As the fall and winter fishing season start to kick in full gear, the fishing seems not to be letting up so prepare yourself for fantastic fishing. A lot of fish are still being seen and caught on the flats with us only having a few real hot summer days. With a few days of northerly winds already experienced, we are getting a little more water on the flats and the fish are now feeding a lot further on the flats. These flats, we call new water flats; they are very high in food content so the fish feed aggressively. Because these flat have a lot of small crabs, bring a few crab patterns and do not be afraid to cast a big fly. Remember big fly… big fish! I have seen and caught a lot in the 20 to 24 inch bracket. (p.s. don’t forget to check your camera battery to make sure it is holding a charge and be like someone I know who was unable to take a picture of a trophy… still cannot get over it.)
My favorite fly in these situations is a crab resembling a Merkin and a Bastard Crab (Aaron Adams pattern). With an occasional cold front reaching this way, keep an eye for more “tailers” very close to shore now that the shallow water is getting cooler. Try using some # 2 and #4 for large fish and up your tippet size 15# to 18#. Since this might be your first time this season, do not forget to change and buy some new leaders and tippets. Throw those old ones away. You waited too long for this trip to lose a good fish to old leaders. Give your line a good cleaning and bring your cleaner along. A nice slick line will help in the windy conditions and do not forget practice your casting in the wind.
Hope to see you soon on these wonderful flats.