Potential Stupid Question

[dwilliamsceg]

I have recently gotten back into Fly Fishing. I grew up doing it in freshwater and now have picked it back up focusing on saltwater.

I ordered several deep dive clousers from riverbum and they work well in Sarah Creek, York River, etc. My question is, is it acceptable to use a small trip of squid or fluke belly trailer on these sinking flies? I know it would increase strikes. Would this be considered bad form for a fly fisherman? I do not mean will it work, as I know it will. I mean is using any live baiting accepted in the fly fishing community? This may be a really dumb question but I thought I would post it.

Thanks.

D.

[fishfearme]

Who cares. If somebody waddles up to me when I am flyfishing to comment on the true meaning of flyfishing, then they should retire their epoxy flies, floro leaders, and fast action sticks. Salt is a lot different then a PA spring creek. I say have fun and congrats on getting out to the water. I would venture a guess most "purists" started with a minnow/worm on the end of their hook swinging it down current on a put and take stream anyways. I choose the long rod first, but there a more times then not when conventional tackle would do me better, but I choose the long way instead. The main thing is to enjoy it. There is nothing pure or traditional about salt water flyfishing. there are plenty of times when guides do the hookless teaser and then the client throws the fly feet from the boat. Same with chum slicks,etc. Get out as much as you can.


Fishfearme

[oysterbreath]

The way i look at it is whatever pleases you, it is considered bait fishing not fly fishing and if you catch a world record it will not count. I know a few guys who use fish bites on thier flys and it improves thier catch, but i like tying my own flys and find it more rewarding to catch with out using bait. I bait fish too but not with a fly rod, alot of time weather keeps me from fly fishing the salt but it has to be really nasty not to be able to bait fish with conventional tackle.

[Bounty Htr]

Many people would considered that a no no. I am by no means a purist, but I dont think I would use cut bait on a fly. On some forums you would get slammed for even thinking about that. It will be interesting to see what happens here.

Part of the allure of fly fishing is trying to get the fish to bite a artifical fly. Some people will put sent like smelly jelly on the fly and leader, others would be appalled at the mention of that.

As you get farther into this sport you may get into tying. That is when the fun begins. Look at the fly with the cut bait on it, then try to figure out how to tie a fly that looks like that. Tie one or 2 and try em out. if the work great, if not back to the vise and try again. After a few trys you will hit on something that works. That a really awesome feeling to know you fooled a nice fish with an artificial that came from your mind.

Good luck and have fun.

[oysterbreath]

Hey D
You did good ordering clousers my #1 goto confidence bait is a size 2 all bucktail white clouser with small lead eyes and a little bit of pearl crystal flash around 2 1/2 to 3" long, it seems to work good for me in the beach area. i have probally caught 20+ species of fish on it, pink over white would be #2, olive over white #3 good luck and enjoy

[Salmo trutta]

If it gives you more confidence, then go for it. It's all about personal preference. Try this, instead of using squid which is kind of heavy and makes casting more difficult, try using a small peice of gulp or fish bites. Keeps forever, easy to use.

But later on in fly fishing you might feel more of an accomplishment by catching them without the use of bait or scents. Fur and fethers just has better action than most lures or soft plastics and in the right hands can out fish just about anything.

[Capt Harry]

Bait or stink on a fly, kind of like going to a hooker. Instant gradification that leaves you feeling dirty in the end.:yes: Work on your flys and techniques, plenty of people around to help keep you from sinking to that level.:thumbup:
Harry, Out

[bigjim5589]

I don't use bait with a fly rod, but I have done it in the past, especially when I was younger. I like to think I've advanced to a point that if I'm fly fishing, I'll only use flies, but even that will often start an arguement, folks won't agree on what fly fishing is or is not. Frankly, I don't care about that either.

I'll occasionally fish with bait on spinning or baitcasting tackle, but most of the time fish with flies or lures, and appropriate tackle to cast them. I use what I feel like using, fresh or salt, within the limits of the law, and don't care what others think.

