Hernando Beach on the FLY

The fishing on the flats and back country waters of Hernando Beach continues to be good. Anglers are finding a variety of species in 2 - 10 ft of water ready to eat. I often cover the baits and lures that produce, but in this article we will cover catching fish on the fly. Our region has a number of areas that are perfect for fly fishing. Red fish on oyster bars, trout on a shallow flat, or mackerel and blue fish on marked rock piles are all great examples. Spring and summer brings fly fishermen to or area looking for tarpon, but this time of year can be very rewarding for anglers wanting to bend a fly rod. I use a fast action 9wt TFO Lefty Kreh BVK signature fly rod. A quality 9wt rod like the TFO BVK is light enough to cast all day but heavy enough to handle a hard pulling red fish or mackerel. A good reel with a quality drag system is a must. I prefer a weight forward floating line by RIO over a Dacron backing. Choosing the proper fly will catch more fish and make for easier casting. Clousers, Crazy Charlie's, poppers, or a small spoon fly are all great options. I prefer a smaller fly because they allow me to make longer cast. Don't worry about the smaller fly, because elephants eat peanuts! Be ready to try a variety of colors and alternate your stripping speeds until you find one that works. TIP: If you are new to fly fishing and looking to buy a nice rod and reel then be sure to do your home work. A quality combo is not cheap so be ready to ask the right questions. Do the research needed to ensure you get a quality fly rod and reel that is right for you and will last for years to come. Remember that practice makes perfect, so get it right in the back yard so you can make that cast when it counts on the water! Feel free to call with fly fishing questions, or to book a trip for your chance for a trophy fish on the fly! Good luck out there and tight lines! Capt. Keith Tomlinson Bulldog Fishin Charters www.bulldogfishin.com (352)238-3581