Florida’s beaches offer more than beachcombing and sunbathing.
By
Saltwater Sportsman Staff
Updated: July 28, 2011
Pat Ford
Pat Ford
Pat Ford
Max Galmez
On your next trip to the beach, take the time to observe bait movement in the water. You will notice that bait move back and forth in a zone parallel to shore. The same can be said for snook. A typical cast across this zone is good for only three or four strips (A). And because the fish move parallel to the shore, your fly will be in the zone for only a few strips . The longer you can keep your fly in that zone, the better your chances of drawing a strike. A reach cast or aerial mend will land the fly in front of your target and place the leader and fly line in the zone as well. This will keep the fly in your snook’s path much longer and allow it to move in the same direction and ahead of your snook. To execute this cast, first make an overhead cast at your target, and immediately after the stop on the forward stroke, slip line and gently point your rod tip 90 degrees from the shore (B). After the line falls to the surface, keep your rod tip pointed directly at the line and keep your eyes on the fly. When retrieving, be sure to keep your rod tip in the water or very near it.Joe Mahler / www.markerjockey.com
The Petticoat Streamer is like a Snook Nymph. Made mostly of marabou, this fly does its finest work when standing still.
