Captain Jason Sawicki’s two most important elements for fishing on the fly are patience and dedication.
By Captain Jason Sawicki
For consistent success in saltwater fly fishing, a different approach is required and anglers on board should really be committed to it if that is the ultimate goal. Vessel needs to be stationary as fly casting off a fast moving platform is nearly impossible. The operator needs to understand how to get the boat in fly-cast range of the fish you are pursuing and realistically, that is within 100 feet or so of your quarry. The captains and fishermen who are really good at the fly game are likely some of the best out there, as they have to be extremely observant, patient, and stealthy to achieve success. And when you are successful, the feeling of reward and achievement when catching a fish on the fly can be insurmountable â even more so if you also tie your own flies.
Captain Jason Sawicki has had a great deal of success while fishing with his Cheeky Fishing reels.
Itâs also notable that there are angling situations where at times, flies will outperform spin and conventional gear. When fish (like albies or stripers) focus on micro sized baits, or when fish are spooky cruising in shallow water, the fly guys can really shine. I have even seen blues so zoned in on tiny bait, that only flies or small buck tails produce. The same âmatch the hatchâ philosophy of trout fishing is certainly applicable in the salt.
I have found that fly fishermen are usually a more mature, experienced, and seasoned group of anglers who enjoy the challenge of hooking and landing a fish on fly gear. It is an endeavor of quality over quantity, and while there is certainly an air of sophistication and art that is embedded within the fly culture, that should definitely not discourage you from it if you are interested. It is true that some aspects of the gear and casting are a bit technical, but gaining some basic knowledge and hooking up in our NE waters is not tough â especially when fish are in the full blown blitz mode of the fall run.
We have some great local gear available such as the new line of fly reels offered by Cheeky Fishing â which can matchup with your budget. I am using the Mojo 425âs paired with Sage nine-weight rods. The Sage brand, which also includes Redington and Rio fly lines, also offers a variety of rods and lines for either the beginner fly fisherman or the seasoned vet who desires top end quality. Give Cheeky Fishing a look if youâre interested in getting into the fly game and expanding your angling interests.
FORECAST BY: Jason Sawicki is a USCG licensed captain who pursues many of the great fisheries that exist in the North East. He trailers his Mako CC âMegabiteâ throughout southern New England, targeting multiple fisheries with light tackle â knowing that being mobile is a huge advantage towards being consistently successful.