If you’ve never fished for crappie with a fly rod, then you’ve really missed something. In my opinion, crappies, and other panfish, are the ideal fly rod quarry for the following reasons;
There are plenty of them.
They are almost everywhere.
They are scrumptious!
They are incredibly willing to smash your fly (most of the time) and do battle.
Unless you live in Alaska or Hawaii, chances are good that you live within one or two hours from a body of water than has crappie in it. Crappies are seasonal migratory predators. I won’t go into their seasonal habits here because that is a subject unto itself. Suffice to say it helps to know your quarry.
It’s pretty simple for most of the year. If you find em..you’ll catch em. The notable exception is summertime, when crappies get moody, sulk and suspend in open water. They frequently get lock-jaw at this time and will even refuse a live minnow dangled right under their nose!
You don’t need a $1000.00 fly rod to catch crappie (or in my experience, any other freshwater fish). A $19.99 Wal-Mart special will catch just as many crappies as an $850.00 outfit from G. Loomis. For crappie, you want to go light. A 6-1/2 to 8-1/2 2 or 3 weight fly rod is perfect for crappie. If you want to chase crappie during the summer, you may want to move up to a 5 weight rod with a sinking line, to get your fly to the depths quicker.
All you need is a single action reel, and it does not have to be an expensive one. Next, you will need a WF2F, or WF3F, or ST fly line, or maybe a DT5S for summer. Top it off with a 5 tapered leader (crappie are not line-shy, so a long leader is not necessary) and a 4X or 5X tippet, and your almost ready to go.
If you need to learn how to fly fish, I’d like to recommend the premier website for all things fly fishing FlyAnglersOnline. Here you will find all the information you need, and then some, for learning how to properly fly fish, find your quarry, and make and maintain your equipment. There are thousands of proven fly patterns there, with complete directions and step-by step instructions for tying them. There is also a forum where you can ask us any questions you want.
A few accessories are nice to have. If you fish from a boat, and plan to crappie fish all year, a good depth finder is a necessity. You’ll want a landing net, because crappies have very tender mouths and can tear-off easily. For the same reason, a floating fish basket or live well is good to have, because crappie can tear off of a stringer easily.
You’ll need a lantern for night-fishing. If you don’t have a boat, you might want to look at the various models of Belly Boats, or Float Tubes. They are great for crappie fishing in still waters.
Now, for the most fun part of flyfishing selecting your flies. You have two options: You can look for a supplier that ties the patterns you want, or you can do what the rest of us do, and tie your own. This is as much fun as fishing!
December 28, 2009
Fly Fishing For Crappie – Is it Possible to Catch Crappie Fly Fishing?
December 21, 2009
Crappie Fly Fishing – Can You Catch Crappie That Way?
Are you a fan of fly fishing wondering if you can catch crappie that way? Or maybe you are an avid crappie fisherman and want to know of new methods and techniques for catching these favorite fish. Either way, crappie fly fishing is becoming more and more popular and if you’re interested, you can learn how to do it for yourself.
Crappie are some of the easiest and most popular fish to fish for in the United States. There are two main species: the white crappie and black crappie and both types are found in different parts of the country.
Time has brought us many new tools and techniques for catching crappie. There are also many new lures that work great at enticing the crappie to bite. Fly fishing is a great way to present your bait to the crappie and entice them to bite. It’s smoother and less likely to scare the fish than other types of bait casting. If you like the idea of crappie fly fishing, you’re going to need to learn to go about it the right way. Here are some tips and ideas to try to help you.
Preparing for Crappie Fly Fishing
Before you can play a fly fishing crappie trip, you need to have the proper supplies. If you don’t already know how to fly fish or have a fly fishing rod, you’re going to want to take some time to try to learn this first. Get some lessons, practice on your lawn or whatever you need to do to get in the groove before heading out on a crappie fishing trip. Once you feel confident enough to try fishing in the real waters, you need to pack your tackle and supplies. You also need to learn about the area you are fishing at. Here are some ways to prepare.
So how can you get ready for a crappie fly fishing trip? Just like any other crappie fishing trip, you need to prepare by learning as much as possible about where you will be going and the weather and more. You can get fishing reports of the lake or body of water you are fishing in if possible to help you prepare. If you’ve been to the body of water before it will help you plan for the best spots to try some fishing. Crappie fly fishing is different from deep water crappie fishing so you need to try to go at a time and season when the crappie will be fishing essentials to the list but this is a great place to start.
Crappie fly fishing is probably most easily done in the spring when the crappie are spawning and easily biting and when you can wade in the water at comfortable temperatures for you.
Techniques for Crappie Fly Fishing
If you’re going fly fishing for crappie, you need to know the proper techniques to help you reel them in every time. The unique thing about a fly rod is that it allows you more opportunity to gently place the bait where you want it so that it does not upset or startle the fish.
