Skylands Angler

Riding High

2011-12-22T14:03:00.000-05:00

Riding High: A Season on the Fly from Waterline Media on Vimeo.

On a role here with the postings the past few weeks, but will be slowing down for the next few. I thought I would end the year with what I believe is probably the best internet clip on tarpon fishing ever. Enjoy and happy holidays to you and yours.

Pile Cast

2011-12-21T14:03:00.002-05:00

McNeil - Pile Cast from Marshall Cutchin on Vimeo.

From On the Fly Productions , the same filmmakers that brought Once in a Blue Moon (the award winning film about New Zealand trout fishing), have put together a great instructional video on fly casting which can be found on MidCurrent. While there are many (bad) videos on how to cast and beginning casting methods, this video nails it. From the beginner to the advanced caster, you will watch this and learn something new and more important, useful. The above video is on a Pile Cast, which is a cast I use very often for dry fly fishing to difficult spring creek trout. If you are interested you can see more clips from this movie and purchase at Midcurrent

Scott Fly Rod - behind the scenes

2011-12-15T11:33:00.000-05:00

Scott Fly Rod Co. | Behind the Scenes from felt soul media on Vimeo.

With fishing equipment being outsourced to production in the far east more and more, Scott Fly Rods continue to manufacture all of their rods in the USA. Here is a behind the scenes look at the factory by Felt Soul Media who, in my opinion, made the best fishing movie in a long time with Eastern Rises.

Ode to Striped Bass

2011-12-13T20:42:00.001-05:00

This new video by Peter Laurelli covering the 2011 season is pretty epic. If that isn't enough to make it through the winter, there is plenty more footage by Peter at http://vimeo.com/user783419/videos

Mosquito Lagoon Redfish

2011-12-12T13:34:00.001-05:00

This time of year the redfish are moving through the lagoon systems in search of food on the flats. While they are not tailing as much as other times of the year, they are still moving around the shallows and looking to eat.

The primary food source this time of year on the flats for redfish is glass minnows, anchovies and mullet. With the abundance of baitfish, it is better to try to sight fish for them rather than blind casting at nervous water as many of these bait pods are not holding game fish. While blind casting can produce fish in off-colored water and deeper holes, it is better to find the fish first and then place a lead of 2-3 feet in front and then start moving the fly when the fish gets to about a foot from it. The flies that are currently working are mullet and small baitfish patterns with small crab patterns also occasionally accounting for a fish. In clear water I like to use lighter colors and then use a combination of black and purple for when the water is off colored. I have found that while calmer days allow for using a 7 or even 6 weight fly rod, a soft 9’ 8 weight like the Scott S4S with a Rio Saltwater line and a 9’ 12# Rio leader is a perfect everyday setup for the lagoon.

Holiday Gift Ideas

2011-12-09T12:14:00.012-05:00

It’s that time of the year where small gifts for the avid or weekend fisherman are given, but unfortunately most of those gifts wind up on in the garage only to collect dust and then eventually thrown away. In order to try to avoid this predicament I have tried to come up with a list of gifts under $30 that almost any fisherman would love to have and use regularly. Here is a list of a few items:

- H Headwaters Taco Bag: This is a cool bag from Simms that allows for the angler who regularly uses waders to keep the river (and its smell) out of the car. If you use waders regularly whether in fresh or saltwater and always have difficulty at the end of the day finding a place to put the now soaked and sandy boots and waders, this is it. MSRP: 29.95

- Revivex: This is a great gift for anyone who has Gore-Tex products that are starting to age. If Gore-Tex doesn’t seem to shed water like it once did, it is probably time to apply this to the garment. MSRP 14.95

- Sebile Slender Eel: Are you looking for a stocking stuffer for the avid surf angler? If so, the new slender eel from Sebile is a great year round lure. This lure represents a bait / forage fish, the sand eel, which striped bass feed on year round with a profile and action that attracts all fish. This bait in Ghost Violet will be the go-to bait for that person for years to come. MSRP 14.10 - 15.58
http://www.sebileusa.com/slenderEel.php

- Connect (DVD): From the film makers of “Drift” and “Rise”, Confluence Films has released its third and final film. While the film focuses around destination fishing with the fly rod; the music, scenery and exotic fish transcend to anyone who enjoys dreaming of fishing while the weather outside may be frightful. MSRP: 29.95
http://www.confluencefilms.tv/