My answer to your post is the same as that of Fishfearme, who cares! As you can already see, opinions will vary. It should only matter to you what you decide to put on the hook, as long as it's legal. Just ask yourself if it's a problem to you, if not do what you feel like doing.

Are you fly fishing to go along with what others do, or because you want to? Are you adding the bait because you're having problems catching fish or not enough fish? You're the only one who can answer your question, everyone else's opinion don't matter a hill of beans!

It's a personal choice.

[Bill Michelinie]

When I have the urge to fly fish with a squid strip, I tie up a fly like this:

http://www.myfishpix.com/gallery/data/500/squid_fly.JPG

:D

[boats]

While you can tip a fly with bait it's messy at best. Won't stay on the hook and cast like a wet sock.

Better choice is to get some of the new articifcal baits. I tie some pretty nice clousers with strips of fish bites or berkley gulp for the belly.

They are usefull as searching flys for scent feeders like Croakers or Puppy Drum. Not pure for sure but to my mind better than searching with a spinning rod. Flounders will snap them up. When you find the fish switch to flys.

For Stripers they won't fish as well as a normal bucktail Clouser

Boats

[Capt Harry]

You guys all skirt the issue, saying stuff like "I have before, but don't anymore", "Who cares what others think", or "I use it to find fish". You know what all of those are? Excuses! Don't make excuses for yourself or anyone else, shift the waist band on your pantys and work at it, become more successful, enjoy it. Another option, is to buy a spinning rod or other tackle, and enjoy it for what it is.
I'm no purist by any means; for me it's about respect to yourself and others who fly fish; about the others before you who didn't use stink and were sucessfull. It's funny to read from the same guys who will analyze every piece of deer hair and flashabou in a fly, that it's ok to disrespect everyone and the sport. It's OK?!? How can you be ok with it? WHy don't you stand up and protect the sport you enjoy. Every time someone uses stink or bait on their fly, they are dropping trow on all of yours and everyone elses fly caught fish. And believe me, when they say "I don't say that it's fly caught" it's BS, because they won't say it wasn't fly caught either, they will wait for someone to ask the right questions before fessing up.
So respect everyone else that fly fishes for what it is, respect all the others that came before you and didn't cop out for a cheap thrill. Otherwise your just another disrespected John to the pimp hand of karma.:yinyang:
Harry, Out

[OneMoreCast]

You silver tongued devil you Harry... leave it up to the current IGFA moe wrangler to tell it like it is. :watchout6:
My thoughts are if you really want to learn to fly fish then you are only hurting yourself by using "enhancement". Scent, bait.... something that makes it easier also makes it not fly fishing. It will screw with your cast. It will mess with your presentation... So, not only will you be cheating, but you will also be extending your learning curve. There really isn't a gray area. Technology improves and allows us to go deep, make more durable flies, and have stronger lines....but bait will always be bait. if you are using bait, you aren't fly fishing.

[fishfearme]

Wow! Looks like some extra cups of self righteousness were drank today. Its a big ocean, bay, and sound out there. I will be sure to keep an eye out for the flyfishing police next time. I totally agree that in time it is more rewarding to use only flies and to figure out the game. That is what makes this form of fishing so fun. There is always something to do why you are fishing and then plenty to do to get ready for the next trip. That is the reward itself and there are plenty of people who won't work at it or do it enough. So be it. The fact they are fishing is important enough. People work hard enough these days. I know I do and I work to recreate, not to fit the perfect mold/image that is expected as a flyfisher. So, if someone owns a street rod that was built for them instead of he/she building it,are they less of a person? Are the forefathers of street rodding rolling in their graves. I don't feel I have to live up to any standards as a flyfisher. I don't owe any respect to the "art of flyfishing" either. Especially in salt water. When I am recreating, I am not worried about keeping my status in the club current. In the end it is your own decision. You can choose to use only flies and be accepted or choose to mix it up and be told to man up and learn the sport. By the way, I only flyfish 99.4% of the time. I once used a foam popper.

