Several days ago I saw a weather window open up for today. Sunny skies and no wind, I took it as an open invite to go scout some new waters. Scouring the hook-n-line maps and google earth, I saw some shorelines along Keller Bay that looked too tempting to resist. I was also anxious to get out and slime my (new to me) tarpon 160.
After taking up fly fishing last summer I had yet to catch a red on the fly. I was bound and determined to get it done this summer. With my mission in hand I set sail for Keller Bay.
Wanting to get to the south pocket before day break, I launched from the park at 4:30. The tide was slack and the wind was even more so. It made for a nice paddle across the bay lit by the full moon. Once I hit the south shoreline I threw topwaters until daybreak which didnt result in any takers. As the sun came out I made my way to a small super shallow cove, probably 5" of water with patches of oyster along the shore and plenty of grass. The wind was absolutely dead and the water was gin clear, perfect conditions for a fly NOOB
After taking up fly fishing last summer I had yet to catch a red on the fly. I was bound and determined to get it done this summer. With my mission in hand I set sail for Keller Bay.
Wanting to get to the south pocket before day break, I launched from the park at 4:30. The tide was slack and the wind was even more so. It made for a nice paddle across the bay lit by the full moon. Once I hit the south shoreline I threw topwaters until daybreak which didnt result in any takers. As the sun came out I made my way to a small super shallow cove, probably 5" of water with patches of oyster along the shore and plenty of grass. The wind was absolutely dead and the water was gin clear, perfect conditions for a fly NOOB
I soon found a bunch of singles along the grass feeding. I knew this was my shot at finally taking a red with the fly rod.
I will be the first to admit, I am a total novice with the fly rod. I have never taken lessons or watched anyone. I taught my self with youtube videos and lots of reading. With that being said, I had some trouble getting the fly where I wanted it. Because the water was so skinny, I couldnt get very close to these guys, and on top of that the slightest sound spooked and scattered them. I had several shots at fish but each landing just behind or too far in front. If I didnt miss the fish I ended up spooking them trying to stake out or accidentally dropping something inside my yak. I chalk this up to inexperience. I was so tempted to grab my spin rod and launch my trusted 1/8th gold spoon at them, but I resisted the urge. I left it idle in the holder and kept trying and trying and trying with the fly. After about an hour of trying I finally started to cast and get into the rhythm. Despite dropping the white seaducer in their nose they weren't interested. I switched to a corona toad fly only to get the same results. I finally resorted to a Dupre gold spoon fly. I dropped it right in front of him, let it sink a few seconds...a few really short quick strips...BAM! it was on!
I fought this guy for about 10 minutes as he raced around the cove pushing all the other fish out of the cove. I finally landed him, I didnt need to catch another single fish, my day was made. I finally got my damn redfish on the fly. He measured out at 25"
Hoping for some good fish karma, I CPR'd. But mostly because I didn't want to paddle an hour back to the car with a stringer of fish in tow...
I then headed out to do some exploring and to see if I could find some more fish. I found them, but they were very spooky and picky. I really wanted to try standing in the 160, and surprisingly I did. Not only did I stand in it but I poled around some grass flats pretty easily. That was totally unexpected. Not sure if I would try to flyfish standing, but I'll take what I can get. I probably had 10 well placed shots at tailing fish but they just wouldn't give me the time of day. As I paddled around I would see some fish cruising next to me within an arms reach, red, black drum, even a few sheepies. The fish were there but they began to get scattered as the tide came rolling in around 10-11. As the wind picked up I grabbed my spinning rod and threw a buggs. Caught a rat red while wading the sandy shorelines but that was it for the day. The most activity was at first light, and as the tide gradually came in the fish scattered, the wind picked up and the water turned stained. Even though I only caught one slot, it was a memorable day. The new tarpon was a great fishing machine, the weather was awesome (until about 11), I got to scout new water, never saw a single person the entire time, and best of all, I finally got my red on the fly.
I then headed out to do some exploring and to see if I could find some more fish. I found them, but they were very spooky and picky. I really wanted to try standing in the 160, and surprisingly I did. Not only did I stand in it but I poled around some grass flats pretty easily. That was totally unexpected. Not sure if I would try to flyfish standing, but I'll take what I can get. I probably had 10 well placed shots at tailing fish but they just wouldn't give me the time of day. As I paddled around I would see some fish cruising next to me within an arms reach, red, black drum, even a few sheepies. The fish were there but they began to get scattered as the tide came rolling in around 10-11. As the wind picked up I grabbed my spinning rod and threw a buggs. Caught a rat red while wading the sandy shorelines but that was it for the day. The most activity was at first light, and as the tide gradually came in the fish scattered, the wind picked up and the water turned stained. Even though I only caught one slot, it was a memorable day. The new tarpon was a great fishing machine, the weather was awesome (until about 11), I got to scout new water, never saw a single person the entire time, and best of all, I finally got my red on the fly.