- Cliff Outdoors Super Days Worth Box: This box can hold enough for a day or years worth of fishing for the minimalist fly fisherman, begins the collection for the new fly fisherman or increases the collection of the established fly fisher. MSRP 28.85
http://www.cliffoutdoors.com/index.php?page=the-super-days

- Seaguar Red Label Fluorocarbon: This stuff is tough, abrasion resistant and strong and a line which I use with confidence for salmon, steelhead, redfish and striped bass. MSRP: 12.99

Salmon River Steelhead

2011-12-01T17:52:00.004-05:00

Salmon River is holding a lot of Steelhead right now. As of today, the upper fly section of the river has closed for the season, but fish can be found throughout the river.

In high pressured areas or as the fish move further upstream the best patterns were steelhead candy, black stoneflies and smaller nymph patters. As new fish continue to enter the river standard sucker spawn and egg patterns work well for the fresh chrome fish. The river is also seeing a good share of brown trout and a few lingering salmon are still there, but will not be much longer.

Water levels are really low so while the river continues to hold a lot of fish, these fish are more likely to hit in the morning and then sparsely throughout the day as fishing pressure and the low water seems to slow the bite. Possibly, with the cold front which has moved in less fishing pressure will exist making the bite pick up once again. While winter conditions are quickly closing in, right now is a great time to target steelhead in the river if you can find a nice gap in the weather.

Party Boat Fishing

2011-04-20T11:42:00.000-04:00

The party boats have started their engines and have begun making their first runs to the striper grounds out of the Atlantic Highlands Marina. With some of the best early season striped bass fishing off of Flynn’s Knoll and outgoing tides off of the hook and false hook the catches are soon to start becoming consistent.

In becoming successful for striped bass from a party boat, there is another consideration which should be taken into account, which would not come into play from a private boat (most likely) or from the shore…the chum/scent line. As 20-30 people are throwing bait in the water, deck hands breaking clams and the boat sitting on anchor all creates a big scent line extending out from the boat in the direction the current is running.

On a day where fishing is easy and big schools are eager to bite, dropping the bait over the side can work. However, most of the time that is spent on a boat when there is a slower bite, it is a different story. Typically, to be successful your bait needs to be the first that the bass will come to in the scent line. In order to do this, you will need to be the furthest caster on the boat.

Other than practicing distance while keeping a clam on the hook, there are some other things you can do to better your chances to catching more fish.

First is to reduce the line diameter: A smaller diameter line casts further. This also means reducing the strength of the line (as almost all party boats do not allow braided line), so make sure the drag is set accordingly. Another added benefit is that the fish can not see a 15lb line as well as a 25lb line.

Next would be to match the rod/reel combo to the weight thrown: Fishing rods are rated for certain size weights. Typically, you can go over the weight slightly, but above and below that range performance quickly deteriorates. When I step onto a party boat I am typically carrying 2 combos. One rod which casts weights in the 1-3 oz range and another combo which handles weights on the 2-5 oz range. For me, this covers about 90% of the conditions I will run into.

Cast what is most comfortable to you: If you are used to casting a spinning reel, use that… a party boat is probably not the place to try something new.

Cast the furthest from anchor: A part boat is going to typically anchor from the front of the boat. The best place to start that cast is from the back of the boat. This is not a secret and is the reason why you need to get in line 2 hours before the trip sets sail to get one of the coveted spots.

Rod length: Rod length plays a big role in how far a cast will go. Due to space at the back of the boat coming at a premium, I would not exceed 7’6” but at the same time keep the rod length to a minimum 7’.

Hope this helps in your next time on the water!

Fluorocarbon

2011-03-21T12:11:00.000-04:00

With fishing magazines and TV shows touting fluorocarbon over monofilament leaders, I have found that there are a lot of myths out there surrounding Fluorocarbon and the use of it for leaders.

First, fluorocarbon is not invisible in the water. Fact is that fluoro has the same refractive capability as water, so rather than a line attached to a hook which may shine and reflect light under water, which monofilament does, fluoro underwater is a dull line. The fish can still see it, but not as well which can prevent spooking skiddish fish. A helpful thing to remember is once flouro is nicked or has some abrasion to the surface the leader is much more visible to the fish. After casting a lot or fighting a fish, I check the line for damage. If there is no wear, no problem, otherwise I will cut the leader above the damage and retie.

