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SALT
WATER FLY FISHING |
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SALT
WATER FLY FISHING |
Speaking as a "Bloke", those female pheromones are still working far too well for my liking! The locals know I have gone completely barmy. There has been talk of a strange man. out by himself, at sea in a small boat off Dartmouth. waving a fly rod about. Well I have to tell you that it works very well. It catches good quality fish and perhaps more importantly, it allows them to give an excellent account of themselves on light tackle, unhindered by the burden of heavy weights. I wanted for some years to try my hand at fly fishing, but it's a bit like taking up golf - where do you begin? Last summer, I enjoyed a wonderful day out with two pals who are exponents of the art. Russ Symons, who many of you will already know as a regular contributor to both "Sea Angler" and "Trout Fisherman" magazines. The other chap who I now blame for my addiction is Ian Scadding, from Torquay. After watching them fish from my boat, using fly rods, I knew it was not only possible, but very feasible. Ian generously loaned me a salt water fly rod. Russ offered to teach me how to cast a fly. I was hooked.
I practised during the winter on Rainbow Trout at several well known fresh water trout fisheries. I discovered that I loved it. There's always something to do, you're always busy and catching a fish on a fly or lure you have tied yourself, takes the enjoyment to another level. I've caught quite a few Pollack, up to about 3lbs, around the reefs off Dartmouth and even managed to take a couple of Bass, around the 4lb mark. Rex Hunt, "Buschy" and Steve Starling have a lot to answer for. So much for "Yibbidah, Yibbadah"! Just think of all the new, previously undreamed of tackle and gadgets you can now acquire! Better still, you can carry most of the bits you will need in your waistcoat pockets. Early success fires you up to try again. Patsy, my Wife, has even caught the bug. She has been out with me fishing for trout and caught many more than I did! Patsy was out with me aboard "Smokin' Bloata" when I took out my fly rod to catch some of the abundant Mackerel. These voracious fish really do give an excellent account of themselves on fly tackle. I would suggest to any doubters that a 2lb Mackerel fights longer and far harder than a 4lb Rainbow Trout. Regrettably, Mackerel do not leap out of the water like a Rainbow. Mackerel fight long, deep and dirty! After I had caught several Mackerel, Patsy asked if she could try the salt water fly? She casts quite well and was quickly into the mackerel. Suddenly she shouted out to me, "I've just been hit by something big. This doesn't feel like Mackerel." How wrong can you be? It was a particularly large and fit Mackerel which fought deep for several minutes, before I was able to secure it in the landing net. We later weighed it. I was 2lbs 5ozs 8dr. That's quite a Mackerel! We caught more than 70 Mackerel between us in less than an hour, taking turns with a single fly rod. We kept a few for the "Smoker" at home. Most were released to fight again another day. On moving to another mark, I took three Pollack. The largest was about 3lbs, but it did not fight as hard as Patsy's Mackerel. We used a #8 weight, 4 piece, fly rod with a "large arbour" salt water resistant fly reel. The line was a #8 weight fast sinker, followed by a fast sinking tip and about 7 feet of 12lbs B.S. clear fluorocarbon, to which the single fly was attached.
I tie my own flies for both salt and fresh water use. It's a most absorbing interest when you have a little time to spare. The fly we used was similar to the one in the centre of the above photograph, tied on a size 1/0 hook, to imitate bait fish. I particularly like to fish this style. The lead eyes below the hook shank cause it to fish with the barb uppermost in the water. This helps to avoid the hook point snagging amongst the kelp and weed on most reef marks. A really helpful local manufacturer, retailer and wholesaler of fly tackle, including salt fly gear can be found at Snowbee U.K. Ltd, Drakes Court, Langage Business Park, Plympton, Plymouth, PL7 5JY. Telephone 01752 334933. You can visit their shop at the above address, where you will be made very welcome, or if that is not convenient, take a look at their useful web site www.snowbee.co.uk by clicking on the photo below.
You will also find that Graham Dryer at Brixham Bait & Tackle 01803 853390 ; and Malcolm Barnett at Devon Angling Centre, Chillington, Nr. Kingsbridge, 01548 580888 stock a useful range of the basic items you will need at very reasonable cost. Why not give it a try? Who knows, you might even enjoy it!
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