Saltwater Flat Flies for Success!
It's all about preperartion
There’s nothing quite like the thrill of an upcoming saltwater fly fishing
trip. The anticipation of gliding across the flats, waiting for that perfect moment to cast at a tailing fish is exhilarating. When that cast hits the water just right, you hope your fly is exactly what the fish are looking for. Having the right selection of flies is crucial for a successful outing. Let’s help you
prepare your fly box for your next saltwater flats adventure!
Bonefish
For your week of bonefishing the flats, you'll want to bring around three to four dozen flies in a variety of patterns. Focus on a mix of very light flies and medium-weight ones with bead chain and small dumbbell eyes, suitable for fishing in depths from six inches to two feet. It's recommended to include at least half a dozen heavy lead-eyed flies for deeper mud areas, where the water can reach three to four feet.
Size #6 flies are the most common for bonefish, but include a few #4s and smaller #8s for versatility. Bonefish can be quite selective, so be prepared to experiment with different patterns. Neutral colors like tan and brown are typically effective, but make sure to include some very light or white flies
for those bright sandy flats.
Some of our favorite Bonefish patterns are the following:
- Crazy Charlies #6 & #8 white, pink, brown, and chartreuse
- Gotcha’s
-Beck's Silly Leg Gotcha #6 & #8
- Mantis Shrimp, Veverka’s #6 & #8
-Avalon Permit Fly #4
- Some of the best patterns are tan
and pearl shrimp.
Permit
Permit, like bonefish, have a diet that includes both shrimp and crabs. However, we've observed that crab imitations have been more successful for catching permit. The challenge with fishing crab patterns lies in their slow movement; keeping the fly crawling along the bottom while maintaining tight line tension can be tricky. Permit are known for their selectivity, so it's important to be ready to try different flies.
For your week on the flats, it’s wise to bring one to two dozen crab
patterns in various sizes, weights, and colors. Lighter patterns work best for shallow sandy flats, while heavier ones are ideal for depths of 6-8 feet. Size #2 flies are the most commonly used for permit, but it’s beneficial to have a few #1/0 and smaller #4 patterns for added versatility.
Some of our favorite Permit pattterns:
-Strong Arm Merkin
-Alphlexco Crab
-Rag Head Crab
-Cathys Fleeing Crab
-Avalon Permit Fly
Tarpon
Tarpon, often called the Silver King, are an exciting target for anglers! While they do eat crustaceans, their primary diet consists of baitfish. Known for their explosive bursts of speed, these fish have a bucket-like mouth that allows them to engulf their prey. Unlike other flats species that feed near the bottom, tarpon often hunt closer to the surface. This makes it essential to have a selection of lightly or unweighted flies to attract these aerial acrobats.
For your week on the flats, it's smart to pack a dozen baitfish patterns in different sizes, weights, and colors. While lighter patterns are generally more effective, having a few heavier options on hand is beneficial for targeting deeper holes and channels. This variety will help you adapt to changing conditions and increase your chances of enticing a bite.
Tarpon are feeders but also quite opportunistic. Having 4 or 5 different patterns in a variety of colors can be very advantageous.
Here are some of our favorites:
-Tarpon Toad
-Midnight Mullet
-Cockroach
-Black Death
Barracuda, Jacks, Snappers, Sharks and more
On the flats, you can experience fantastic fishing for a diverse array of species, including mutton snapper, jack crevalle, barracuda, and sharks. Each of these species presents unique challenges and opportunities, so having the right flies is crucial for success. Here’s a breakdown of the flies you’ll need for each:
Barracuda
Barracuda are known for their speed and sharp teeth, making them a thrilling challenge. To entice these predators, use:
-Cuda Fly
-Needle Fish
-Cuda Killer
Jacks, Snappers, Sharks
-Clouser Minnow
-Deceiver
-Major Bunker
Conclusion
Having a well-rounded selection of flies tailored to each species will greatly enhance your fishing experience on the flats. Be sure to adapt your approach based on the type of water you're fishing and the species of fish. With the right flies in your arsenal, you're set for an exciting adventure on the water!
