cast! The best method is to strip about 50 to 60 feet of line off your reel and practice casting “tight” loops. While doing this make sure you go from a really slow line speed to a very fast line speed (without creating tailing loops). If you start creating tailing loops during your cast slow your casting back down and work your way back up to a fast line speed. You must have fast line speed to deliver your fly into the wind, and trust me, there will be wind. It will also help with the fact that you’ll have about five seconds to get the fly in front of the fish!!! This can be supplemented by “double hauling” also. This will assist you in generating optimal line speed. If you don’t know how to “double haul” go to your local fly shop and schedule some casting lessons.
Joel Dickey with Permit
Tip number two: Practice presenting your fly with your backcast
The next thing to be practicing is presenting your fly to a target with your backcast. The fish don’t always come from the perfect direction! Practice this in your yard by casting to a target at your back. You’ll greatly increase your success on the flats by becoming comfortable presenting your fly with your backcast. I can’t tell you how many shots at fish are wasted, due to the fact, that someone cannot present their fly to a fish by using their backcast.
Joel Dickey with Bonefish
Tip number Three: Be ready to learn
The most important factor during your trip is having the willingness to learn!! Your first experience on the flats will be a huge change in what you’re used to. You must act like a sponge, listening to your guide. Not just in casting or how to fish the fly, but also in how your guide reacts to fish, how he judges distance, and how he positions the boat. And if you find that you like your guide, stick with him or her, because the next time you come down you’ll know what to expect from them! The more you fish together, the better you’ll become as a team.
I hope these tips are helpful. These are just a few situations that you’ll encounter on your first saltwater fishing trip. Lastly, when you decide to go flats fishing get as much information as you can from your guide. The more you know, the better off you’ll be prepared for your first flats experience.
Tight Lines,
Capt. Joel Dickey
Florida Keys, Flats Guide
305-619-7769
Now Booking trips for 2009!
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