Fishfearme

[Capt Harry]

OMC, There are some things I give no slack on.:yes:

fishfearme, I hope the "cups of self righteousness" comment is not dirrected at me. No self righteousness here man, quite the opposite, more in the direction of respecting/supporting the hard work others have done. I believe you said you work hard at it right? Yet you will let someone walk up throw a little bait on there stuff and take the easy way out. Why let someone trample on your fly catches with stink or bait on their fly rod when you worked hard at it?
Protect the sport that you and others enjoy and worked hard at.

Harry, Out

[fishfearme]

No sir. Not directed at you, but the attitude that is projected in so many flyfishing circles, mags, fly shops etc. It is not about the catches and how they stack up against what everyone is doing. they are my own. Mine. Skunk days, 3 fish days, 20 fish days, does not matter. As I said, the sound, bay, ocean is big. Nobody is going to pull up to me and tarnish what I am doing by yanking out fish. I like to see them being caught. I like saltwater flyfishing for what it is. I have some of the greatest fresh water fishing in my backyard here in the midatlantic. But I rarely go because the appeal of salt fishing is greater. No crowds. No overfished predictable run. No standards on how to flyfish the salt. To me saltwater flyfishing is very broad. There are so many ways to do it. Some wade,kayak,motor boat, same as fresh, but there are so many more species of fish, factors that determine where the fish are, weather, etc. I prefer to let it be what it is, fishing, which falls under the term recreation for me. And fishing to me is pursuing something for fun. Time off is way too limited to worry about the way I fit in the lifestlye of flyfishing. Flyfishing isn't a priveledge, but a pursuit that I choose to do. How I do it shouldn't matter. It does not matter what happens in the boat next to me. I will be back tomorrow flyfishing reguardless, and saltwater flyfishing rejuvinated me. It made me feel good about the sport again, versus the garbage crammed down my throat all those years while being a freshwater flyfisher from the so called community. Of course salt is new to me and that could change in time, which then probably I will lost my mind by then and that a whole nother thread. I meant no disrespect. I enjoy as I am, but need not to belong to a stereotype again.

Peace out,

Fishfearme

[oysterbreath]

I heard fishbites is coming out with a nail polish and a head cement in 3 different flavors

[Patrick Dickhudt]

dwilliamsceg,

I live on Sarah's creek and fish it and the York River fairly often. If you just want to keep entertained stripers and croaker will tear up flies and there is probably no need to really mess around with bait. If you want to go after other species that might be more challenging on a fly (specks, pups,etc) you could alternate between light tackle lures and fly. That's what I usually do. I'm kind of on the low end of the learning curve. I like to use a spinning rod to find fishing spots and figure out what kind of retrieve I should use in what situation. I can then try to adapt what I learn from this into fly fishing.

What have you been catching in Sarah's creek on fly? I've never had much luck in there with the exception of a few little stripers near the mouth. That area around the mouth seems like it should be fishy but its never really produced for me.

Oh yeah and remember, there are no stupid questions, just stupid people :)
Best fishes,
P.

[Capt Harry]

fishfearme, Cool, and your reply is well said. I think we could learn a lot from your experience in freshwater attitudes.

dwilliamsceg, I just realized you posted "ordered flies". I know your just getting back into it, and assume you may not want to invest in all the stuff to tie up your own at this point, or may not have any interest in tying at all. Drop me an e-mail with your adress (captharry@capth3.com), I'll send you a couple of flies that might help.(It's the least I can do, to pay the Karma Pimp for my negativity) If your ever down in the Norfolk, VA area, drop me a line, if I'm going and there is an open slot onboard, your more than welcome to come.

Harry, Out

Harry, Out

[fishfearme]

Right on Capt Harry. People are good at things because they have passion and fun. Nothing bad can ever be said about that. Dwilliams, the more its in the water, the better your chances are. Fish your flies w/confidence and often. Enjoy a different way to fish.
Shoot, keep the flies wet, something will come along. Safe fishing and boating to everyone.

Peace out,

Fishfearme

[bchipps]

Interesting discussion. On another site, I read a little article by a flyfisher who drew the line at flies that resembled worms. I guess he felt that too it was to close to the pig and jig crowd with the 250 ponies sitting on the transom of the speckled candy apple colored rocket boat. Even the San Juan worm was too much for this writer. Just different strokes for different folks. Personaly, I get a kick out of catching anything on my home made stuff. Just seems more satisfying.

