Several years ago we suggested to the flats fishing world that it might not be the best idea to wear a bright shirt when fishing for bonefish. However, since then we’ve seen plenty of bonefish caught wearing just about every color under the sun. That got us thinking.. Light, pastel colored clothes might be a good idea…
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Tips
Tying With Mono Eyes
We’re spinning up a lot of bonefish flies these days, and while our bonefish aren’t overly picky, we still like the challenge of tying flies that best imitate what bonefish like to eat. For the most part, bonefish forage (shrimp, crabs, baitfish, etc.) blend in really well on the flats. Thus, choosing a fly that best…
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Tying Traditional Hairwings – The Colburn Special
A few of you have asked us to put together some step by step tying posts for some more ‘classic’ fly patterns for salmon and steelhead. So, today we present you with a classic hair wing style pattern called the Colburn Special. Enjoy! The Colburn Special – Tying Instructions Originally designed for Atlantic salmon (by…
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Keep a Spare Rod Close
When poling for bonefish from a flats skiff, typically only one angler fishes from the front of the boat, while the other waits patiently in the back of the boat until it is his/her turn on the deck. The angler in the back of the boat has plenty to do anyhow, from freeing up tangled fly…
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Mending – Lift, Don’t Flip
It’s often said that a good drift is more important than a good cast. While we would certainly agree, that’s not to say getting a proper drift of your fly is always easy. Proper mending is an art in itself and today Alaska West guide, Jason Whiting, is back with a great tip on making…
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Fight Dirty – Down and Dirty
Just a reminder that when fighting big fish, we really like the down and dirty approach – pulling hard, with the rod tip low and to the side, thus bending the rod deep into the butt section. Click on almost any part of the previous sentence for a visual of what we mean. We find…
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Micro Mends for Tucked-In Trout
Last week Alaska West guide, Jason Whiting, presented us with a great technique for targeting hard to reach trout with streamers by using a series of micro mends to provide action to your fly. It’s a super deadly technique, and if you didn’t get a chance to read it, we suggest you check it out,…
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No Shoes, No Problems
In fisheries like ours on South Andros, a sturdy pair of flats boots are a really, really good idea whenever fishing for bonefish on foot. Some of our flats are really long, taking hours to cover, and protecting your feet is really important. However, when fishing from the boat we tend to recommend that our guests leave the…
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Dredging Streamers for Trout
For many trout anglers, fall means streamer time. Streamers are arguably the most versatile flies out there, and if you’re not fishing streamers using a variety of techniques, odds are you’re missing out. We’ve posted in the past on streamer techniques that go beyond the classic ‘cast and strip’ method, and today Alaska West guide,…
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“Long Strip!”
Experienced anglers know that the best way to set the hook on bonefish is with a strip set, not by raising the rod. Experienced guides know that saying ‘long strip’ is a great way to trick inexperienced anglers into setting the hook without raising the rod. “Strip, strip, long strip!” Fish on. More on Bonefishing…
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