ON THE CUSP

April 22, 2003 - I wish I could report that inshore fishing has begun in earnest but this is simply not the case. This is not to assume that there aren't a few school fish filtering into a south facing estuary or two, however, reliable angling may still be a week or two in arrears.

Still receiving reports of very cool surface temps (39-42 degrees) emanating from many early season locales. As we all are aware, conditions change rapidly this time of year and we would hope to approach the mythical 50-degree mark at some point in the near future.

MODIFY YOUR TACTICS
I am of the oblique opinion that early season fly selection is generally one of the least critical elements in achieving success. Tide direction, wind velocity, wind direction, water temperature, water velocity, presentation, moon phase, available forage… etc. are all factors that take precedence over what imitation is lashed onto the end of a piece of monofilament. This is not to assume that tactical modification under all conditions is not in order. It is.

Here in the northeast we must contend with substantial water displacement within the confines of a fishing session. Depending on moon phase this could range up to 10 feet and even greater in some locations. The well-equipped fly angler should maintain an arsenal of fly lines suited to deal with these extreme circumstances.

As many of my acquaintances are aware, only a rare occasion will justify a fly change during the early part of the season. That being said, it would be very uncommon to fish out an entire session utilizing the same fly line. As water level and velocity mitigate I will vary between intermediate, 225 grain, 325 grain and 425 grain lines (in conjunction with a 9'-9wt.) which will be dictated entirely by the tidal displacement and coastal environment. I prefer this method in lieu of pitching awkward, heavily weighted clouser-type patterns. It's not that flies of that ilk aren't equally, and in some cases more effective, but they certainly don't lend themselves to ease of casting and presentation.

Good fishing and safe wading,
JB