Author Archives: Capt JD

Capt JD

About Capt JD

In 1978 I was first introduced to stream fishing while backpacking in California's southern Sierra mountains. Can't say how inspiring it was to watch Rainbows making their way upstream, pool to pool, navigating book-like waterfalls etc. Crystal clear and cold water it was. I spent quite few years discovering the fisheries before being introduced to a fly-fishing rig. In 1982, I was introduced to an antique cane rod and click-pawl reel. The engineering of this reel and simple concept of throwing a weighted line to get a super-light artificial fly out into the middle of a stream made its lasting impression. I suppose it's my intrigue for activities and sports combining outdoor elements, strategy and a fair amount of physics that seemed to grip me. After quite a few years snow skiing, golfing, skeet shooting, yacht racing, and of course fly-fishing, I can now see how much physics plays a part in all of them. In my early years of fly-fishing, I discovered I could tie my own flies. If a fly needed more of one color than another, I could simply tie one to work more effectively. The endless number of materials and colors opened the door for design and creativity. The structuring and layering of materials added many more options. The combinations of size, texture, style, and functionality were endless. Needless to say, I was hooked. My experience with fly-fishing continued with discovering fisheries up and down the west coast, from California to Arctic Circle. In the early 1990s, I spent some time floating the Green and Teton rivers for Rainbows. In the mid 1990s, I was fortunate enough to fish Alaska, BC and NWT for Cutthroat, Rainbow and Lake Trout – the occasional Grayling was nice too. Moving to Hawaii in 2012 offered me a look at some sizable Bonefish and another amazing fishery. In 2014, I relocated to southern Florida and was knocked over by such an expansive fishery. Florida is truly the capital of sport fishing. Miles and miles of untapped fisheries are waiting for the next fly-fishing enthusiast...well, that and some really big fish. I hold a USCG Master Inland and Mate Near Coastal 50 Ton Captain's License with Assistance Towing and Auxiliary Sailing Endorsements. I also hold a NAUI Openwater 1 certification in SCUBA. Professionally, I have over 30 years in leading technical teams in project, program, and change management within IS, IT, Application Development, and high-tech construction. A majority of this experience was acquired within the aerospace, undersea, telecom, networking, engineering, and healthcare fields. I hold a Bachelor of Science degree in Engineering, Master of Science degree in Organizational Leadership, and professional certifications in project, service, and quality management. My fly-fishing journey has been amazing thus far - its discoveries are never ending and all inspiring to say the least. Let's keep it this way for all to come. Please take care of the fish you catch/ release and let's continue to work diligently minimizing our back-country footprint. - Capt JD.

Redhot Deceiver: Gold Streak

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Recreate fly patterns at home! Materials used in making this fly have been included below. Always keep in mind your local fly-fishing store will most likely have the materials referenced, and typically for less. Materials can also be found at Amazon or any other major on-line resource.

Fly-Tying Materials

[list]
[list_item]Mustad 34007SS (#4)[/list_item]
[list_item]UTC 210, fluorescent red[/list_item]
[list_item]UTC Tinsel, medium, silver[/list_item]
[list_item]Brass Eyes, medium, gold[/list_item]
[list_item]EP Fibers, pale olive minnow[/list_item]
[list_item]Krystal Flash, gold[/list_item]
[list_item]Ande 40 lb mono, clear (weed guard)[/list_item]
[/list]

Design Inspiration & Detail

Another great fly for fishing the backwaters of South Florida. The natural colored EP fibers, red body, and glimpse of gold on the inside make this perfect for attracting all crustacean eating predators. This Deceiver walks a fine line between a baitfish and something that resembles a shrimp. Be creative and change up colors. Add silicone legs maybe. Options for upgrading the pattern are endless.

Target Species

This particular fly was designed to attract Snook and Redfish – jacks many other species will also take the fly. Toss this up within two feet of the mangrove line and you’ll see some action.

Sandy Scampi: Olive

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Recreate fly patterns at home! Materials used in making this fly have been included below. Always keep in mind your local fly-fishing store will most likely have the materials referenced, and typically for less. Materials can also be found at Amazon or any other major on-line resource.

Fly-Tying Materials

[list]
[list_item]Mustad 34007SS (#4)[/list_item]
[list_item]UTC 210, tan[/list_item]
[list_item]Brass Eyes, medium, gold[/list_item]
[list_item]Krystal Flash, olive/ pearl[/list_item]
[list_item]Badger, small (underfur used for dubbing as well)[/list_item]
[/list]

Design Inspiration & Detail

Having a sandy colored shrimp fly in the box is always a smart idea. Adding a hint of another color, in crystal flash, makes the pattern even better. Using olive, copper, orange, pink, red, purple, blue, black, and numerous others simply give the shrimp amazing life. Have fun experimenting!

Target Species

This particular fly was designed to attract Bonefish and Permit – many other species will also take the fly.

