Florida Saltwater Flies- Packing for a Trip to Florida
Here in central Florida we find many species of fish- redfish, snook, seatrout, tarpon, snapper, moonfish, jacks, it’s a long list. Since you’re traveling, you don’t have room to bring a ton of tackle. I hope the list below reflects an exercise in minimalism for Florida saltwater flies.
The fish you’ll be encountering eat three things for the most part- smaller fish, shrimp, and crabs. The flies carried should reflect this. Additionally, some attractor-style flies like spoonflies and poppers should be carried, too.
Try to fit all the terminal tackle into a single Simms Dry Creek Waist Pack . In the pocket of the pack put the following items:
– a couple of finger guards
– a stick of sunscreen for the lips.
Inside the pack put the following:
-fluorocarbon leader wheels in 12, 15, 20, and 30 pound test
– a package of Knot 2 Kinky leader wire . You never know when this might be needed
– a dehooker
– a Gerber Multitool or equivalent
– a small bag with a half dozen small white shrimp flies for nighttime dock fishing. If you get a chance you will be ready.
– a one quart ziplock back containing a couple dozen synthetic minnow fly patterns, similar to Puglisi style flies, in sizes from #4 to #2/0, many with weedguards, some tied as bendbacks.
An example of a minnow fly. Lefty’s Deceiver will work, too.
A flock of faux fishies.
– a small Plano box jammed with flies, including-
*3 Dupre spoonflies
* a half dozen Merkin-style (or other) crabs, size #4, with weedguards
*several Clouser Minnows in various colors and sizes (#4-1), with weedguards
Clouser minnows of many color combos work well.
*several black bunny leeches, #2, with weedguards
* several Borski-style Sliders, size #4 and 2, in various colors and weights, with weedguards;
My version of a slider.
* a few Trout Bites or other style bendback, size #4 and 2
* a few Rattle Rousers, size #4, great for dirty water
* a selection of poppers and gurglers. Baby tarpon love small gurglers!
If you have space, a few fry minnow patterns will be great for freshwater fishing and baby tarpon.
A craft fur fry minnow.
With this kit, you could fish saltwater anywhere north of Key Largo and would be prepared for most of what you would encounter.
So we have discussed Florida Saltwater Flies- Packing for a Trip to Florida. In your Florida fishing fantasy, what different stuff would you bring?
John Kumiski
www.spottedtail.com
All content in this blog, including writing and photos, copyright John Kumiski 2013. All rights are reserved.
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