March 15, 2001 ROUNDING OUT THE FLY BOX Ahhh, fly selection. This can be as individual as an angler’s individuality itself. At the risk of confronting the wrath of all fly angler’s that toil along the north Atlantic seaboard, I will attempt to present, what I would consider to be, some of the more essential fly patterns you may want to consider when venturing about during our striper year. Keep in mind that these are mere suggestions. As many are aware, I consider myself to be somewhat of a minimalist regarding salt water tackle and so it is with fly design. Fly selection is far less important than other determining factors when in pursuit of saltwater quarry. Depth of presentation, tide, wind, direction of wind, water velocity, water temperature, habitat, available light, structure, availability of bait and clarity of water should generally supersede our preference of artificial. This is not to contend that fly selection is not important. It is, but it plays a far less consequential roll than we might assume. That being said, and after struggling with my personal convictions for some time, I have compiled a brief roster of saltwater flies that I would consider to be effective under "most" circumstances. Since I have a distinct affinity toward sparsely dressed, diminutive replicas, this will be directly reflective in my recommendations.
Gurglers: Size 1-1/0. Jack Gartside introduced these surface flies a few years ago and they have increased in popularity ever since. Gurglers have all the properties essential to be considered requisites for every fly angler that enjoys eliciting surface strikes: Gurglers displace an uncommon amount of water, are less likely to foul than most conventional poppers, offer more positive hook sets, are easy to construct, but most importantly they are effortless to cast. Favorite colors: All white w/pearl body, white w/pearl body and chartreuse tail, and all black.
Shrimp: Size 8-4. Probably the most underrated of all saltwater fare that constitutes a striper’s diet. Virtually every stomach sampling executed by the State of Massachusetts in the previous few years has included some form of inshore crustacean. The abundance and accessibility of this food source should enhance the popularity of shrimp flies, but I have not witnessed this occurrence. Elephants eat peanuts. During the preceding few season I have had the good fortune to entice a number of fish in the 36"-42" to size #8 shrimp patterns, thus validating their effectiveness. Popular colors: pearl, white, olive and tan. That’s the short list. Obviously offshore anglers, surf aficionados, and hard tail enthusiasts would be wise to consider a much wider arsenal. The intent here was to exposed the reader to a sampling of some of the more well received options regarding fly selection. Good fishing and safe wading, JB |
Clouser Minnow:
Size 2-1/0. This fly originally gained popularity as a
small mouth bass lure but is undoubtedly responsible for
securing more onshore species than most of it’s
peers. Particularly effective in the color combinations:
olive/white, chartreuse/white, and white/white. Can be
tied down to size #6 and even #8, substituting bead chain
eyes for barbells when in pursuit of shallow water
feeders.
Sand Eels:
Size 2-1/0. This fly represents a dynamic food source
within our striper coast. Unfortunately there are many
sand eel patterns that will accurately achieve this end.
I would encourage you to select patterns that are
sparsely dressed on shorter shank hooks (to avoid
fouling), that offer only a suggestion of the food
source, in lieu of an exact replication. Effective color
combination: olive/white, olive/yellow/white,
chartreuse/white, among others.
Deceivers:
Size 2-1/0. There are countless variations of these
popular artificials, all intent on mimicking regional
forage. Their success is due in part on their ability to
offer profile, form and character under a variety of
fishing situations. Stripers will generally interpret
deceivers as, juvenile alewifes, silversides, river
herring, anchovies, and even Atlantic menhaden and
butterfish when an exaggerated tying style is employed.
Popular colors: all white, all chartreuse, all black,
white/blue, white/olive, and white/grizzly.