OUR FIRST EXOTIC August 7, 2002 - Atlantic bonito have become the target for saltwater anglers canvassing the Vineyard Sound environs of southern Massachusetts. While early reports rate the fishing as poor to fare, it won't be long before migrating schools are routinely evident along the south side anywhere from Cuttyhunk to Monomoy Point. At times these game fish can display remarkable selectivity and it's more of a question of being at the right place at the right time. Our most successful patterns while in pursuit of "bones" are White Bonito Bunnies (1-2), White/Olive Deceivers (1-2) and all white Clousers (1-2). MUNG AND MORE MUNG SB has held up nicely throughout the summer months despite this recent problem. Keep in mind the four elements to success on the flats: 1) sun, 2) tide, 3) wind, and 4) clean water. Who would have believed that two of the previous three weekends offered optimum opportunities with the exception of clean water? In lieu of these somewhat trying conditions I still managed a half dozen stripers in full summer regalia. This is keeping with my personal goal of one "sight caught" fish per hour of effort. I have been incorporating more marabou into my flies this year instead of the more traditional bucktail, super hair, fishair, or similar synthetics and it has paid off. You may want to try the following… Hook: TMC 811S 4 or 6, Tail: ¾ golden olive, ¼ white marabou bloods, 2X the length of the hook shank with 1 stand of pearl flashabou along each side (do not overdress), Body: wrapped with pearl mylar tinsel or similar, Head: 5/32 oz. hourglass nickel plated eye. Make sure to apply a thin coat of Zap-a-Gap to the thread wraps before advancing the body material and liberally to the thread wraps securing the eyes to insure durability. A very simple, effective fly. IN CASE YOU HAVEN'T HEARD... CCA MASSALERT - ACT NOW click here for full details in MS Word doc Good fishing and safe wading, JB |
