Now is the perfect time to give fly fishing a try
Recently, I have received several notes from Daniel Island residents that are interested in fly fishing. Now is the perfect time to give it a try. As the water cools (and clears up), large schools of Redfish will take up station on shallow (oyster laden) flats. On calm days, it is not unusual to see multiple schools of fish milling about in shallows. Targeting these schools of Redfish is a great way to hone your fly fishing skills. Right now, the fish are very focused on eating shrimp. So any fly that looks like a shrimp will work. I prefer a tan over white Clouser Minnow (with bead chain eyes).
Saturday was not a calm day. A strong cold front pushed through the Lowcountry on Friday afternoon. In its wake were blue bird skies, a rapidly rising barometer and strong northeasterly winds (post cold front conditions that make fish hard to catch). Regardless, I loaded my fly rod (a TFO 7 weight) and launched the skiff into the incoming tide. The Wando River was very rough but I managed to find a nearby wind-sheltered flat. Good fortune was with me as I spotted a school of Redfish almost immediately. They were about 100 feet away and chasing shrimp. So I quickly un-racked my fly rod and made a long cast. The wind (more like a gale) blew my presentation way off the mark. A fast follow up cast put the fly (a tan over white Clouser Minnow) into the right zone. A couple of fish broke from the pack and attacked the fly. Line began peeling off my fly reel at a rapid pace and I had to chase the fish with the trolling motor to regain my line. When this is happening do not try to take a video with your phone (as I dropped mine into the water). Like I said, good fortune was with me as I landed released the fish and found my phone (it actually still works). Samsung 7 phones may catch on fire but they really are waterproof!
If you have an interest in learning more about fly fishing, the Daniel Island Inshore Fishing Club will be meeting on Sunday at 3:00 p.m. at the pond across from the Beresford Creek boat landing and Bellinger Island. We plan to practice casting and share techniques. All are welcome to join. Contact Captain Greg Peralta at captgregp@gmail.com or call (843) 224-0099.