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.

Flash Fur Baitfish: Gold

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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]Gamakatsu SC15 Hook (#1/0)[/list_item]
[list_item]Danville 210 Thread, Nylon, Flat Wax, Tan[/list_item]
[list_item]Holographic Eyes, Silver[/list_item]
[list_item]Craft Fur,Extra Select, Sand[/list_item]
[list_item]Craft Fur,Extra Select, Brown[/list_item]
[list_item]Ice Dub, Gold[/list_item]
[list_item]ZAP-A-GAP[/list_item]
[/list]

Design Inspiration & Detail

Captain Jesse’s inspiration behind this pattern started with discovering the Redfish’s love for a gold spoon. Once he understood their attraction to the color, he set out to create a baitfish fly that played on the same attraction. Most variations of the Flash Fur Baitfish sell at $21.00 for three. For further info on Jesse and a look at more of his fly patterns, see Flies by Backwater Fly Fishing.

Target Species

Target fish for this fly is mainly Redfish, however, Jesse has landed some great Snook and Sea Trout on it as well. Works great in other colors, but is mostly tied in gold.

High Tie Ostrich Clouser: Purple

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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 34007 Stainless Hook (#1/0)[/list_item]
[list_item]Danville 210 Thread, Nylon, Flat Wax, Black[/list_item]
[list_item]Bucktail, Black[/list_item]
[list_item]Krystal Flash, Purple[/list_item]
[list_item]Ostrich Herl, Purple[/list_item]
[list_item]Lead Eyes, Small, Painted, Read[/list_item]
[list_item]ZAP-A-GAP[/list_item]
[/list]

Design Inspiration & Detail

After quite a few years of fishing Clousers, it didn’t take long before Captain Jesse was searching for a way to use the material as a weedless mechanism for the fly. By putting all the material on one side of the hook, the fly becomes slightly more weedless. The Ostrich does a great job in the water by providing vibration and body to the fly. Most variations of the High Tie Clouser sell at $15.00 for three. For further info on Jesse and a look at more of his fly patterns, see Flies by Backwater Fly Fishing.

Target Species

Jesse says this fly has been a killer fly for any predatory Mangrove fish such as Redfish, Snook, Seatrout, and Snapper. Flounder have been known to sip it up as well.

Crystal River Shrimp

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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 S71SNP-DT (#1/0)[/list_item]
[list_item]Danville 210 Thread, Nylon, Flat Wax, Orange[/list_item]
[list_item]Estaz, Medium, Root Beer[/list_item]
[list_item]Palmer Chenille, Medium, Sand[/list_item]
[list_item]Flashabou, Micro Flash, Gold[/list_item]
[list_item]Flashabou, Micro Flash, Copper[/list_item]
[list_item]Arctic Fox[/list_item]
[list_item]Sili Legs, Orange, Black Flake[/list_item]
[list_item]Lead Eyes, Small, Painted, Red[/list_item]
[list_item]ZAP-A-GAP[/list_item]
[/list]

Design Inspiration & Detail

Captain Jesse needed something that would look natural bouncing around the oyster bars in Ozello, FL. The colors on the fly blend in naturally and the flash draws just enough attention when stripped. Most variations of the Crystal River Shrimp sell at $16.00 for three. For further info on Jesse and a look at more of his fly patterns, see Flies by Backwater Fly Fishing.

Target Species

Target fish include Redfish, Snook, and Seatrout. Snapper and many other species eat this one too.

Flies by Backwater Fly Fishing

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Capt Jesse Males connected with us at Fly Mastery back in JAN 2016. After some time exchanging e-mails and photos, it was apparent he also had a passion for fly-fishing, fly-tying, and the adventure that comes with the fly-fishing lifestyle. Over the last two months I received amazing photography of custom fly patterns and some video of various international fly-fishing travel. Not only were the photos well done, but the videos were outstanding. Each video had great fly-fishing action and great perspective. Video soundtracks were well done and the editing first rate. I could tell Jesse had a knack for inspiring others to fly-fish when his videos all seemed to tell a story. Some would include packing up, traveling, arriving, gearing up, sighting hot spots, striking, fighting, landing, releasing fish, cooking fish, and chill’n under the coconut palms remembering the day’s fun.