[bigjim5589]

Again my opinion will follow that of fishfearme,

" Yet you will let someone walk up throw a little bait on there stuff and take the easy way out. Why let someone trample on your fly catches with stink or bait on their fly rod when you worked hard at it?
Protect the sport that you and others enjoy and worked hard at. "

Capt Harry, I don't make excuses either. Your statements also appear a bit self righteous to me.

I had said that I've used bait with a fly rod before, and that's a fact, not an excuse. I don't use bait with a fly rod now, and it's been many years since I have. I've been fly fishing for over 40 years, & operated a fly business for 15 years. I learned on my own the hard way, many years of trial & error, as I had no one around to teach me when I started, and there were no videos, no internet and very few books at the time. I used my first fly rod with various flies & bait, anything to catch a few fish, and I learned a great deal from it, but more importantly, I totally enjoyed it. I didn't even consider whether or not I was disrespecting anyone, because I wasn't. I was simply using a form of fishing tackle that I had great interest in learning, and enjoyed using. Now, if you or anyone else has a problem with that, I'm sorry, but I don't have a problem with it at all. It was part of my past experience with a fly rod, my personal choices, and I don't care what others think about whether it was "correct" or not.

As far as your above quoted statement, If someone walks up & wants to throw bait with a fly rod, that's their choice, I certainly won't belittle them for it, and it's in no way any disrespect to me. That is their choice, and if it's legal, it's not my place to judge them. If what they're doing is not legal, for example, using bait in a fly fishing only area, that's a different matter, and has nothing to do with what type of tackle they're using.
Now, otherwise, if they expressed interest in fishing with just flies and wanted help, I have no problem with helping them with that either. It matters not to me whether they ever used bait or not.

I will agree with you that there is satisfaction in using only flies, but, I'm sure that too is a matter of personal choice, as we each experience satisfaction in different forms. What satisfies me, may not satisfy you!

As for your comment about protecting the sport, what are we protecting it from? The sport of fishing, and our fisheries certainly need protecting, habitat and our waterways certainly need protecting, and certainly waters designated for specific tackle use, like fly fishing only waters need protecting, but I can't see that fly fishing needs to be protected from incorrect use of bait. It's a method, it's a type of tackle, it's not a religion, at least not for me it isn't.

If it is a religion to you, then that's fine, I have no problem with that, but like any religion it should be practiced on a personal level. Don't tell me I'm wrong, because it's not the way you do it, or the way that you believe it should be done.

I'm not trying to disrespect anyone, I'm not trying to belittle anyone. I truly enjoy fly fishing, but I'll do it my way, and again, it's no one else's business how I choose to do it, as long as what I do is legal.

As I see it, holier than thou attitudes have always been a problem with many types of fishing, but especially fly fishing. Folks argue about what it is, what is isn't, whats a fly, what's not a fly, etc. If we spent as much energy with truly important issues, like how do we clean up the bay and really improve the fishing as we do on silly crap, we would accomplish a whole lot more. I've been fighting with attitudes about fly fishing for many years. I've seen too many folks new to fly fishing give up on it because they didn't understand it, and because they got attitudes about it from other folks that had been at it longer. Fly fishing should be about enjoying it, not arguing about what it is or isn't.

Capt Harry, if you really want to save the sport of fly fishing, start by allowing folks to enjoy it first. Keep an open mind about it, and don't belittle them for not doing it the way you think it should be done. Everyone has to start somewhere. If they start by using a bit of bait, let them. If they're really interested in the sport, most folks will usually progress to flies only at some point anyway. If they ask for help with fly fishing, help them, don't knock them down.

Sorry for my rant, and dwilliamsceg sorry for hijacking the thread.

[paxfish]

Big Jim said " As I see it, holier than thou attitudes have always been a problem with many types of fishing, but especially fly fishing."

Wow, that is 180 degrees out from my experience. After fishing for years with different tackle and mixed success, flyfisherfolk came to my rescue. They taught me everything about tackle, gear, tying and by way of association, I started learning about and engaged in conservation practices. And Man! Do we ever catch fish!

