Fly fishing from a boat is great fun. And I like fly fishing from a kayak too. Still the most exciting saltwater fly fishing, in my opinion, happens right from the beach. Not sure I can fully explain why that is. Perhaps its the simplicity of it. Its just you the sea and the fish. It feels pure, and immediate.
Since I moved to Florida, I’ve not done much beach fishing. There isn’t that much access in my local area. I have traveled to Sanibel Island, and Pine Island, but yesterday I located a new spot that is very nice. Stump Pass Park on Manasota Key.
Stump Pass
Stump Pass Park
The “Pass” itself is an inlet between Englewood Beach and Knight Island, which allows the Gulf to mix with Lemon Bay. It’s a pretty spot, as you can see. So what’s up with the dead trees? I believe they are an invasive species called Australian Pines. They were introducted to Florida many decades ago to stablize shorelines, but since efforts have been underway, at least on public lands, to remove these pines and return things to a natural state. And I think these dead trees are part of that program.