Next, because flouro is denser than water, it actually sinks. This can be good, bad or indifferent depending on how you are fishing but something which should be considered as well when you are working a lure. Lures and flies like poppers, gurglers and suspending baits can be effected in a way where they do not work as well or as a benefit because rather than skidding across the top of the water or staying in a specific water column the line, when pulled, pulls the lure down then the buoyancy of the lure pulls it back up (this is especially effective on fishing a floating sand eel fly pattern at night).

Lastly, due to the density of flouro, the ability for the line to knot is compromised. Where monofilament is slightly softer, mono knots typically dig into the material and hold much better than flouro (where a knot is much more likely to slide). While an improved surgeons knot and blood knot will work fine for most applications, once you begin using flouro over 30lbs, you will need to begin attaching this to your main line with slim beauties and huffnagel knots. For the leader to the hook or barrel swivel, improved surgeons knots will work, but if you are looking for a strong and easy to tie loop knot, I prefer the Homer Rhodes for line over 30 and the non-slip mono loop for thinner diameter lines. I have attached some links below to help with the knots outlined above.

Slim Beauty (my preferred tarpon leader knot)

http://www.midcurrent.com/articles/knots/slim_beauty.aspx

Bimini Twist to Huffnagel Knot (common offshore knot)

http://www.midcurrent.com/video/clips/anderson_bimini.aspx

Homer Rhodes / Non Slip Mono Loop Knot

http://floridasportfishing.com/magazine/the-rigging-station/the-tightest-knot-isn-t-always-the-best.html

Early Season Striped Bass

2011-03-16T09:32:00.000-04:00

At the beginning of the year in New Jersey there are primarily 2 types of food sources for the fish before the bunker schools show up.

Clams

Without spending too much time on this food source, I have not been able to find a lure, bait, etc. that can beat the real thing when it comes to clams. When using clams real early in the season I prefer to use 12-15 lb (lighter line allows further casts, but should be changed out annually) Berkley Big Game on my reels due to its abrasion resistance and low level of stretch and then place a slide weight above a barrel swivel to make a fish finder rig. After connecting the barrel swivel, I like to use about 3 feet of Seaguar 20# fluorocarbon and a 5/0 J Hook with bait holder barbs as striped bass will tap and pick at a clam early in the season making circle hooks less effective. Also, keeping the clam chunks on your hook small this time of year can really help. Remember anytime when you are fishing clams, the bass is really looking for the sack in the clam and not the tough foot. If they take the part they like, time to bait up again.

Sand Eels

The next food source which is an important part of a Striped Bass’ diet is the sand eel a.k.a. the American sand lance (it is really not an eel). The sand eel is about 3” – 5” long and has a silvery side and swims similar to an eel in the water in a snake like fashion. Because the sand eel can not be used effectively as bait, the only option is to try to replicate this food source by flies, tins and lures. For this article, I will focus on the spin/conventional fishing.

AVA Tins with tails are an effective means of fishing for bass when sand eels are present, especially if worked in a jigging manner, because sand eels burrow as a defense mechanism when they see a bass. This small puff of sand that an AVA tin replicates when jigged off the bottom and can make for some really fun bites. As well, you can switch to a Deadly Dick and fish it in a steady retrieve or troll the lure to mimic the same flash and motion of a sand eel making this lure both effective from shore or from a boat. AVA tins can really be found anywhere you walk into, usually hanging from racks by the dozen. While Deadly Dick’s can be found almost anywhere, finding the right weight can be tough. I have included a link below for reference.