December 3, 2009
Basic Fly Fishing Tips for Newbies
Fly fishing is one of the fastest growing games in the US. But more importantly it is considered one of the most popular sports that help in the conservation of natural resources, especially the aquatic one.
Fly fishing is quite simple – all you need are a fishing rod, line and the ability to make the proper casting. Here are some fly fishing tips and techniques that can help the fly fishers to well on their next angling adventure.
Material of the fly fishing rod – for beginners, it is advised to get the hollow glass as it is more sturdy and efficient. Also, it does not need too much care unlike the bamboo type.
Fly fishing Line – No matter how good your casting capabilities are, your efforts will be futile if you have a line that does not go well with the rod. The more it is going to be a disaster if you are just a beginner. You are bound to fail in any efforts to learn how to properly cast, unless you have a fly fishing line matching the rod.
Casting skills and technique – When casting, you must realize that you have to get some line of 20 to 22 feet out front. Fly fishers should always go for casting a straight line. One must be steady in movements in order to perform casting in good form. Relax. This must be what the angler should do in order to lessen the tension on the muscles. Any stiff muscle certainly will contribute to poor casting.
One of the best means of casting and really learning fly fishing in general is go and have some time fishing with anglers who are veteran fly fishers and casters. Surely to be found in your area are good fishers and many of them are only too willing to accommodate you and even give you important fly fishing tips.
Indeed, if others can do it and enjoy immensely the art of this sport, surely you can do it too. The fundamental rules and methods of fly fishing are actually not that difficult. Just read and research, and talk to other fishers. Soon enough, you will get the hang of it and truly have some enjoyable and prolific fly fishing adventures in the future.
For more fly fishing tips, angling advices and other fishing articles, do visit our Fly Fishing Greats blog.
November 30, 2009
Tips for Improving Your Fly Fishing Techniques
While fly fishing is considered to be one of the most relaxing hobbies you’ll ever engage in, there is still a certain amount of skill necessary in order to be successful. You might have heard so much about the cast and about tying your own flies and may wonder how to really improve your fly fishing techniques in order to improve your catch overall. There are just a few simple things you can remember in order to make your time on the water a more enjoyable experience and to just plain old catch more fish; let’s review these few simple things to remember about your fly fishing techniques. Being gentle with your cast is important and probably the most important of all fly fishing techniques. Many anglers make the mistake of trying to force their cast the way you do with typical fishing. Remember that you’re not trying to reach too far ahead of you and certainly don’t want to sink your bait the way you do with typical fishing. Your goal is to just skim or flit your fly over the top of the water. You also want to remember that with fly fishing, the fly is virtually weightless and the line is heavy, so the line pulls the fly and not the other way around. If you give your line just the slightest bit of direction you’ll see how it pulls the fly behind it and how the fly then skims the water. Practice your cast as part of your fly fishing techniques as much as you can. You can stand in the yard and just use a line without a fly. Aim for about ten or fifteen feet in front of you and keep practicing until you can hit it perfectly.Other ways to improve your fly fishing techniques is to get comfortable with working the line. With typical fishing you usually have no slack in your line but with fly fishing, that slack is necessary for when you pull the line up for another cast. Getting used to how it feels to control the slack with your secondary hand may take some practice. As you practice your cast, practice handling that slack so that it doesn’t get tangled up in the line and so that you have enough slack overall. Both hands are going to be important when it comes to your fly fishing techniques so get used to how the line feels to you and what it takes to control it.While you’re practicing your fly fishing techniques, remember not to get too caught up in instructions and the “proper” way to cast. If you do, you might find that you’re missing out on the enjoyment of fly fishing overall. Anglers have been successful with fly fishing for hundreds of years without fancy schools or instructions, so you don’t need to worry too much about these things. Do the best you can with your own fly fishing techniques and remember to enjoy!
November 26, 2009
Dolphin Fishing Made Easy!
During the late spring, summer, and fall in the Keys, fishing for dolphin, also known as mahi-mahi, is the best time of fishing in the whole year
That’s dolphin the fish, mahi mahi, not dolphin, the “Flipper”, porpoise. Our dolphin fish are an exciting offshore game fish ranging in size from 6 to 60 pounds.
The best time for Dolphin Fishing is usually April, May and June. It is also commonplace for some exceptional Dolphin catches from early October through mid-December.
If you’re learning to catch fish on your own, here are a few tips to get you started. Dolphin truly are the perfect game fish. They are prolific breeders, rapid growing and short lived which make them an excellent choice as a game fish. They can withstand recreational catches without becoming over fishing.
1. Get out early – these fish are always hungry at daybreak. Most dolphins are caught before noon for this reason.
2. Bait – Sometimes we can cast and cut live bait when the schools of Dolphin are attracted to the boat. Often when we are trolling for Dolphin you will see the fish charge and strike the bait. Use Live Ballyhoo whenever possible.
Chum does not last long in a swift current so plan accordingly. I was finding almost 2 mph of current to the east. Live Pinfish and strips of Bonito were hit the best along with strips of Blue Runner and Ballyhoo plugs.