But holier than thou? None of the 100 or so flyfishermen I know. Every one of them will take a minute to teach, compare notes, take ya fishing and ask after your family and your life at some point during the day.

If you have a chance to come on up to FlyFest 6 at my house, please do. I'll introduce you to a group of flyfishermen who are all about teaching, all about helping kids learn, all about Bay stewardship.

Where do you hail from?

http://mywebpages.comcast.net/chrismoe/gurgler.jpg

[Capt Harry]

BigJim, Did you walk in 3ft of snow while learning to fly fish also? :D
Still not sure how I came off as self righteous, not the intent at all.
The thread started whith a question if using bait on the fly was OK. My opinion, no it is not; your opinion, yes it is. We have differing opinions, cool, I'm ok with that. It amazes me though how people that love fly fishing for what it is, worked hard at it, go to great lenghths to explain what they are and have done over many years, how they are now purists; are somehow ok with someone using bait on their fly and taking the easy way out. Your basically making excuses to put bait on a fly, so they can catch a fish and feel better about it. Somehow I just don't get it, I've taken plenty of skunks, and still do; but everytime I take a skunk, I learn something, or at least get inspired to learn something. If you influence others to put bait on the fly, their missing out on a big part of what I feel it's all about, the inspiration of the skunk.(Read opinion, if you don't agree, please disregard enjoy it your way) Obviously the problem of understanding is on my end, I'll work on it.

My opinion is simple, if you want to fly fish then fly fish; if you want to bait fish, then put the fly rod down and bait fish. I'm not trying to trample on anyones right to enjoy doing whatever makes them happy, why that debate always comes up whenever this topic comes up, I will never understand. Enjoy whatever form of fishing it is that you do. I just feel (read opinion) it direspects everyone else and yourself by putting bait on a fly and you will be missing the point/joy of fly fishing by doing it; but if you don't see it that way, so be it do what you wish as long as your happy in your world.

Harry, Out

[bigjim5589]

Capt. I understand your position. I'm certainly no purist either. I no longer use bait with a fly rod because that's my choice, I don't need to use it to catch fish, and I don't care if I catch fish or not. I just simply enjoy using a fly rod. I like to think that I have progressed to this point.

However, "then put the fly rod down and bait fish" this is what I have the problem with. I don't see anyone telling folks to put down other forms of tackle, and not use bait with them. The fly rod is a tool, it's simply another method for which to fish. If someone wants to use bait with a fly rod, why is that so wrong, it's a matter of choice nothing more. I'm saying don't discourage anyone from using a fly rod, whether they choose to use some bait with it or just flies is their choice, not yours. It's not wrong, it's just a matter of choice.

I don't always use fly tackle either. I have all kinds of tackle, spinning, baitcasters & trolling, and know that for most situations one form or another is better to use in that situation. I will not tell someone else that what they're using is wrong. I may tell them that other tackle is likely more appropriate, but never wrong. I just don't see any disrespect for others or the method if they choose to use bait with a fly rod. I don't see anyone telling spin fishers that using flies with their spinning tackle is wrong. I see them being told that using a fly rod may be more fun, and may be a better choice, but not wrong. Why not treat a fly rod the same way.

You have expressed your opinion, and I have no problem with it if it works for you.

To answer your question, no, I have not walked in 3 ft of snow to fly fish, but I have walked in snowshoes thru some snow to fly fish.

Paxfish, I have encountered folks who had attitudes towards how others use flies, or fly fish. Most of it was with trout anglers. I can't say that I've seen much of it with saltwater or bass fly anglers, and I've also had the good fortune to meet many folks who gladly & freely help others with their fly fishing or fly tying.

Simply put, fly fishing is a method. I don't believe anyone should be discouraged or told that they're wrong for using a fly rod, however they decide to use it.

[Wild Bill]

Capt Harry that is the best line of this entire thread.