Needless to say, we are honored Capt Jesse chose Fly Mastery to help share his great fly-fishing and fly-tying creativity. Enjoy some of his great fly patterns below and look for more to come.

  • Redfish L&D (Lunch and Dinner)
  • Backwater Tarpon Toad: Chartreuse
  • Ostrich Clouser Minnow: Olive
  • Margarita Shrimp
  • Simple Micro Shrimp: Olive
  • Ostrich Clouser Minnow: Midnight
  • Crystal River Shrimp
  • Flash Fur Baitfish: Gold
  • Tarantula Shrimp: Olive
  • Poppin Flats Shrimp: Brown

Capt Jesse ties every saltwater pattern available – for a greater selection of stock patterns offered, visit his fly shop at Backwater Flies. If interested in purchasing any of the referenced flies, pricing is included below.

Pricing

Ostrich Clouser Minnows: $15.00 for three. Purchase Now
Redfish L&D: $20.00 for three. Purchase Now
Simple Micro Shrimp: $11.00 for three. e-mail Capt Jesse to special order
Crystal River Shrimp: $16.00 for three. e-mail Capt Jesse to special order
Flash Fur Baitfish: $21.00 for three. Purchase Now
Tarantula Shrimp: $19.00 for three. e-mail Capt Jesse to special order
Poppin Flats Shrimp: $22.00 for three. Purchase Now

Other Details

Jesse ties a majority of his saltwater flies with Gamakatsu and Mustad hooks. He’s currently experimenting with Daiichi 2546 hooks – if a fan of Daiichi, request for them specifically. If looking for any special fly patterns, please make sure to inquire first. He will ship any assortment needed. For specific questions, feel free to connect with Jesse via Facebook, YouTube, his web site Backwater Fly Fishing, or his e-mail.

Shipping

First Class USPS shipping is $6.00 and all orders over $50.00 ship free of charge. Orders typically ship inside of one week.

Jesse’s Bio

Captain Jesse Males, an aficionado in the world of fly-fishing. A sportsman, adventurer, and outdoorsman – it’s difficult to categorize his expertise or identify waters he hasn’t fished.

Captain Jesse started fishing at a very young age and was taught to fly-cast by his father at ten years old. This opened up a whole new aspect of fishing and provided him a stack of amazing memories. It wasn’t until Jesse hit college where he spent a majority of his time on the water. Time was mostly spent in pursuit of learning the backwaters that make up both East and West coasts of Central Florida. This included waters between Chassahowitzka and Crystal River on the West coast, as well as waters of the Banana River, Indian River, and Mosquito Lagoon systems. Most exploration in fly-fishing was done via kayak. Nothing gave him more of a challenge or reward than sneaking up on monster fish in the yak and landing a fly within reach.

This fly-fishing lifestyle has taken Jesse to some great destinations and provided him with memorable experiences in the wild. From chasing big salty critters in the Florida Keys, Roosters in Coast Rica, and Trout in the Carolinas and Wyoming, he’s felt blessed to experience fly-fishing at its finest.

Capt Jesse spends a considerable amount of time growing his business (Backwater Fly Fishing and Backwater Flies), traveling, and raising his family in Central Florida. Visit Backwater Fly Fishing for more of Jesse’s fly-tying creativity and fly-fishing lifestyle.




