To this day, I still have vivid childhood memories of the crystal clear water between the mangroves in Key Largo loaded with snapper that would be more than happy to eat the shrimp we dropped below. In contrast, I also remember in those days walking out onto the Naples pier and staring at wall to wall snook lying below. And, in this case, it didn’t matter what you did, they would just stare back at me and would not eat anything.

Maybe, it is these early memories that make me appreciate and want to keep sightfishing. And, many anglers will agree as well that sightfishing is definitely one of the most exiting ways to fish. Whether stalking tailing redfish, drifting with tarpon rolling early in the morning, or watching snook hang around docks under the lights at night, a visual type of situation can really get the heart pumping.

Nevertheless, you know the old saying, if you can see the fish, they probably saw you first. And, in many cases, this is enough to shut them down and really make it difficult to get them to eat. So, it got me to thinking, how much is too much of a good thing? Well for openers, I wouldn’t pursue the sport if I didn’t think it was effective. From the poling platform, on many occasions I have spotted fish moving down a shoreline and have watched as the angler on the bow led the fish resulting in a take. And, I have also seen lots of fish move on while ignoring the presentation. Most likely, it is the takes that keep me coming back for more.

To put it all in perspective, when it comes to sightfishing over the shallow tidal flats, I believe we need to extend or expand our perception of literal sight fishing to include more than looking for an exact visual target. Sure, there are many occasions where a school or even a lone fish can be singled out visually. And in all these cases, I will attempt to present a bait. On the other hand, I have also had a lot of fun out on a flat or shoreline looking for visual signs from a broader perspective and then using long casts to probe the entire area. For example, the next best thing to actually sighting a fish is when you see them pushing water. And, the advantage here is that you can see this from a long distance. So, if you are quiet and able to make long casts, the fish will not be aware of your presence and the odds of getting them to eat is dramatically improved. And, even if it ends up just being mullet pushing water, the chances that gamefish will be close are pretty good.  Mullet stir up quite a bit off the bottom and help provide an easy meal for any hungry predator.

In addition to seeing water being pushed, if you are moving down a flat and begin seeing little clouds of mud scattered about, there is a good possibility you blew some fish out. In this case, let things quiet down a bit and begin working the area. After fanning the immediate area, move down the flat a little more and cover some more ground. Still another obvious sign that fish are active on a flat is the sight of bait being busted at the surface. And this particular event can really be seen from a long way off.

Essentially, all these scenarios still fall into the category of sightfishing with the added benefit of limiting the probability that the fish can see you as well. And as previously mentioned being able to cast long distances will really improve your chances under these conditions. To accomplish this, a longer 7’6” or 8’ medium power fast action tipped rod rated for 8 to 17 lb. line will help. Also, remember that a thinner line will cast further than a heavier thicker line. So, it might not be a bad idea to rig one setup with monofilament as light as 8lbs. in case you’re having trouble reaching the target area. Even better, try rigging with some 15lb. braid, which has the same diameter as 5lb. mono, and you’ll get even more distance. And, no matter which type of line you prefer, make sure the spool is full. A full spool will always allow you to throw for more distance. Also, keep in mind, a heavier lure on the end of your line will also provide more distance. For example, a ¼ oz. jig will throw farther than a 1/8 oz. jig. In addition, you can always add a popping cork to your soft plastic or feathered jig to even get more distance. And of course, you can usually throw a plug a country mile.

So mostly, if we back off a little bit and learn to sight fish from a distance instead of up close where the fish also has a sight advantage, we might find ourselves sneaking up on some unsuspecting fish that are willing to eat.

Red Fish Tailing in the Grass

Spring Fishing Report and Special Announcement

Fly Fishing Film Festival is coming to Brunswick on April 12

A full day of fly-fishing goodness is planned on April 12.  Special fly tying with Blane Choclett, Vendor Tents and a skiff show with the Film Festival starting at 6:00.  This is the major fundraiser for the Georgia Saltwater Anglers Association.  This is one of the few organizations pushing for red fish and general fisheries conservation.  Make plans today to attend.

We are in the Spring pattern for fishing.  The big winter schools of reds seem to have broken up.  On good wind days, we can find these fish on the flats or at the backs of creeks.  However, they are not everywhere, and it is necessary to actively seek them out.  As the Spring progresses, the weather will become more stable, with light Southerly winds in the morning changing to the sea breeze in the afternoon

Trout are coming back shallow and are being found on Oyster bars and at creek mouths.  You must move around during this season.  We find them one here and one there.

The Triple Tail are back.  This is a unique fishery where these fish free float in front of Jekyll Island.  It is also a spotty fishery.  Sometimes they pop up and other times they don’t.  Look at my blog on Triple Tail fishing on my Captain’s Musings Page. You must have light, westerly winds to hunt these fish in the ocean.  At this time of year, if the conditions are right, I like to combine shallow water sight fishing for reds with sight fishing for Triple Tail.  Catching your first Triple Tail on the fly is an exhilarating experience.

At the water approaches 70 degrees, the May flood tide fishing should be excellent.  We have good tides for tailing reds on the evenings of May 23-25 and June 14, then June 21-23.  Call if you are interested in booking one of these days.

I have lots of availability for the flood tides of September and October.  There are some excellent tide dates still available.  Call, text or email to enjoy this Classic Southern Fly Fishing to tailing redfish in the flooded marsh.

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