I rarely get skunked because most of my trips are road trips and I try to go where there are good numbers of fish and choose to go in relatively good weather. The exception is the Susky Flats in the Spring. I have encountered a number of skunks, particularly this year. I went several times when the water was muddy and cold and few if any fish were being caught on lures or flies. The bait dunkers were catching 30 to 50 pound fish on bunker chunks and live bunker--so the fish were there. I went because the fish were in the area, my boat was in a slip right there and my buds and I wanted to get out and fish in April.

I dare say I never experienced the "inspiration of the skunk". I will have to work on that.

There are plenty of methods in the sport of fishing I do not care to use. I try not to tell others what is the right or wrong way to catch fish, as long as it is legal and within the limits set. I hate trolling but would not tell anyone they are disrespecting the sport of fishing or disrespecting themselves or other fishermen by using that method.

You could get in big trouble doing that in your home waters, Harry. I have never seen so many dedicated trollers in all my life. A great day for them (I know this because they report it pretty often) is to leave the dock at 7 AM and be back in their slip at 9 AM with their two fish per man limit. It almost seems like they do not like fishing but like getting the meat. That would be no fun to me at all, but I do not think they are disrespecting the sport. They are fishing within the law the way they want and that is fine with me. They probably think I am nuts out there in the ocean casting a fly rod. That is fine too.

The other thing that is big in VA is getting their "paper". I used to collect citations from MD and VA years ago and then figured I had enough. About five years ago I was cleaning out my file cabinet and tossed them all out. Same for plaques, all tossed. On the other hand, those who get enjoyment out of getting their "paper" are just fine in my book.

It is called tolerance and it takes time for many of us men to develop it. It takes constant work for some of us.

[dwilliamsceg]

Wow. Lots of responses. They pretty much fall in line with what I expected.

I am actually surprised at the number of folks that use attractants, etc. on their flies. I thought my question would be blasphemous and that no one would have tried it.

Thanks for the comments and I look forward to participating on this board.
D.

[dwilliamsceg]

Patrick Dickhudt -

There are some areas near the mouth of the creek...probably not where you think, that hold fish. In fact there is a 20' flounder hole in the most unlikely spot. The mouth, on the inside, across from the yacht haven, holds all types of fish. With spinning tackle I have caught stripers, weakfish, croaker, pups, spot, and a host of other fish. I have fished this area with clousers and have had some success. There are also areas more up creek that will produce croakers on clousers.

Where on the creek do you live? I live on the NE finger of the creek up past Cook's seafood. I fish out of a 19' Car. Skiff DLX with a 90hp Yammy and a trolling motor on the bow. I am out several times per week. If you ever see me out, make sure to say hi.

Where else do you fly fish? Have you tried Tue Marsh or the marshes outside of the Perrin?

D.

[Patrick Dickhudt]

D,

Hey, I think we live pretty close to each other. I live on Oyster cove which I believe is the next cove south of where you live. I am usually fishing out of a kayak in Sarah's Creek. I also have an old 16 ft jon boat that I use to fish the Mobjack and around the mouth of the York. I have fished that area by the mouth but have only really caught stripers and croaker there. I guess I need to give it a little more attention. I've fished Tue Marsh a little and I've tried those marshes off the Perrin quite a few times. I've been told that is a good spot for pups but I haven't had a lot of luck there. I was thinking about taking a kayak out there today and checking it out. If you're out that way give Guinea Marsh a try. I've caught a lot of fish there although they tend to be on the small side. Its a real pretty spot and usually no one around. This year I've been spending most of my time on the Mobjack. Its such a good but challenging place to fish that I've decided to put in my time and hopefully figure it out. I am starting to know the contours and some likely spots but I haven't caught much this year but a billion croakers and one real nice speck (not on fly unfortuanately). See ya on the creek.

P.

[boats]

So the local boy who fishes his own boat ties his own flys and finds his own fish with a bait outfit is not as pure as Mr Big who flys to some exotic location hires the best guide and on instuction drops his fly in front of a tropy fish.

B/s I say. The biggest single advantage you can have is to be on the water every day learning were the fish trade. If someone who has a regular job and can only get on the water once or twice a week searches with bait so be it. I know which of the two I respect the most. There are a whole lot of big egos in fly fishing and some of the biggest could never catch anything on there own. Even thought they are purist.