Crystal Minnow: White

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Recreate fly patterns at home! Materials used in making this fly have been included below. Always keep in mind your local fly-fishing store will most likely have the materials referenced, and typically for less. Materials can also be found at Amazon or any other major on-line resource.

Fly-Tying Materials

[list]
[list_item]Mustad Hook 34007SS (#4)[/list_item]
[list_item]UTC Thread 210, White[/list_item]
[list_item]Bead Chain Eyes, Large, Black[/list_item]
[list_item]EP Fibers, White[/list_item]
[list_item]Krystal Flash, UV Pearl[/list_item]
[list_item]Krystal Flash Chenille, Medium, Pearl[/list_item]
[/list]

Design Inspiration & Detail

Having a few Crystal Minnows in the fly-box is always a good idea – it’s a perfect rendition of a small baitfish fly that never fouls. This makes it very easy to fish. So far the fly has produced well on the beaches of West Florida and in the backwaters of South Florida. Use white/ pinks/ peach/ chartreuse and various other pale colors with a little mirror crystal flash. Be creative and change up colors. Options for upgrading the pattern are endless.

Target Species

This particular fly was designed to attract Snook and Redfish – jacks many other species will also take the fly.

Bendback Deceiver: Magenta

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Recreate fly patterns at home! Materials used in making this fly have been included below. Always keep in mind your local fly-fishing store will most likely have the materials referenced, and typically for less. Materials can also be found at Amazon or any other major on-line resource.

Fly-Tying Materials

[list]
[list_item]Mustad 34007SS (#4)[/list_item]
[list_item]UTC 210, fluorescent pink[/list_item]
[list_item]Brass Eyes, medium, nickel[/list_item]
[list_item]Krystal Flash, silver[/list_item]
[list_item]Krystal Flash, red pearl[/list_item]
[list_item]Bucktail, magenta[/list_item]
[list_item]Bucktail, pink[/list_item]
[/list]

Design Inspiration & Detail

This fly is not only super fast to tie, but very effective when it comes to chasing Bones and Permit. It scores high when fishing South Florida and Caribbean flats. It also performs really well in the turtle grass or weedy environments. The multi shades of magenta pale pink are perfect for attracting all crustacean eating predators. As always, adding a splash of crystal flash really gives the fly some life. Be creative and change up colors. Options for upgrading the pattern are endless.

Target Species

This particular fly was designed to attract Bonefish and Permit – jacks and many other species will also take the fly.

Spawning Shrimp: Orange Beard

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Recreate fly patterns at home! Materials used in making this fly have been included below. Always keep in mind your local fly-fishing store will most likely have the materials referenced, and typically for less. Materials can also be found at Amazon or any other major on-line resource.

Fly-Tying Materials

[list]
[list_item]Mustad 34007SS (#4)[/list_item]
[list_item]UTC 210, tan[/list_item]
[list_item]Bead Chain Eyes, large, black[/list_item]
[list_item]Krystal Flash, gold[/list_item]
[list_item]Krystal Flash, black/ red[/list_item]
[list_item]EP Fibers, orange[/list_item]
[list_item]EP Fibers, beige[/list_item]
[/list]

Design Inspiration & Detail

Another great fly for fishing the backwaters of South Florida. The natural and orange colored EP fibers and gold crystal flash legs make this perfect for attracting all crustacean eating predators. Be creative and change up colors. Add silicone legs maybe. Options for upgrading the pattern are endless.

Target Species

This particular fly was designed to attract Snook and Redfish – jacks many other species will also take the fly. Toss this up within two feet of the mangrove line and you’ll see some action.

McVay’s Gotcha

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Recreate fly patterns at home! Materials used in making this fly have been included below. Always keep in mind your local fly-fishing store will most likely have the materials referenced, and typically for less. Materials can also be found at Amazon or any other major on-line resource.

Fly-Tying Materials

[list]
[list_item]Mustad 34007SS (#8)[/list_item]
[list_item]UTC 210, fluorescent shell pink[/list_item]
[list_item]Bead Chain Eyes, medium, silver[/list_item]
[list_item]Krystal Flash, pearl[/list_item]
[list_item]Sparkle Braid, pearl[/list_item]
[list_item]Flashabou, pearl[/list_item]
[list_item]Craft Fur, cream[/list_item]
[/list]

Design Inspiration & Detail

Here’s a bread-n-butter fly for fishing South Florida and Caribbean flats. The natural colors and splash of pale pink are perfect for attracting all crustacean eating predators. As always, adding a splash of crystal flash or Flashabou really gives the fly some life. Be creative and change up colors. Options for upgrading the pattern are endless.

Target Species

This particular fly was designed to attract Bonefish and Permit – jacks and many other species will also take the fly.

Needlefish

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Recreate fly patterns at home! Materials used in making this fly have been included below. Always keep in mind your local fly-fishing store will most likely have the materials referenced, and typically for less. Materials can also be found at Amazon or any other major on-line resource.