http://www.edgeangling.com/DD03-2L.html

The next effective way to fish for bass is with plastic lures. The lure I have found that best mimics the movement of a sand eel, casts great without fouling, and can take a bluefish beating is the Bomber Lure Company’s 17A. This lure is great when casting in conditions that have current. Whether on a rip line or fishing a current, this lure looks just like the real thing struggling to get across the water. I fish these in yellow and white, all black, and purple and black with great results. In fact, the biggest striped bass I ever caught was in a blitz on one of these lures. What I have also found over the years is that even if bigger baits are around, these lures still produce making it a must have in my surf bag year round. In my opinion, in fishing for striped bass from the beach, this lure is the best. You can find these lures at almost any tackle shop although I am including the below link for reference:

http://www.edgeangling.com/Fishing-Lures2.html?brand.value=Bomber&v=table&n=24

Another great way to fish with sand eels is with plastics. Hogy and Vision lures make great replications of sand eels. These lures rigged in weedless fashion on a Carolina rig can produce fish too especially when erratically worked between swimming the bait and jigged off the bottom. I have found these are good on beaches with low levels of current and sand without much structure. Island Beach ocean side is really a great place to work these with the clearer water and sandy base. Here are links to their websites:

http://www.hogylures.net/cgi-bin/commerce.cgi?preadd=action&key=80000143-1252964729

http://visionhooksandtackle.com/products/soft-baits/sand-eel/

Guide Flies

2011-03-15T09:50:00.000-04:00

One of the things I can not have enough of before the season starts is flies. In the course of a year I will lose them in every way imaginable. From broken hooks to bluefish and everything in between.

Typically, in my saltwater fly box there are a few flies which I can not run out of. These flies are my go to patterns and I rarely deviate when I know the bait they imitate is around. They are white and chartreuse deceivers tied on Gamakatsu SC15 2/0 hooks, Cowen’s sand eels and a fly I have been tying for the past couple years which striped bass and bluefish love, this is my go to guiding fly.

While in the process of designing this fly over the years, I kept taking attributes from various other flies and lures for striped bass to come up with this one. First, I kept it simple with the colors. There is a saying a lot of old time striped bass fisherman have and it goes “If it aint chartreuse, it aint no use.” With this, I decided to make the day version all chartreuse and the night version all black… it was kept simple.

Next, I wanted a lot of motion with the profile of a baitfish, so I made the fly big with “married” or splayed in feathers and used bucktail to build out the profile to look like a baitfish from any angle.

Last, I wanted the fly to push water so the fish would be able to feel the fly with their lateral lines. This is an important part of how a striped bass hunts and I feel should be incorporated into flies when water clarity may not be optimal.

Now, to tie the fly:

First, you need:

- Deer hair belly

- Saddle hackle

- Gamakatsu SC15 3/0 hooks

- White bucktail (or chartreuse)

- EP sparkle fibers or any other kind of sparkle

First, I tie in the bucktail and then place the sparkle fibers on top.

Next, I tie on 2 saddle hackle feathers after taking out the webby bottom feathers and face them in (not splayed out) on both sides of the hook.

Next, I take a saddle hackle feather tie on and palmer around the hook only using the webby part of the feather for the collar of the fly.

Last, I spin a deer hair head and then whip finish.

Once the fly is finished I then take out of the vise and trim the head to form a cone shape and then it is ready to fish...

Fly fishing Saltwater Leaders

2011-03-15T09:44:00.000-04:00

Purchasing leaders can get expensive and they have probably not been tested to handle the conditions you run into when fighting a big striped bass. A leader should be able to turnover big flies, land the fly on the water softly and have a high abrasion resistance. Here is what I have been using from the surf and boat at a cost which is a fraction of the price and performance that exceeds store leaders.

Hint: Before trying up a bunch of leaders grab some chapstick to put on the line as you moisten the knots with spit to tighten down (this will lower the friction coefficient). Also grab a pair of work gloves and put them on when tightening the knots, this will help prevent line damage to your hands.

Striped Bass

(Perfection Loop)

4’ of 30# Mason Hard Mono

(blood knot, 3 turns each)

2’ of 25# Mason Hard Mono

(blood knot, 4 turns each)

3’6” feet of 20 # Seaguar fluorocarbon

(Homer Rhodes Loop Knot to Fly)

Bluefish:

Same as above, then (usually after being bit off)

Cut back from 3’6” to 2’ of 20# Seaguar

(Alrbright knot)

10” of Masons 38# single strand wire

(Haywire Twist to Fly)

2011 Fly Rods - 8 weight

2011-03-14T11:04:00.000-04:00

The 8 weight fly rod is the most popular fly rod made for light saltwater applications. This rod can be used to catch snook, redfish, bluefish, striped bass, bonefish, baby tarpon, and small permit. Not to mention, they make great freshwater rods for bass, pike, big river streamers and hybrid bass. This rod is the workhorse and a lot of time and consideration should be used when buying one.

