working the fly

I have been fortunate enough to see some fish on the flats and had some chances to cast to them. I have found that If i try to cast to close i spook em so I was wondering if you guys could offer some advice on how you present the fly to these shallow fish. Do you let it sit and hope he comes close enough to get his attention or chunk it past him and actively strip it back? Any advice would be appreciated.I am casting minnow type flies

Lately I’ve had the fish chewing on crab patterns, try one with flash in it. This rain is making the water Nice and murky so the flash helps. When you see a tail stick out of the water try and make out what way the fish is headed, then toss your fly about 3 to 4 feet in front of the tail. Don’t move the fly much because the fish are usually pretty spooky in the grass, Try to make it just twitch slowly. They will hear it hit the water and since they are already swimming towards where you casted they will see the flash on the fly and usually pick it up. That’s what has worked for me lately, hope it helps!

“Gun control, it’s like trying to prevent drunk driving by making it more difficult for sober people to buy cars” -anonymous

thanks for the advice,will try again,and again

Just cross their eyes with it - then they’ll tell you if they like it or not.


A long long slow walk in the spartina gives you time to think big thoughts and put your mind back into order.

  • Flatscaster

Like what flyfishingod said, put the fly in front of them to where they are going, not where they are. Fish usually react to sound first, and then sight. Try a lighter fly with a weed guard, helps with not making so much noise if fish moves and you have to redirect another cast.