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One of today’s hottest techniques in fishing is the salt-water version of fly-fishing. As one might guess, this is kind of a larger scale of the old and popular freshwater fly-fishing, but with a few variations on techniques and equipment.
One of the most popular ways to fish salt-water is using sight-casting techniques, although wind can hamper this technique by muddying the waters, to low or zero visibility. Anyone who has ever been sight fishing knows it comparable to stalking wild game, and there are as many methods as there are fishermen.
Sight casting is the technique of casting your bait/fly to feeding fish in very clear water, and is used in both fly-fishing areas, fresh and salt water alike. The usual way that this practice is performed is to do a lot of scouting; once you find a school of fish they will usually stay in the same general area for quite awhile. You should be near the shoreline, or the troughs made by the current through the flats or shallow waters. Always try to fish on a rising tide, for that is when fish schools tend to move into the structure of shallow waters and feed on the crustaceans that are out and about.
Wading or drifting through the shallow flats of various shallow waters with hard sand or mud bottoms on the more calm and clear water days provides the best opportunity to literally “hunt” for your quarry. When stalking fish one must watch for its ever so subtle and visual clues, the tail fins protruding from the water, swirling ripples or other visual signs, and then placing your cast so that a fish will take the bait. This exciting moment is only exceeded by actually boating (or stringing/releasing) your fish after a sometimes-lengthy fight.
Spotting and approaching a group or individual fish requires great patience and slow moves. One practical and common approach is moving toe-to-heel, thus dragging your feet into each step and never losing touch with the bottom. Theory being, you're less likely to stir the water, scare the fish and/or step on an unwary stingray.
Many guides and anglers know that an essential tool in sight fishing is a good pair of polarized sunglasses; a pair with amber lenses for the murkier salt waters such as the Gulf of Mexico are great. As for the rod and reel needed, the best choice is your personal preference, but you’ll need a heavy gage rod (8 to 10 weight) and a salt-water reel to accompany your rod. For best results choose flies that resemble a shrimp or local bait fishes.
Weather conditions can make or break a fishing trip, so come prepared. The winter and spring months are sometimes unpredictable and you should pack an assortment of clothing. Bring long pants, sweats, and long sleeved shirts, an insulated waterproof jacket and heavy waders with you on your salt water fly fishing excursion.
All anglers agree that “patience”, the long time known “best virtue” of all fishermen, is a must when fly fishing. Fly-fishing salt water offers an adventure unlike fresh water fly-fishing. Be sure to assemble the proper equipment, select the perfect lures, flies or bait to assure you the most successful excursion. Most sporting goods department stores can assist you with selections.
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