Over the past months I have been test casting every 8 weight I can get my hands on, which is not every rod made today, but enough samples for me to make a well informed decision. Here is what I found, with the disclaimer that no matter what magazines say, rod companies promote and anyone interested in selling a fly rod can say; the best way to find the right rod for you is by getting out and casting every one you can get your hands on.

G-Loomis NRX - USD 760.00

I have to admit, I was really excited to test this rod out. All of the hype about the new compound from 3M, 17 years in the making, made by Steve Rajeff (world's best caster, possibly ever) the list goes on and on...

So, I had my chance a few weeks ago and was, unfortunately, disappointed. While the rod was softer than the Crosscurrent GLX predecessor, the tip was made too soft for the butt section. This made the rod nice for close up shots within 30 feet and quick loading, but forced me to open up my loop for longer casts. This did two things to damage performance when exceeding 50 feet.

First, the wider loop decreased line speed and made the line subject to being influenced by the wind, in turn, decreasing accuracy. Second, the decrease in line speed takes away distance. This hurt the rod's ability to really put the fly on the target.

While I feel as though this rod is aesthetically excellent with the matte finish, blue and teal wraps and the carbon fiber reel seat, the performance, in my opinion did not match.

Hardy Proaxis - USD 695.00

Unbreakable, developed by 5 time gold cup winner Andy Mill, nano-technology... This was another highly touted rod that did not meet its advertiser's promise, in my opinion. This rod has all the problems the NRX has, and more. Line speed was even harder to create and due to a softer tip and tailing loops were more prevalent unless the loop was opened up even more.

Not knowing the new nano-compound properties, I have to think that while it creates unbreakable rods, performance is hindered by making the rods too soft in the tip section.

Scott S4S - USD 725.00

When I first picked up this rod I thought to myself, "This rod blank looks like my old Cortland 444". In addition to the rods' appearance (which I really like), there are some new features which are nice. While some may prefer the beautiful finishes, rod wraps and reel seats offered by Thomas and Thomas or Winston, the S4S is different looking while still offering premium components, only with a little more grit. First, Scott has introduced a Type 3 anodized reel seat. While it makes the reel seat salt-proof, it also adds a flash reduced surface which matches the dark gray rod very well. A very cool looking rod that would look awesome with a matte finished black Abel Super 7/8N.

As far as performance goes... this rod has it all. The rod casts beautifully with a flex profile that keeps the rod fun to cast. While the accuracy due to this bit of flex is inhibited at very long range distances, this rod is capable of delivering a fly with the utmost accuracy and tight loops for most saltwater fishing applications (30'-70'). This rod matched with a Cortland floating 8# line is just pure.

Sage Xi3 - USD 725.00

While I really likes the Xi2, I was a bit skeptical that any changes had been made when first picking up the new Xi3. Changing the black wraps to a dark blue seemed to be the only change at face value. Having cast this rod now, I admit I was wrong.

While the rod is aesthetically nice to look at with the sapphire blue blank with dark blue wraps in a shop, when the rod is placed in the sun, the coats of epoxy and finishes really make this rod shine. Match this rod with a black or gold Tibor Everglades and you have one nice looking setup.

Taking this rod out and casting it, it was clear that, while it seemed a little too stiff, the rod was deadly accurate. Probably the most accurate 8# rod made today. I think this is due to the new generation 5 graphite. Taking a page from golf club manufacturer's, Sage has incorporate torsion resistant materials in their rods. This keeps the line tracking straighter and loops tighter with better range and accuracy. The downside to this rod is on the short shots. With the stiff flex, the rod does not load great inside of 30', making the rod timing very difficult to feel. In order to fix this, two things can be done. First, you can go up a line size, but long distance performance will be inhibited. Next, you can fish a line weighted a half size heavier like the Rio Tarpon line for the flats which would be a nice setup. Last, you can fish sinking lines where on the flats you use a sink tip line, which hurts pickup and recasting to fish, and then use a full intermediate or type 4 in the Northeast. With those lines this rod can perform flawless in many different situations making a great everyday rod that you can travel with.

