Level with me about saltwater fly fishing guys…

[Abe Mathews]

I mean it, I’m ready for the truth.   Saltwater fly fishing is a very elaborate (and expensive) snipe hunt, right?

I’m back in Pensacola – this time a bit later than I’ve gone in previous years.  I’ve been coming down here for 4 years.  I’ve probably got a total of 10 days on the water over the 4 years.  And in that time, I’ve seen one fish, and felt one thump.  This year I’m not starting out better.  I’ve got access to Ft. Pickens this time, but I’m fighting sustained 25 mph winds.  I found a 3 mile spartina flat today and figured there had to be redfish.  None that I could see.

I’ve switched from a floater to an intermediate, but this evening I’m going to try fishing my type IV sinker in a location that folks have been getting some sheepshead.

Oh well, it beats work by a long shot, and Zach’s help with casting has certainly made a difference.  Hope springs eternal.

I did make a friend, though:

[craig phillips]

I can hear the fishing tackle execs sweating now that their hoax has, at long last, been exposed!

I won’t claim to be an expert, but I suspect I have far more days in the salt than most Midwesterners (I know, that’s like one of the finest wines of Idaho – bonus points if you get that reference).

[Zach Matthews]

Abe –

It’s just a terrible time of year to be beach fishing, and if you want to be in the fish this time of year, you’re pretty much limited to the marsh or the deep.

[flybyknight]

I live 10 miles from the ocean, and 30 miles from the Chesapeake.
It all boils down to timing!
The fish have to be there; because they do migrate.
Also, If they are on the bottom, that means your fly must be
on the bottom; not a foot off the bottom, but on the bottom.
Hope this helps.

Dick

[Neal Osborn]

Abe, if all fishing is local, then saltwater fly fishing is a magnitude more specific – like a closet in a room in a local store.  A guide is often worth the money just to get you close to fish – they know the tides, the winds, the patterns, the lore, etc.  I only fish flats and beaches that I know well, and usually I still hook up with a local who knows the runs.  

As for Pensacola, you couldn’t have picked a worse time to chase fish on the flats.  They are not there yet.  Also, that is a one tough place to fish in general without a guide and a boat.  However, with a guide – well let’s just say I’m hooked.  I try to get down more frequently now that I have found Baz (http://www.gulfbreezeguideservice.com/gbgs%20photo%20gallery%202009%20winter.htm).

You need days like this in Pensacola to site cast.

The Pensacola Pompano are challenging but very addictive.

[Peter E.]

It is the most frustrating thing in the world when you first get down to fishing this sort of place. Living in Mobile, I came from fishing warm water streams and rivers in central Alabama and I was about ready to break my fly rod after the first summer down here.

it seemed like Redfish were a myth and specks were too. But You learn. Tell ya what if you’re still down there, do your self a favor and hit the lighted docks tonight with a small clouser minnow or deceiver in white. There are specks under those lights right now and they are more than willing to eat a fly. They are waiting,

Check out places like this http://pensacolafishingforum.com/fishingforum/ and talk to the folks down there. And the next time you come down this way you can drive a bit and fish with me in Mobile and we’ll see about getting you over the idea that saltwater fly fishing is a snipe hunt.

And the boys are right, it boils down to time of year and water temp. But there are plenty of fish to be caught. Here is another thing to check out, http://www.mbkfa.com, we’re happy to help out too.

Pete

[Abe Mathews]

Y’all are right, of course.

I went back to a spot today that I fished last year and ran into a fly fisherman.

[paul_puckett]

Abe…need to be fishing the low tide on mud flats right now, dont go near the high tide grass flats…no crabs yet, no tailers…sight fish to low tide reds behind the mud barriers and structure.

[todd taylor]

Wind SUX! I am in destin this week as well. This year is a little late as far as the water temp goes. If you are looking for reds on the fly you are in a tuff place my friend. Call up the old florida outfitters and ask for Capt. Jason Stacy. It will cost you a few coin but, he will show you some reds on the fly. This winter has been tuff on florida! The fish are here but, they are well educated. I have fished them in the heat of summer as well as the cold of winter and I can tell you they live here. Reds are just plain tuff in the panhandle but, it’s the hunt that makes them fun. If you want dumb easy fish (I Do) book a trip to LA. Bones in the Bahamas are way easier to catch on the fly than reds in panhandle. When the water temps creeps into the 70’s the beach will be going off. Ladyfish, Pomps, Jacks… ect. Have faith my friend it will get better. I went through the same stuff before I got hooked up with a good guide.  😎

[Bob Riggins]

You have to learn to read salt just like any other type of water.

[lawrence underwood]

Peter’s advice is right on the money.

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