High Tie Ostrich Clouser: 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 34007 Stainless Hook (#1/0)[/list_item]
[list_item]Danville 210 Thread, Nylon, Flat Wax, Olive[/list_item]
[list_item]Bucktail, White[/list_item]
[list_item]Bucktail, Olive[/list_item]
[list_item]Krystal Flash, Pearl[/list_item]
[list_item]Ostrich Herl, White[/list_item]
[list_item]Lead Eyes, Small, Painted, Pearl[/list_item]
[list_item]ZAP-A-GAP[/list_item]
[/list]

Design Inspiration & Detail

Captain Jesse indicates this fly stays weedless due to the high tie style construction and will fish anywhere you would use a regular Clouser minnow. The Ostrich does a great job in the water providing vibration and body to the fly. This fly is always in Jesse’s box! Most variations of the High Tie Clouser sell at $15.00 for three. For further info on Jesse and a look at more of his fly patterns, see Flies by Backwater Fly Fishing.

Target Species

Jesse says target species would include, “FISH! Everything eats this fly!” Clousers are a very popular and a proven fly pattern. With a reasonable color and some great materials, a Clouser is definitely a closer for numerous species!

Redfish Lunch and Dinner: Root Beer

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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]Gamakatsu SC15 Hook (#1/0)[/list_item]
[list_item]Danville 210 Thread, Nylon, Flat Wax, Brown[/list_item]
[list_item]Eyes, Bead Chain, Medium, Silver[/list_item]
[list_item]Krystal Flash, UV Pearl[/list_item]
[list_item]Krystal Flash, Tan[/list_item]
[list_item]Marabou, Select, Tan[/list_item]
[list_item]UV Polar Chenille, Root Beer[/list_item]
[list_item]EP Tarantula Brush, 1″, Brown[/list_item]
[list_item]EP Foxy Brush, 1.5″, Rusty[/list_item]
[list_item]Seaguar, Red Label, Fluorocarbon, 40#, Clear (weed guard)[/list_item]
[list_item]ZAP-A-GAP[/list_item]
[/list]

Design Inspiration & Detail

If any fly has it all, Cpatain Jesse says this is it! The bulky head pushes just the right amount of water, the marabou tail wiggles like nobody’s business, and the colors are just right to get Redfish fired up! Most variations of the Redfish L&D sell at $17.00 for three. For further info on Jesse and a look at more of his fly patterns, see Flies by Backwater Fly Fishing.

Target Species

Target species would include, “Redfish!!! Snook, Seatrout, and baby Tarpon have all fallen for this one too.”

Simple Micro Shrimp: 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 34007 Stainless Hook (#6)[/list_item]
[list_item]Danville 210 Thread, Nylon, Flat Wax, Olive[/list_item]
[list_item]Eyes, Bead Chain, Small, Black[/list_item]
[list_item]Craft Fur, Olive[/list_item]
[list_item]Sili Legs, Nymph, Olive Barred[/list_item]
[list_item]Krystal Flash, Pearl[/list_item]
[list_item]EP Foxy Brush, 1.5”, Pale Olive[/list_item]
[list_item]ZAP-A-GAP[/list_item]
[/list]

Design Inspiration & Detail

Captain Jesse originally designed this fly for Bluegill. After experimenting a bit in saltwater, he realized Redfish were all over it. Needless to say the saltwater hook was added to the design shortly after. From its profile, it looks like a solid Bone fly. Most variations of the Simple Micro Shrimp sell at $11.00 for three. For further info on Jesse and a look at more of his fly patterns, see Flies by Backwater Fly Fishing.

Target Species

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

Margarita Shrimp

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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]Gamakatsu SC15 Hook (#1/0)[/list_item]
[list_item]Danville 210 Thread, Nylon, Flat Wax, Fluorescent Orange[/list_item]
[list_item]Eyes, Bead Chain, Medium, Black[/list_item]
[list_item]Craft Fur, Brown[/list_item]
[list_item]Sili Legs, Brown/ Gold Flake[/list_item]
[list_item]Legs, rubber, Orange (unidentified – found in a crafts store)[/list_item]
[list_item]Krystal Flash, Pearl[/list_item]
[list_item]Krystal Flash, Tan[/list_item]
[list_item]Krystal Flash Chenille, UV Pearl[/list_item]
[list_item]Krystal Flash Chenille, Tan[/list_item]
[list_item]EP Fibers, Sand[/list_item]
[list_item]Seaguar, Red Label, Fluorocarbon, 40#, Clear (weed guard)[/list_item]
[list_item]ZAP-A-GAP[/list_item]
[/list]