Greys Carnivore - USD 349.00

This rod is my pick for best buy. While it is not flashy cosmetically with nice epoxy coats and flashy hardware, this performs like a top rod.

Casting this rod with a floating line, the rod loads and unloads in a way that does not let the wind influence where the fly lands. Generating good line speed and delivering on accuracy, this rod is an excellent pick for the price point. With a tropical floater or a Rio Striped Bass full intermediate line this rod can perform in the northeast or on the flats.

G Loomis Crosscurrent Pro - USD 425.00

If you don't want to spend $700 on a rod and don't plan on traveling by plane to get to your fishing destination, this is your rod.

I have been fishing the 12# for tarpon for a few years and these rods are great. While probably too soft to cast a full sinking line well, they can present a floating line beautifully. The same is true for the 8#. While this rod performs excellent at all distances, the biggest draw back is the 1 piece, making it difficult to transport. This in addition to the grip that G-Loomis uses are my biggest complaints.

This rod matched with a Cortland floating line is awesome, in my opinion. To soften it up a bit you can use the Rio Tarpon line which will make this perform better up close while still getting the fly out to 70' with accuracy. This rod fights fish great and looks good too with an olive finish with gold trim. Match that with a moss colored Tibor or an Abel reel in green Camo and you have one cool looking setup.

Fly Line Selection Tips

2010-09-24T16:03:00.000-04:00

Through the year I am continuously changing fly lines on my rods to match the conditions I will be fishing. It can be confusing with so many different lines on the market, so let's break down the things to look for into categories to help decide what is the best line for you.

The first and most important item, would be the fly rod. Fly rods today are made with very different tapers within each weight. Some are stiff or what is termed "Fast" and some are softer or "slower" tapers. The taper of the fly rod, in my opinion, is the biggest factor in choosing the line. Some of today's fast fly rods need an entire line weight heavier to cast well. In addition to whole sizes, many manufacturer's are offering lines which are weighted a half size more. All of this adds up to a lot of choices to help you dial in the best line for your rod by changing how deep the rod bends to load the rod for your cast and, in effect, changing the timing of the cast. To determine the perfect line for you and the fly rod you have is to get out and test the rod with various lines as timing of casting is different from person to person. Some fly shops may allow you to try different lines with your rod, and some may not, but lines are cheap and having the right weight line can make all the difference in getting the fly where it needs to be.

Next, the line being using should match the conditions I am going to fish. If I am in a tropical environment, I will want a tropical line and if I am in a cold environment I will want a line built for that (if it's not stated as "Tropical" then it is designed for cold water which is about anywhere North of North Carolina in the middle of the Summer). If you try to take a stiff core tropic line to cold water you will find a very knotty uncooperative fly line. Similarly, if you do the same with a cold water line in the tropics it will feel like you are casting a wet noodle and loop control/accuracy will be lost.

Lastly, it is good to determine the sink rate you need to get the fly to where the fish is and keep in contact with the fly. For 99% of fishing, a weight forward floating line will do the trick, and should be the go-to line before considering another line, but sometimes when fishing salt water you will need to get the fly down to the fish's level and keep in contact with the fly through rough/wavy conditions or use the dense line to cut through windy conditions. Just getting out and practicing in windy/wavy conditions will let you know over time when to swap out the line for a sinker. I personally like to use a sink tip for winds blowing over 20mph and a type 4 for rough and wavy conditions, but everyone is different in preference.

A lot of lines on the market today are very good in doing what they are designed to do making for some great days on the water. Hopefully, with the top points in mind, it will make purchasing the perfect line a little easier.

Trucha del Musky

2010-06-15T12:46:00.000-04:00

After what has felt like forever, I had the chance to get out on the Muskenetcong River this past weekend.

Armed with my old Winston 4#, a 10' leader, and a box full of caddis dry flies I set out down the old dirt road I have been so many times before.

Over the course of the weekend we ran into every kind of weather imaginable. It started off cold on Saturday morning but by that afternoon it was a perfect with mid to high seventies and no humidity. On Sunday, it was hot and humid and the temperatures kept rising until we were stuck in a downpour. It cleared up and we were able to fish for an hour or so longer until water levels rose and the water clarity was lost. It was fun to constantly change to conditions and try to stay in stride with the fish and what they were keying in on.

