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Saltwater Fly-fishing

When it comes to saltwater fly-fishing, the Gulf of Mexico and Gulfstream is the best places to do some saltwater fly-fishing.  Because of the temperature range, they have hundreds of fish species near the shoreline.  As you know, fly-fishing is really, only best for fish that like shallow water.  But some fish just do not response to flies (catfish, mullet).  As for the fish, there are eight popular fish to catch while saltwater fly-fishing. 

The most popular is the Snook fish.  They are best for fly-fishing because they will most likely put up a good fight up.  They usually will attack anything that you throw at them.  When you are landing snook, you need to be aware of their shape gill covers because they can cut you up bad.  You usually find them around seawalls or rock piles.

They range anywhere from five pounds to forty pounds.  The redfish is very common and is one of the most popular saltwater fly fish.  They like to pry on shrimp, crabs, and baitfish, which are usually found in the shallow waters.  They are common to be around 5-10 pounds, but they are known to stick underneath the boat while hooked.  The redfish was once in danger because of net fishing, but since net fishing the specie is banned in the gulf, it is one of the most popular fish for saltwater fly-fishing.  Tarpon is another fish that is popular for saltwater fly-fishing.

Tarpon are a challenge and should only be ventured by professionals or with the assistance from a guide and by those with good equipment.  If your rod is weak, it will not hold up to a tarpon.  A tarpon can weigh anywhere between 40 pounds to 150 pounds when they are adults.  With that said, you can understand that they will give you a fight and you need to be prepared.  Tarpon is definitely not for the new saltwater fly-fisherman.  For a smaller fish, spotted sea trout is what you want.  Because there is such abundance of the fish specie, it is encouraged by officials for saltwater fly-fishing.  The Jack Crevalle fish is always around.  They are among the hardest saltwater fish to land. 

They will usually put up a battle for fifteen-twenty minutes or more.  They do not jump, but you will know when you have snagged one of these guys.  They will make you want to give up your rod.  The ladyfish is lightweight, but jumps when it is hooked.  They travel in schools and make themselves noticeable from a pretty far length. 

They require clothes through when you handle them because they are so slimy.  Gray snapper is another good saltwater fly-fishing fish.  They too do not weigh much, but can be very aggressive.  Because they are a snapper, you need to be aware that they have sharp teeth and are known to bite.  Finally, the last popular type of saltwater fly-fishing fish is the Spanish mackerel.  They travel in schools are close to the beach.

Although there are many different types of fish in the Gulf, these are the most popular.  You might want a guide to go with you on your saltwater fly-fishing trip because there are many aggressive fish with sharp teeth and other features that could harm you without proper super-vision.