Saltwater pattern books
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Most of my saltwater tying has been limited to Clousers and a few poppers.
I plan on living forever, so far so good.
I would like to know as well, it is time to add a book to the library (and get it started) ::)
I usually keep my library on the internet, but I would like to make it a bit more localA good starting point is Saltwater Fly Tying by Scott Sanchez http://books.google.com/books?id=tHFnINqT5bwC&pg=PP1&dq=saltwater+fly+tying+scott+sanchez#v=onepage&q=&f=false
The saltwater game is a whole different bowl of chili compared to trout and warmwater patterns. Fortunately, many of the saltwater patterns are often effective on lakes for bass – so at least it’s not a complete one trick pony. Honestly Allan, most of the patterns are species and location specific and not easily learned from a single book. Personally, I have wasted more money tying ineffective patterns than I care to mention. Here’s my advice – learn 6 basic patterns that are effective in all locations and then branch out from there. Also, concentrate on three specific species at first. That way you will have go-to patterns for a select target. Finally, saltwater tying is “ALL” about select the right hook for the job. That is advice you won’t get from a book but any guide will quickly tell you on the boat.
Here are 6 beginner patterns that might help you get started and won’t break the bank. In no particular order . . .
1. Clousers (subsurface, moderate to deep). Use TMC 811s hooks, size 1 is standard, also size 2, dumbbell eyes in 3/16″ for size 1 hooks and 5/32″ for size 2 hooks. Buy good quality bucktail (classic) or use modern synthetics once you have the basics down. Video tutorial here http://www.flyfisherman.com/ftb/bobclouser/index.html. Great video.
2. Schminnow (subsurface, shallow to moderate depending on eye weight). Great baitfish pattern and applicable to freshwater fishing. Use 3/16″ eyes for deeper flies and bead chain eyes for shallow flies. Video here http://www.hatches.tv/play.php?vid=222.
3. Velcro crab (shallow). Tie a bunch and leave them white. Color with permanent waterproof markers base on location. Tutorial here http://www.flyanglersonline.com/flytying/fotw2/101303fotw.php
4. Seaducer (top water). The workhorse! The starting point for most of the advanced topwater flies. Applicable in saltwater and freshwater and rivers and floating and sinking lines. Tutorial here http://flyartstudio.com/wordpress/?p=432.
5. Gotcha (shallow). More of a bonefish pattern but considered a classic saltwater pattern. Also effective for carp. Video here http://www.splashvision.com/Video/5380_Fly-Tie-Goldass-Gotcha.html. Tutorial here http://www.stripstrikecharters.com/gotcha.htm.
6. Toad (topwater to shallow). Effective just about anywhere. Tutorial here http://flyartstudio.com/wordpress/?p=405.
Note: I will throw in a 7th fly for good measure – the Kwan fly! The little jewel! Great for many different species in most locations. Can be fished as a crab or baitfish pattern based on technique. Unfortunately, there are no good tutorials out there at the moment (I plan to post one in the near future).
Note two:
Allen, below are Belize specific flies that work for bonefish. If you are chasing Permit or Tarpon, use standard crab patterns or the Toad fly respectively (especially a black and red Toad). If you want to tie specifically for that region try these patterns. PM me if you questions about materials, etc.
The number one fly in Belize during our last trip was the craft fur flea (a local concoction). This pattern is very productive down there. Hook is Gama SC15 size 4-6. Basically, cut up craft fur dubbed and twisted with silly legs in three pairs. Pair of burnt mono eyes off the back. Bead chain and dumbbell eyes. Very easy to tie and inexpensive. Best color is white or light tan craft fur with white silly legs. Light blue and medium tan also worked.
Henry Cowan’s Bonefish Shrimp Scampi http://www.henrycowenflyfishing.com/flies_07.html
Spawning shrimp
The Kwan
Bonefish Sliders and variants shown below (small, tied on Gama SC45 size 8)
Gotcha fies. Tie on a Gama SC15 size 2-4, most importantly tie a variety with mono eyes, beadchain eyes, and lead eyes to vary the sink rate.
Two books that I like for my fishing here in the northeast are “Pop Fleyes” by Bob Popovic and “A Perfect Fish” by Ken Abrams. They aren’t pattern books, showcase two different philosophies on tying flies for fishing in salt water.
Check out “Fly Fisherman’s Guide to Saltwater Prey:…” by Aaron Adams. Good discussion of saltwater bait and imitative patterns. Not a beginner’s book, but it looks like you know how to tie. Saltwater patterns don’t require any unusual techniques and frankly, I usually find saltwater fish less critical of my tying ability than the trout I have have cast to.
Allan,
Three useful and not terribly dated books on Saltwater Flies are:
Prey-Designing and Tying New Imitations of Fresh and Saltwater Forage Foods, Carl Richards, 1995
Saltwater Flies-Over 700 of the Best, Deke Meyer, 1995
A Fly Fisher’s Guide to Saltwater Naturals and Their Imitation, George Roberts Jr., 1994
Brought a 9 wt. TCR/Bauer and 10 wt. Loomis Crosscurrent/Abel.
I plan on living forever, so far so good.
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