Dry flies, nymphs, streamers and emerger patterns all worked at different times. The smaller caddis patterns were best for the dry fly fishing while scuds worked particularly well when nymphing. Even with the high number of fish caught over about 18 hours of fishing this weekend it was not easy fishing, which I particularly enjoy, with spooky fish in low clear water longer and lighter tippets were mandatory.

Once the water had changed to a dirty milky consistency, it was time to call it quits. Even after years of fishing the same river, I am always reminded of how fortunate I am to have these waters so close.

Palometa

2010-06-03T12:45:00.000-04:00

Just got back from a trip to the Yucatan for Permit. The weather and fish cooperated so that I was able to end the trip with three permit, countless bonefish, a snook, mackeral, snappers, some barracuda and even jumped a tarpon. The trip was a success.

The trip started by flying into Cancun and then being picked up by the van drivers for the Palometa Club. The club itself is a serious permit destination and focuses on this fish unlike any other place I have been. Permit is the game and the guides an staff never tire in expressing love of their quarry.

In addition to the fishing there isn't much of a night life, if you have the energy to go out and about (which I did not). Rather, the real value is being able to sit around a few outdoor tables set up in the sand with some good margaritas, beer or spirits talking about fish of past or the day's encounters. Getting a great group of people together is a big advantage and one that I can say was a treat.

If there is any interest in spending some time catching up on books or other reading, this can be the place as well. "Unplugging" for a week can be great with no cable TV, Cell Phones, and limited access to internet (if you bring your latptop) is a savior more than a curse to me.

The lodge can be found at www.palometaclub.com and would recommend for a getaway in search of permit if you ever get the chance and appetite for this elusive game fish on the fly rod.

Bass and Blues

2010-05-12T13:17:00.001-04:00

The striped bass bite has really picked up on the fly rods from shore along with a deluge of huge bluefish. Over the past few weeks we have been able to get some really big bluefish on the Enrico Puglisi Pike fly in fire tiger. It is made from synthetic fibers and can really hold up to a lot of crushing blows from the bluefish. This fly can take a beating even after getting bloodied and twisted up all it takes is a few casts to dry out the fly and hit is a couple times with a comb to have it back up and catching more.

The striped bass are also active in hitting big bright flies with all chartreuse being their favorite. Work these slower than you would for bluefish and change up speeds for success right now.

Raritan Bay Striped Bass

2010-04-12T12:21:00.001-04:00

Getting out on the bay was not an easy task with high winds and colder temperatures over the weekend. The wind made fishing very difficult, but some of the anglers who got out were able to pick up some short bass on the bay side with clams. On the ocean side of Sandy Hook, the migration is picking up with a few bass being caught from the suds, this is probably the best bet for a big keeper size bass right now but limited numbers make this a hit or miss fishery.

The bunker are starting to move into Raritan Bay with a few schools being seen around bridges and even jumping at night. With the bunker showing up, the big bass and the large schools are not far behind. It is still early in the season, but the catch rates are going up and the switch to wooden plugs and big bunker flies should be happening any day now.

Striped Bass Season has begun

2010-04-07T12:07:00.000-04:00

Hello,

With the start of the Spring striped bass season, I thought it would be helpful to post some fishing reports, tackle reviews and helpful hints for the season.

Sitting around and tying flies this winter, it felt like the season was never going to start. With a little bit of unseasonably warm weather after one of the coldest winters in memory, the striped bass bite has started for the 2010 Spring season.

The best bets so far seem to be a late in the day bite where the most action happens before sundown and then a lul in the action to a few hours after the sun has gone down. Try to find some shallow spots along the shore on warm days, and then target the deeper holes on colder days for now.

Flies and lures are not really an option yet while clams seem to be working well. Be patient with setting the hook because the fish are not feeding extremely aggressively. The bass seem to be picking at the bait, making it hard for a hookset. To improve your chances, smaller pieces of clam and keeping the line tight can help. If you do want to try the fly rod, try small sand eel imitations late at night and work the fly very slowly.

It shouldn't be too long before the baitfish, blues and big bass show up putting the season into full gear.