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.

Crystal Minnow: Pin Stripe

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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 210, Fluorescent Pink[/list_item]
[list_item]Brass Eyes, Medium, Nickel[/list_item]
[list_item]EP Fibers, Pink[/list_item]
[list_item]Krystal Flash, Rainbow Pearl[/list_item]
[list_item]Krystal Flash Chenille, Medium, Pearl[/list_item]
[list_item]Ande 40 lb Monofilament, Clear (weed guard)[/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.

Gotcha: Midnight Blue Pearl

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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 (#6)[/list_item]
[list_item]UTC Thread, 210, Fluorescent Shell Pink[/list_item]
[list_item]Bead Chain Eyes, Medium, Gold[/list_item]
[list_item]Rubber Legs, Round, Barred, Tan[/list_item]
[list_item]Krystal Flash, Light Purple[/list_item]
[list_item]Rabbit Strip, Tan[/list_item]
[list_item]Ande 20 lb Monofilament, Clear (weed guard)[/list_item]
[/list]

Design Inspiration & Detail

Another great fly for fishing South Florida and Caribbean flats. The hints of pale pinks and blues are perfect for attracting all crustacean eating predators. As always, the 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.

Ribbon 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 Monofilament, clear (0.006)[/list_item]
[list_item]Lead Eyes, small, painted, pink/ white[/list_item]
[list_item]Micro Krystal Flash, olive/ pearl[/list_item]
[list_item]Flashabou, red[/list_item]
[list_item]Flashabou, blue[/list_item]
[list_item]Flashabou, gold[/list_item]
[list_item]Flashabou, pink[/list_item]
[list_item]Sparkle Braid, pearl[/list_item]
[list_item]Ande 20 lb Monofilament, clear (weed guard)[/list_item]
[/list]

Design Inspiration & Detail

Another great fly for fishing South Florida and Caribbean flats. The pearlescent body and multi colors of metallic ribbon make this fly perfect for attracting all crustacean eating predators. As always, the metallic 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.

Smoldering Scampi: Top 5 in the Arsenal

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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 Monofilament (0.006)[/list_item]
[list_item]Bead Chain Eyes, large, black[/list_item]
[list_item]Senyo’s Fusion Dub, flame[/list_item]
[list_item]Krystal Flash, black/ pearl[/list_item]
[list_item]EP Fibers, beige[/list_item]
[list_item]Ande 40 lb Monofilament (weed guard)[/list_item]
[/list]

Design Inspiration & Detail

Another great fly for fishing South Florida and Caribbean flats. Anything that looks like a shrimp or crab with natural colors and an splash of something bright is already batting a thousand. For those that don’t catch the baseball reference, it means you already are using the perfect fly to catch some local game fish. As always, the metallic/ crystal flash really gives the fly some life. Add a few strands for legs or antennule. 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.

Bendback Deceiver in Blue

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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, silver[/list_item]
[list_item]Krystal Flash, UV pearl[/list_item]
[list_item]Bucktail, light purple[/list_item]
[list_item]Bucktail, blue[/list_item]
[list_item]Bucktail, grey[/list_item]
[/list]

Design Inspiration & Detail

Another great fly for fishing South Florida and Caribbean flats. Anything that looks like a shrimp or crab with natural colors and an splash of something bright is already a perfect fly to catch some local game fish. As always, the metallic/ 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.

Headdress Scampi: Badger Makes This Easy

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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 Monofilament (0.006)[/list_item]
[list_item]Bead Chain Eyes, large, black[/list_item]
[list_item]Krystal Flash, red/ pearl[/list_item]
[list_item]Krystal Flash, black/ pearl[/list_item]
[list_item]Badger, small (also used underfur for dubbing)[/list_item]
[list_item]Ande 40 lb Monofilament (weed guard)[/list_item]
[/list]

Design Inspiration & Detail

Another great fly for fishing South Florida and Caribbean flats. Anything that looks like a shrimp or crab with natural colors and an splash of something bright is already batting a thousand. For those that don’t catch the baseball reference, it means you already are using the perfect fly to catch some local game fish. As always, the metallic/ crystal flash really gives the fly some life. Add a few strands for legs or antennule. 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.

Bendbacks: Beat the Turtle Grass

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Fly tying can be so simple and easy – they can also be intricate and complex. Bend-back flies can have minimal material and be tied quickly. Great thing about this particular design is the fact it’s weedless.

Today, finding pre-bent hooks is a challenge. Not to fear, grab a pair on needle-nose pliers and bend them to work. It isn’t necessary to put hooks in a vise before bending, however if it makes it easier for you, go for it. Key considerations should be taken for bending the eye-portion of the hook back along the hook shank – keep the point of the hook and eye in the same plane. In addition, most will bend the eye back too far. Try not to exceed bending the eye back more than eight (8) degrees or so. On a standard size hook, the eye and 25% of the shank should be bent back. This will allow a nice cradle for bead-chain eyes and some room to secure bucktail or other wing material. Blend different colors of bucktail to make things more creative. Feel free to browse our selection of bend-back flies for further examples.

The featured images below are examples of how simple bend-back fly construction can be. Securing a set of bead-chain eyes and some bucktail will make a fly like this complete. I like to add a few strands of crystal flash while I’m at it – let your creativity run wild.

Questions or comments? Please feel free to reply to this post below – We will be glad to offer additional advice or information if needed.

Bendback Deceiver: Crystaline Blue

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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, silver[/list_item]
[list_item]Sparkle Braid, pearl[/list_item]
[/list]

Design Inspiration & Detail

Another great fly for fishing South Florida and Caribbean flats. Anything that looks like a shrimp or crab with natural colors and an splash of something bright is already batting a thousand. For those that don’t catch the baseball reference, it means you already are using the perfect fly to catch some local game fish. As always, the metallic/ crystal flash really gives the fly some life. Add a few strands for legs or antennule. 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.

Merkin Crab: Olive & Cream

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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, Burnt Orange[/list_item]
[list_item]Bead Chain Eyes, Large, Gold[/list_item]
[list_item]Krystal Flash, Black/ Pearl[/list_item]
[list_item]Bucktail, Olive[/list_item]
[list_item]EP Fibers, Beige[/list_item]
[list_item]Sili Legs, Barred Orange, Orange Flake[/list_item]
[/list]

Design Inspiration & Detail

Another great fly for fishing South Florida and Caribbean flats. Anything that looks like a shrimp or crab with natural colors and an splash of something bright is already the perfect fly for catching some local game fish. As always, the metallic/ crystal flash really gives the fly some life. Add a few strands for legs or antennule. 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.

Marabou Merkin Crab: Pink & Cream

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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 (#2)[/list_item]
[list_item]UTC 210, fluorescent shell pink[/list_item]
[list_item]Bead Chain Eyes, large, silver[/list_item]
[list_item]Sili Legs, clear/ pearl[/list_item]
[list_item]EP Fibers, bucktail white[/list_item]
[list_item]EP Fibers, beige[/list_item]
[list_item]Marabou, cream[/list_item]
[list_item]Ande 30 lb Monofilament (weed guard)[/list_item]
[/list]

Design Inspiration & Detail

Another great fly for fishing South Florida and Caribbean flats. Anything that looks like a shrimp or crab with natural colors and an splash of something bright is already the perfect fly for catching some local game fish. As always, the metallic/ crystal flash really gives the fly some life. Add a few strands for legs or antennule. 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.