Design Inspiration & Detail

This fly is a deviation and adaptation of a standard “Redfish Kwan”. Captain Jesse used some tying techniques from both crab flies and shrimp flies to create the fly shown above. Originally it was tied in chartreuse (hence the name Margarita) and purple – all of which have landed Jesse some amazing fish. The color combo in the photo is a custom color pattern requested by a recent client. Unfortunately Jesse doesn’t sell this particular pattern, however a list of materials can be referenced above to recreate them. For further info on Jesse and a look at more of his fly patterns, see Flies by Backwater Fly Fishing.

Target Species

Target species would include Redfish, Snook, Tarpon, and many other saltwater species.

Backwater Tarpon Toad: Chartreuse

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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]Gamakatsu SL12 Hook (#4/0)[/list_item]
[list_item]Danville 210 Thread, Nylon, Flat Wax, Tan[/list_item]
[list_item]Bead Chain Eyes, Large, Black[/list_item]
[list_item]Marabou, Sand[/list_item]
[list_item]Marabou, Chartreuse[/list_item]
[list_item]EP Fibers, Sand[/list_item]
[list_item]ZAP-A-GAP[/list_item]
[/list]

Design Inspiration & Detail

Tarpon Toads have to be one of the most popular Southern flies, from freshwater into saltwater. Tarpon have a hard time resisting one of these. Tarpon Toads will come in just about any color. Captain Jesse finds the Sandy body color and the accent of another bright color to be most effective. Unfortunately Jesse doesn’t sell this particular pattern, however a list of materials can be referenced above to recreate them. For further info on Captain Jesse and a look at more of his fly patterns, see Flies by Backwater Fly Fishing.

Target Species

This particular fly was designed to attract Tarpon, however Redfish, Snook, and many other species will take it as well.

Lenny’s Betty Boop: 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 S74SS-2XH/4XL (34011) Hook (#1/0)[/list_item]
[list_item]UTC Thread 210, White[/list_item]
[list_item]lead wire, 0.025 (under body wraps)[/list_item]
[list_item]Bucktail, White[/list_item]
[list_item]Estaz, 10 mm, White Opal[/list_item]
[list_item]Krystal Flash, UV Pearl[/list_item]
[list_item]Marabou, White (centers cut out)[/list_item]
[list_item]Deer Body Hair, White[/list_item]
[list_item]3D Eyes, 6 mm, Chartreuse[/list_item]
[list_item]Zap-A-Gap CA[/list_item]
[/list]

Design Inspiration & Detail

John Roetman is a well known fly-tying and fly-fishing authority in South Florida, now spending a majority of his time fishing the Treasure Coast. He will frequent various fly-fishing expos throughout the year, demonstrating his tying talent and offering a look at his latest designs/ creations.

John was trying to come up with a Mullet pattern, one that would push a little water when retrieved. Evidently the deer hair head of the freshwater Muddler Minnow came to mind. When he applied the eyes and sat back to check the proportions, he couldn’t help but think the big eyes gave the fly a Betty Boop look, his dads favorite cartoon character. Needless to say, John named the fly Lenny’s Betty Boop in memory of his late father – his most memorable fishing partner.

John recommends using this color on bright days. Here’s a look at a John’s Lenny’s Betty Boop in Black – a great color for murky water or low-light environments. Lenny’s Betty Boop sells for $3.95. For further info on John and a look at more of his fly patterns, see Flies by John Roetman.

Target Species

This particular fly was designed to attract Snook, although Jacks, Tarpon, and many other species will also take the fly.