I hate it when its Stale

Posted on July 31, 2024 by Ed Mitchell

I hate it when its stale

Posted in Uncategorized | 2 Comments

Estuary Magazine

Posted on July 23, 2024 by Ed Mitchell

Estuary Magazine,

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.

Posted in Fly Fishing in Freshwater | 2 Comments

Sunset Redfish

Posted on July 21, 2024 by Ed Mitchell

Sunset Redfish

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!

Posted in Fly Fishing in Salt Water | 1 Comment

Poppers are Wild

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.

 

Posted on July 4, 2024 by Ed Mitchell | Leave a comment

Sight-Fishing for Snook

Posted on June 7, 2024 by Ed Mitchell

Sight-Fishing for Snook

My buddy Dave, the “Fish Whisper”, has been stalking snook on Florida’s Gulf Coast. Got himself a true corker this time, as you can see below. That must have been wa hoot. Way to go Dave!

A few days back, Dave saw a group of snook laid up. By this time of year, they have boogied from their winter haunts in the backcountry, and returned to open water. He found them bunched up in small pods on top of a bar, finning in the current.

Dave’s fly of choice was a meaty 5inch Lefty’s Deceiver, tied on a Gamakatsu  1/0 SC 15 hook. To ensure the fly landed softly, he didn’t add any epoxy or eyes. Dave tells me trying to get a fly close to a big snook is extremely difficult. They spook easily. A bit of a breeze rippling the surface helps, as does keeping your backcast low. Well, he got it right this time, as he usually does.

Posted in Fly Fishing in Salt Water | Leave a comment