Frenzy
Saltwater Fly Fishing. How Crucial is Weight and Sink Rate?
Mar 8th
Saltwater Fly Fishing
When it comes to selecting the correct size for a bonefish or permit fly, a good general rule is the shallower the water, the smaller the fly. Regardless of the SIZE of the fly, however, the weight and sink rate is crucial. When fly fishing any saltwater flats destination, your permit and bonefish fly boxes should contain flies with at least 3 different sink rates: unweighted, slightly weighted, and heavy.
Unweighted, or Skinny Water Flies:
- Tied as light as possible, usually without eyes or with plastic bead chain eyes. Fish these patterns in extremely shallow water or over flats where the turtle grass is thick. (Usually in water that is less than one foot deep).
Slightly Weighted Flies:
- Use standard bead chain eyes or micro-barbell eyes. These flies are designed for water that is one to two feet deep, where turtle grass and coral may or may not be an issue.
Heavy Flies:
- Effective in water that is greater than 2 feet deep. Be sure that the heavy category includes smaller hook sizes as well as larger patterns.
The concept of matching your fly’s weight to the water depth and conditions is a simple one. In skinny water, very little weight is required to sink the fly a few inches, and a delicate presentation is essential.
When fishing deeper water situations, the splash of a fly is much less perceptible, and a weighted fly is the only thing that can get tot he bottom fast enough.
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How to Properly Release a Fish
Feb 23rd
Safety First
I believe that the longer someone has been fishing, the more that person is concerned with the safe release of the fish. However, I believe there are certain tips that fly fisherman forget every no and again when landing/releasing a fish. Here are some tips to remember.
#1. Fish Barbless Hooks
- It’s easier to remove the hook from the fish’s mouth. Plus it makes it easier to remove the hook from Rudy’s eyebrow. Right Rudy!
#2 Avoid Fishing When Water Temperatures are High
- Trout need cool water to survive, and high water temperatures lead to higher mortality rates.
#3. Land the Fish as Quickly as Possible
- Fish heavier tippet, use a stronger drag setting, and work the rod to land the fish quickly. A completely exhausted fish struggles to be revived.
#4. Minimize your Handling of the Fish
- A rubberized net is recommended, and fish should never be handled with a dry hand. Make sure you dip your hands in the water before touching the fish.
#5. Fully Revive the Fish Before Releasing it
- Hold it upright in a gentle current facing upstream to allow oxygen into the fish’s gills.
#6. Photograph Fish Quickly and Carefully
- If shooting photos, do so quickly and avoid lifting the entire fish out of the water whenever possible. I received great advice from a seasoned guide who said if you do take it out of the water to photograph, the one-hand-under-the-belly-lift works best.
Fly Fishing for Monster Tarpon in the Most Peculiar Places
Feb 17th
Fly Fishing for Tarpon
I have always been intrigued at the notion of fly fishing for monster tarpon off the western coast of Africa. Places such as Sierra Leone and Guinea Bissau have been held in reverence for holding world record tarpon. Matter of fact, the world record tarpon was taken out of Sierra Leone (283lb 4 oz Sierra Leone 1991 Y. Victor Sebag)
I have also been following the group out of South Africa called Flycastaway. They are one of the most unique guiding services out there and have put together a pretty sweet video about fly fishing for tarpon in West Africa.
ENJOY!
If Filmmakers Directed the Superbowl.
Feb 14th
Reviewing Superbowl Sunday!
Is the NFL season really already over?
It has only been one week since the Superbowl, but I’m already a bit bummed that the NFL season has come to an end. In light of the great game last week I found this pretty sweet clip about what the previews of the Superbowl would be if Filmmakers directed it. I don’t know some of the Filmmakers, but Quentin Tarantino’s piece rocked!
Eastern Rises
Feb 12th
I can not wait to watch the full video.
Eastern Rises | teaser from felt soul media on Vimeo.
