JUVIE SHRIMP COCKTAIL
In my quest to further my understanding of what exactly goes on in the environment of the North Atlantic tidal flat, I have been experimenting with various fly patterns, all of which fall under the category of crustacean. My simple observations led me to this conclusion, for the area I frequent generally contains few, if any, baitfish, but is occupied by a healthy population of crabs, but even more importantly, a inordinate amount of sea shrimp. Let me preface my remarks by admitting to the frustration that every angler has experienced while attempting to sight fish within the confines of Monomoy Island and South Beach with a standard baitfish or sand eel imitation. While these patterns will serve you well some of the time, I assure you that your success will only be temporary. While crab imitations have been in vogue for a number of years now, I can’t admit to being much of a fan from a consistency point of view, and the fact that their entry into the water is usually signaled by a conspicuous "plop" rather than a amiable "blip," no matter what their dimensions. It’s no secret that crabs do catch fish, however, in my opinion they will simply startle too many (already nervous) fish to hold them in my favor. So this was the dilemma. Derive a pattern that would be: A) easy to cast (ACCURATELY), B) represent existing forage, C) maintain a lifelike quality, D) be consistent throughout the season, and E) enter the water discretely. After many prototypes and countless alterations, the fly I am about to submit to you has been my closest attempt at a "nay refusal" offering, and one that has served me well throughout the last few seasons, under some very challenging sight fishing conditions. While nothing is 100%, I would urge you to spend a few minutes behind the vise and knock out a couple. It is by far my most successful shallow water fly pattern I have ever attached to a leader. You won’t be disappointed. The entire fly is constructed from the bend of the hook, in typical bonefish fashion. HOOK:
TMC 811S, Size 4 or 6 This pattern is best fished while employing a relatively slow, erratic retrieve, with subtle interludes, or, allow the fly to sink entirely (keep in mind your fishing in only 2-3 feet of water) then twitch it out of the sand and resume the aforementioned stripping process. Don’t be alarmed if this fly is accepted on "the drop." This season I have had countless stripers confidently masticate it while imparting no motion whatsoever. Good fishing and safe wading, JB |
The challenge of
sight fishing has always been a fascination of mine ever
since my first visit to the lush bonefish waters off
Andros Island many years ago. In and of itself, it is an
entirely unique approach to the art of fly fishing that
not only tests an angler’s skill in the mechanics of
the sport, but also factors in many talents common to
other disciplines. The ability of keen sight, patience,
covertness and concentration are just a few of the
attributes that the angler must possess to consistently
achieve even a modicum of success.