Boats

[dwilliamsceg]

Patrick,

Is this oyster cove? Google Maps (http://maps.google.com/?ie=UTF8&ll=37.260908,-76.472257&spn=0.003121,0.005021&t=h&z=18&om=1)

I went out this morning and drifted the SW side of the Coleman. This produced some small flatties on bucktail/teaser rigs. We then came back in the creek and caught some larger fluke across from the Yacht Haven. I am probably gonna go back out for a few hours this evening.

[dwilliamsceg]

D,

Hey, I think we live pretty close to each other. I live on Oyster cove which I believe is the next cove south of where you live. I am usually fishing out of a kayak in Sarah's Creek. I also have an old 16 ft jon boat that I use to fish the Mobjack and around the mouth of the York. I have fished that area by the mouth but have only really caught stripers and croaker there. I guess I need to give it a little more attention. I've fished Tue Marsh a little and I've tried those marshes off the Perrin quite a few times. I've been told that is a good spot for pups but I haven't had a lot of luck there. I was thinking about taking a kayak out there today and checking it out. If you're out that way give Guinea Marsh a try. I've caught a lot of fish there although they tend to be on the small side. Its a real pretty spot and usually no one around. This year I've been spending most of my time on the Mobjack. Its such a good but challenging place to fish that I've decided to put in my time and hopefully figure it out. I am starting to know the contours and some likely spots but I haven't caught much this year but a billion croakers and one real nice speck (not on fly unfortuanately). See ya on the creek.

P.

Do you trailer your john boat to the MJ or do you take it via water? Also, I have not fished Guinea marsh yet. Any tips for where to look/how to fish?

Thanks
Dave.

[flies only]

as long as you derive satisfaction from it ,it is good. life is stresful enough,if fishing with something on your line tkaes it away so be it. i personally wouldn't enjoy it but that is just me. i do bait fish but for the most part i will use artificial(ie light tackle or fly). the greatest satisfaction for me is catching a fish on a fly i have tied.
harry, can we now get back to the hooker comment , does drunken girls on canal day count too???:D

[paxfish]

So the local boy who fishes his own boat ties his own flys and finds his own fish with a bait outfit is not as pure as Mr Big who flys to some exotic location hires the best guide and on instuction drops his fly in front of a tropy fish.


Boats

Bizarre. In middle school I had a kid trying to pick a fight say "You think you're better than me? Huh?"

I said, "No. In fact, I hadn't thought about you at all." No response....

[Patrick Dickhudt]

Dave,

That wasn't Oyster Cove on that google map. If you zoom out on that map its the small cove/creek just to the south of Chestnut Point Ln. I generally trailer to the Mobjack and launch at Holiday Marina. I pay a monthly fee to launch there but its so close and convenient that I don't mind. I fish Guinea Marsh same as Mobjack, Goodwin, or any other shallow, grassy, marshy area. Try the grass beds in 2-6 ft of water, up against the marsh when there's enough water, and any bottom contours no matter how small. We're getting pretty off topic for this thread. If you want to talk more about fishing this area feel free to send me an email at pdickhudt@hotmail.com.

P.

[Capt Harry]

harry, can we now get back to the hooker comment , does drunken girls on canal day count too???:D
That is how the prey was presented to you in the wild! Fair game my friend, fair game. Consider it as you would casting into a blitz, it's a sure thing for hookup. :thumbup: Still safer to practice catch and release in those scenarios though.:D
Harry, Out

[David M]

"Catch and release", that's good Harry. Better hope they don't leave you with a nasty case of the mycobacteria!

David

[flies only]

i think the amount of alcohol along with the canal water will kill just about anything,there was an incredible amount of catch and release going on. :D

[Winky]

I suppose the "purist" would say a bait trailer of any type is a sin but what the hay....if it makes ya smile go for it....It's not worth gettin your pants in ah bunch.....personally, I don't use anything but feathers, hair some 'flash and ah hook....or as Joe Reynolds has said over on the Lefty Kreh forum, "chicken on ah hook"LOL.