PLOP, PLOP PAUSE

June 8, 2008 - Isn't it amusing how our careers as flyfishermen take us in various directions? Here it is June 7th and I have yet to clean a subsurface fly line. No it's not due to neglect but simply due to the fact that I haven't used one yet! Totally without preconceived notion, I've found the majority of my fishing occurring during the early morning (and I mean early) and late evening hours. While I'd be the first one to admit that not all areas are conducive to surface fishing, there is certainly a wealth of real estate that begs for a popper.

What I am generally seeking is water that maintains a depth of 3-10 feet at mid-tide with minimal water velocity and less than idyllic water clarity. Without disclosing any specific trade secrets, the majority of real estate within the confines of Pleasant Bay in Chatham falls into this criterion. For anglers that are proponents of probing deeper estuaries with grain lines (of which I am one), this may not be the most effective method of perusing striped bass, but I can assure you it is the fun way.

Wading anglers will find the best results during low light conditions. Early morning, evening, periods of cloud cover and rain events will no doubt produce the best outcome. Gurglers in a variety of colors will often encourage violent takes under broken water or choppy situations. A general rule of thumb is lighter colors during ambient light and darker colors under darker light.

While gurglers will often produce the bulk of the action at times, you may have to become more "hatch specific" under a calmer water environment. If you are experiencing interest in your offering, but lack the commitment, it may be wise to consider a more realistic style of fly. Smaller sliders or crease flies that may lack the surface disturbance quality that gurglers are notorious for will often generate aggressive takes under tranquil water situations. It is best to inventory a range of patterns and sizes when attempting this gratifying style of surface fishing.

THE FLY BOX
Take a peak in my box and you will find the following patterns… Gurglers (#2/0) in black, olive, red and chartreuse, Pencil Poppers (#2) in silver and chartreuse, Crease Flies (#1/0) in olive, silver and blue, and Wiggle Minnows (1/0) in silver/white. The latter fly is a real sleeper and will often encourage fish to the surface when nothing else works.

Good fishing and safe wading,
JB