After our day with Captain Rhett Morris, my son and I did some fishing on our own. Under bright skies, we paddled north into the backcountry.
Backcountry kayaking
While working a shoreline from the Chupacabra, my son hooked a nice snook. It pulled him around a bit. Fun. Before the day was done, he had two more. The backcountry is a great place to explore.
Backcountry snook
Recently my son came down for a visit, and naturally we spent most of the time on the water. The first day we fished on our own. No reds or snook, but we had all the spotted sea trout action we could handle. At one point my son had 8 fish on 8 casts. They were not large fish; still we were hooked up for a good part of the day. Enjoyed it.
Nice Size Snook
The following day we went out with Captain Rhett Morris ( 941-505-8481) of Beyond Borders Outfitters.blogspot.com. Rhett did an excellent job for us. Chumming with live bait, he got snook and reds up, angry, and eating. Beside a few snook, including the one pictured about, my son had 7, I think, big redfish. I’m talking fat, upper slot reds that pulled like demons. Lotsa fun!
Big Redfish
If clouds could speak, a story they could tell. Yes the sky is a future teller. And this morning, windswept clouds told of front to come.
If Clouds could Speak
Caught a boat ride out into Charlotte Harbor. The AM was calm. After noon the wind went SE and pushed back us toward shore. A few fish were brought aboard, although I landed none.
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.
I fish SW Florida flats on a regular basis. While there are a great variety of species to chuck a fly at, you don’t always need dozens of different patterns. A few will do. That suspicion was supported by a lecture I recently attended by Capt Skip Zink. He pointed out that you are really trying to match only three things: baitfish, crabs, and shrimp. Not so hard.
Lately I’ve relied heavily on just two flies: a baitfish pattern, and a crab pattern. We all know there are many excellent baitfish patterns to pick from, but I’ve been using a good old Lefty’s Deceiver. It is never a bad choice. Easy to tie, and easy to buy. In the Northeast I used them from size 1# up to size 5/0#. In Florida I go smaller – size 2# up to size 1/0#. I dressed the ones below to look like small spotted seatrout. They’re size 1#
Lefty’s Deceiver
Crabs flies are essential for redfish, especially after the forage fish exit the flats in the fall. Once again there are plently of patterns to choose from. I like the “Kwan” style. Its a bit like a crab, a bit like a shrimp, and it is a fair baitfish imitation as well. Great. The one below has a “mono” weed guard, and rubber legs. The body is brown Woolly Chenille; it is very easy to work with and has some bulk. The tail is orange Craft Fur. Sizes? I use 1# down to 6#.
Kwan Style Crab Fly
Crab flies should sink. Hence, you may want to add some weight. Lead eyes sink fast, but make more disturbance when they land. So in real skinny water bead chain eyes – such as the ones in the picture – may be a better choice. But either way, a little weight has another advantage. It helps straighten out the leader, making for a more accurate cast.