3. Fishing Tackle – One end of the wire will have a haywire twist to attach to the fishing line via snap swivel and the other end will have 7/0 or 8/0 hook attached using a haywire twist and pin rig.
Proper tackle for catching dolphin depends on the size of the fish you might suppose. Dolphin may be as small as two pounds and as large as eighty pounds; so bring a variety of tackle sizes for the fish you want to catch.
4. – Finding Dolphin – Head out to deep water to search for these fish. Regarding location, the most common reason you might not be catching Dolphin is not going far enough offshore. We recommend at least 3 miles.
Keep a look out for sea birds such as the Frigate, Man-0-War, etc. The Birds will often follow the larger fish which they can spot from the air. You will find most of the Dolphin under birds and, of course, look for debris.
Once a schoolie dolphin is hooked and brought to the boat, leave it in the water. A dolphin can grow to a weight of about 80 pounds but lives only about five years.
Work the weed lines to look for fish, particularly dolphin. In any region, the “hottest” hot spot will likely be a blue water agglomeration of floating debris and drifting Sargasso weed, guaranteed to attract roaming dolphin. These objects floating in the open sea attract smaller baitfish for shelter, and they in turn attract dolphin.
Watch the water for fish next time you head out; be aware of what is going on in the water. Baitfish attract predator fish, and there is no reason for not fishing the area around a big baitfish school.
Dolphin don’t move too far from their food source so keep your eyes open for floating weeds, other floating objects, temperature rips, and sub surface structures which may attract and provide shelter to flying fish and other sources of food.
5. Trolling
Dolphin like to chase after their food. So trolling their dinner behind the boat will be our way of catching & hooking up these fish. If the fish don’t strike your bait while you’re trolling fast, slow down, and let the bait sink a little.
Pitch a naked ballyhoo over a group of birds working over a small slick, and you might hook up with the fish of a lifetime!
When a fish hits, Let go of the line, count to five, snap the bail closed, and start cranking.
When you’ve hooked your fish, work on him so he gets tired. You don’t want to get a 40 lb fish back to the boat until he’s quieted down a bit.
Dolphin grow incredibly fast, so that a 5 pounder you let go in June might become the 30 pounder you’ll be fishing for in September. Catch & Release means just keep a few of these small dolphins (called “schoolies”) and return the rest to the sea.
Conclusion
Swordfish, Marlin, Sailfish, Dolphin, Cobia, Wahoo, Tuna and Kingfish are just a few of the species we catch off the Southeast Florida Coast.
We catch Most of our dolphin while fishing for Tuna. Whether gunning for tuna, marlin or dolphin, Fish ‘em all with Live Bait!!
November 13, 2009
Bass Fishing Casting Techniques (500 Words)
From an outsider’s perspective, casting seems simple – all you do is toss back your arm, then flick it and the pole forward. But of course there’s more to it than just that. In fact, there are a number of different casting techniques, each with its own different strengths and weaknesses. Before you head out to fish, take a little time to work on your casting skills – you’ll enjoy your lazy fishing afternoons so much more when you’re rewarded with a great catch.
When it comes to bass fishing, it’s important to remember to always use your wrist when you cast, not your arm. Using your wrist gives your cast more finesse and reduces the wasted effort that occurs when you use your whole arm. This technique is very important in each of the following three types of cast – the overhand, sidearm, and underhand.
The Overhand Cast
The overhand cast has you aiming at the area straight in front of you. Raise your fishing rod up, making sure to keep your elbow close to your ribs. Flip the rod sharply behind you, and then use your wrist to flip the pole forward. Use the rod’s movement to aim and follow through on your cast.
The Sidearm Cast
In this cast, you’ll be once again facing your target area squarely. This time, though, hold your rod parallel to the water and at waist level. Move the rod sideways and behind you to your right, then whip it forward towards the water.
The Underhand Cast
The underhand method also begins with your rod at waist level and parallel to the water. This time, though, it should be at a 45-degree angle from where you want to cast. Start with your lure six to eight inches down. Quickly move the rod tip in a half-circle formation, releasing the lure when the rod is at the bottom of the circle. Remember to keep the rod tip down and only raise it if you need more distance or control.
In all three types of casting, there are a few key points to remember. When casting, try to minimize the amount of noise and splash your lures make when they hit the water. Always – as stated above – cast with your wrist and not your arm or entire body. It’s also a good idea to drop the lure a few inches before you cast, which will give your cast a little bit of extra momentum.
Casting isn’t the be-all and end-all of bass fishing, of course. While improving and mastering the different types of casting can greatly improve your fishing, it won’t help at all if you don’t have a good rod, reel, selection of lures, etc. Of course, weather and location will always play a factor in fishing, so don’t be discouraged if your new casting techniques don’t work right away. Keep practicing them, and you’ll notice that the amount of bass you catch will increase as you get these casting methods down.