Fly Fishing for Triple Tail in the Golden Isles

Fly fishing for triple tail in coastal Georgia, USA is a unique and challenging experience that any angler should try at least once.

Triple tail is a game fish that is found in warm coastal waters around the world. They are known for their powerful fights. Additionally, they are delicious, making them a popular target for sport fishing. In this blog post, I will explain the basics of fly fishing for triple tail in coastal Georgia and share some tips for success.

Triple tail can be found in the coastal waters of Georgia from May to September, with the peak season being June and July.

They prefer warm waters with plenty of structure, such as buoys, channel markers, and floating debris. Unique to our area, the fish free float from 1-3 miles off of some beaches. Many believe this is spawning activity. Some others believe they free float simply to get warm. Regardless of why, this habit makes for excellent sight fishing.

In the Spring and early Summer, we sight cast to these free floating fish. We simply idle around looking for one. When we spot a triple tail, we make a quick assessment of the situation. We determine which direction the fish is facing and its distance from your boat. Positioning the boat is critical. We have to be far enough from the fish so we don’t spook him, but close enough to make a fly cast.

As the angler, you make your first cast well ahead of the fish to avoid spooking it. Your goal is to land the fly in the fishs path and then strip it back to entice a strike.

Triple tail are notorious for being finicky eaters, so it may take several casts to get a bite. These fish are opportunistic feeders and will eat a variety of prey, including shrimp, crabs, and small fish. When fly fishing for triple tail, it is important to mimic these prey items with your fly selection.

When it comes to fly selection for triple tail, small, realistic flies are typically the most effective. Shrimp patterns, crab patterns, and baitfish imitations are all good choices.

The fly should be tied with a weed guard to prevent it from getting snagged on structure. It is also a good idea to use a 5 foot, intermediate tip fly line to get your fly down to the fishs level quickly.

Another important factor in fly fishing for triple tail is tackle selection. A 7-9 weight rod with a fast action is ideal for this type of fishing. A reel with a strong drag system and a floating or intermediate tip are recommended.

Be sure to use a heavy leader and tippet to prevent the fish from breaking off or getting tangled in structure.

As with any type of fishing, proper boat handling is crucial when fly fishing for triple tail. Position your boat upwind or upcurrent from the target area. If you have a partner, have them help you spot fish and guide you towards them. Avoid running your boat over the target area, as this will spook the fish and make them harder to catch.

In addition to fly fishing for triple tail, many fishermen use bait with a popping cork. For floating fish, a popping cork and short leader with a live shrimp can be deadly.

Later in the summer, when the fish are on the markers, a slip cork, so you can adjust the depth of the bait, with live bait are used.

Fly fishermen also target triple tail on markers with sink tip lines and small clouser minnow patterns.

Fly fishing for triple tail in coastal Georgia is a challenging and exciting experience that any angler should try.

Remember to use small, realistic flies and a floating or intermediate tip line. Focus on sight casting for free floating fish.

Use proper boat handling techniques and be patient, as it may take several casts to get a bite. With the right approach and a little bit of luck, you can land one of these hard fighting fish.