Fly-Tying Materials

[list]
[list_item]Mustad 34007SS (#4)[/list_item]
[list_item]UTC 210, white[/list_item]
[list_item]Bead Chain Eyes, large, silver[/list_item]
[list_item]Krystal Flash, olive/ pearl[/list_item]
[list_item]Krystal Flash, black/ pearl[/list_item]
[list_item]Krystal Flash, UV herring back[/list_item]
[list_item]Sparkle Braid, pearl (Sharpie light green highlights on nose)[/list_item]
[list_item]EP Fibers, beige[/list_item]
[/list]

Design Inspiration & Detail

This fly was a bit of an experiment really. Super easy to tie. Both the Needlefish and eel are constructed the same and only differ by color, green and blue respectively. Adding green or blue pearl crystal flash really brings the fly alive. I also accent the EP Fibers with a green or blue Sharpie as well. Be creative and change up colors. Options for upgrading the pattern are endless.

Target Species

This particular fly was designed to attract Snook – jacks, Barracuda, shark and many other species will also take the fly.

Blue Eel

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Recreate fly patterns at home! Materials used in making this fly have been included below. Always keep in mind your local fly-fishing store will most likely have the materials referenced, and typically for less. Materials can also be found at Amazon or any other major on-line resource.

Fly-Tying Materials

[list]
[list_item]Mustad 34007SS (#4)[/list_item]
[list_item]UTC 210, white[/list_item]
[list_item]Brass Eyes, medium, nickel[/list_item]
[list_item]Krystal Flash, rainbow/ pearl (mostly blue)[/list_item]
[list_item]Krystal Flash, black/ pearl[/list_item]
[list_item]Krystal Flash, UV herring back[/list_item]
[list_item]Sparkle Braid, pearl (Sharpie light blue highlights on nose)[/list_item]
[list_item]EP Fibers, bucktail white[/list_item]
[list_item]Ande 40 lb monofilament (weed guard)[/list_item]
[/list]

Design Inspiration & Detail

This fly was a bit of an experiment really. Super easy to tie. Both the Needlefish and eel are constructed the same and only differ by color, green and blue respectively. Adding green or blue pearl crystal flash really brings the fly alive. I also accent the EP Fibers with a green or blue Sharpie as well. Be creative and change up colors. Options for upgrading the pattern are endless.

Target Species

This particular fly was designed to attract Snook – jacks, Barracuda, shark and many other species will also take the fly.

Crazy Charlie: Hazelnut

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Recreate fly patterns at home! Materials used in making this fly have been included below. Always keep in mind your local fly-fishing store will most likely have the materials referenced, and typically for less. Materials can also be found at Amazon or any other major on-line resource.

Fly-Tying Materials

[list]
[list_item]Mustad 34007SS (#4)[/list_item]
[list_item]UTC 210, rusty brown[/list_item]
[list_item]Brass Eyes, medium, gold[/list_item]
[list_item]Krystal Flash, gold[/list_item]
[list_item]Krystal Flash, rainbow/ pearl[/list_item]
[list_item]UTC Tinsel, gold[/list_item]
[list_item]UTC Vinyl Rib, clear[/list_item]
[list_item]Bucktail, chocolate[/list_item]
[/list]

Design Inspiration & Detail

One of the simple and great flies for fishing South Florida and Caribbean flats. The natural colors and gold shine from under the V-Rib are perfect for attracting all crustacean eating predators. As always, adding a splash of crystal flash really gives the fly some life. Be creative and change up colors. Options for upgrading the pattern are endless.

Target Species

This particular fly was designed to attract Bonefish and Permit – jacks and many other species will also take the fly.

Crazy Charlie: Pink & Red

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Recreate fly patterns at home! Materials used in making this fly have been included below. Always keep in mind your local fly-fishing store will most likely have the materials referenced, and typically for less. Materials can also be found at Amazon or any other major on-line resource.

Fly-Tying Materials

[list]
[list_item]Mustad 34007SS Hook (#4)[/list_item]
[list_item]UTC 210 Thread, Fluorescent Shrimp Pink[/list_item]
[list_item]Brass Eyes, Medium, Gold[/list_item]
[list_item]Krystal Flash, Red/ Pearl[/list_item]
[list_item]Sparkle Braid, Peach/ Pearl[/list_item]
[list_item]Bucktail, Red[/list_item]
[list_item]Sally Hansen Hard As Nails, Hardener, Clear (#2103)[/list_item]
[/list]

Design Inspiration & Detail

One of the simple and great flies for fishing South Florida and Caribbean flats. The light pink Sparkle Braid body and lighter red bucktail are perfect for attracting all crustacean eating predators. As always, adding a splash of crystal flash really gives the fly some life. Be creative and change up colors. Options for upgrading the pattern are endless.

Target Species

This particular fly was designed to attract Bonefish and Permit – jacks and many other species will also take the fly.