Mark’s Mini Crab Fly
Mark Lewchik is a fabulous fly tyer. Freshwater Saltwater, big flies, small flies, dry flies, wet flies, it just doesn’t matter. He does them all in spades. Recently I was at a BBQ and Mark handed me this miniature crab fly. Beautiful job. Without legs and claws, the body fits roughly on a dime. And check out the coloration! Highly detailed and spot on! Terrific workmanship. You got to love it.
As some of you know, I write a regular column for Estuary Magazine. I already did an article covering a year’s worth of hatches on the famous Farmington River. In the upcoming fall issue, I’ll give you a bit more information on this wonderful destination.
Above is my shot for the cover of the fall issue. It is a vintage fiberglass fly rod I bought years ago directly from Tom Morgan back when he owned Winston. I still fish it to this day. For you guys interest in classic fly rods, this is an 8 foot, 3 piece, 2 tip rod that casts a 5 DT like a dream.
A lot tide at sunset is a super time to search for tailing redfish. Why is that? For several reasons. Late in the day, the wind frequently drops, and the surface becomes glass. Reds are far more likely to tail in calm conditions, and their tails will be easier to see as well. Especially if you have the sun over your shoulder.
Another great reason to look for reds in the evening is the simple fact that there is far less boat traffic. Just one boat buzzing by can spook the fish. You want the flat to yourself.
Above friend Dave shows a sunset red. Yeah it all came together – low water, calm conditions and no noise. Rock on!
Now here’s a happy angler with a beautiful bass on a popper. Its a true thrill, one every saltwater fly rodder should experience. But I’ll venture to say that not many anglers have had the pleasure. Sure, they may have caught a few schoolies on a popper, but never used a popper to hunt for big fish.
Why are poppers underutilized flies? Well, for a slew of reasons. First, they are not as universally effective as a subsurface fly like a Lefty’s Deceiver or a Bob Clouser’s Deep Minnow. Those flies work in wider range of situations. Second, poppers are more operator intensive. You need to know how to work them, and when to set the hook. And there is more.
Third, poppers typically use long shank, stainless steel hooks which make them vulnerable to opening up under heavy pressure. So don’t be a damn hero, don’t slam the hook home. In fact, with a striper, wait until the fly goes under before striking. That’s super tough for some guys, they just have to bang the fish right off. Fourth, don’t apply maximum pressure constantly during the fight, remember that longshank hook. Keep a cool head.
And lastly poppers are harder to cast. Practice before throwing one, believe me. Practice. Given all that are poppers worth it? You bet. At times a big bass will swirl under a popper several time before taking it. Man your heart will be pounding, amigo. And when they do grab, the strike is memorable. You got to love it. Poppers are wild.
