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.

Peach Deceiver with Mirror Flash

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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 shell pink[/list_item]
[list_item]Bead Chain Eyes, large, black[/list_item]
[list_item]Sparkle Braid, peach/ pearl[/list_item]
[list_item]EP Fibers, pale olive minnow[/list_item]
[list_item]EP Fibers, red[/list_item]
[list_item]Krystal Flash, mirror[/list_item]
[/list]

Design Inspiration & Detail

Simply experimenting with this rendition of a small baitfish. Figured I would try this out in the backwaters of South Florida. Some pinks/ reds and some natural colors with a little mirror crystal flash should produce some results. 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.

Mangrove Shrimp: 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 34007SS (#1/0)[/list_item]
[list_item]UTC Monofilament, clear (0.006)[/list_item]
[list_item]Bead Chain Eyes, medium, black[/list_item]
[list_item]Senyo’s Laser Dubbing, rusty bronze[/list_item]
[list_item]Berkley 30 lb mono, clear, melted (colored w black Sharpie)[/list_item]
[list_item]EP Fibers, white[/list_item]
[list_item]Crazy Legs, white/ barred, silver flake[/list_item]
[list_item]Peacock[/list_item]
[list_item]Flashabou, tan/ pearl[/list_item]
[/list]

Design Inspiration & Detail

Special thanks to Davis Brown for sharing this fly. Another great fly for fishing the backwaters of South Florida. The natural shrimp colors and various appendages (legs, eyes, antennule, etc.) are perfect for attracting all crustacean eating predators. Be creative and change up colors.

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, it’s lethal.

McVay’s Sili 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 (#6)[/list_item]
[list_item]UTC 210, fluorescent shell pink[/list_item]
[list_item]Bead Chain Eyes, large, silver[/list_item]
[list_item]Midge Flash, gold[/list_item]
[list_item]Sparkle Braid, pearl[/list_item]
[list_item]Sili Legs, clear, fire tip orange[/list_item]
[list_item]Flashabou, pearl[/list_item]
[list_item]Fox Tail, red[/list_item]
[/list]

Design Inspiration & Detail

Another great fly for fishing South Florida and Caribbean flats. The natural colors and splash of pale pink and orange are perfect for attracting all crustacean eating predators. As always, adding 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 – many other species (i.e. Pompano, other Jacks, etc.) will also take the fly.

Less Is More: Great Fly Patterns Can Be So Simple

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Many new to fly-tying may find the creativity side of tying flies somewhat overwhelming. Not to fear, some of the best and most effective flies simply consist of a small collection of hairs tied to a hook shank in the right place.

It is important to remember fish can be finicky when eating. They can also work themselves up in a frenzy, eating everything in their path and immediately. As most of you have seen before, fish react in a fight or flight split second. Tying a fly that vaguely resembles an insect, shrimp, or crab is all it takes to get a hungry fish to commit. This is especially the case when your fly will shortly be stripped out of their comfortable and accessible eating zone.

The featured image above is an example of how simple or elementary 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.

For additional examples of simple flies to tie, see my post on Bendbacks.

Mangrove Shrimp: Green

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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 (#1/0)[/list_item]
[list_item]UTC Monofilament, clear (0.006)[/list_item]
[list_item]Bead Chain Eyes, medium, black[/list_item]
[list_item]Senyo’s Laser Dubbing, rusty bronze[/list_item]
[list_item]Berkley 30 lb mono, clear, melted (colored w black Sharpie)[/list_item]
[list_item]EP Silky Fibers 3D, rainbow[/list_item]
[list_item]Crazy Legs, white/ barred, silver flake[/list_item]
[list_item]Peacock[/list_item]
[list_item]Flashabou, tan/ pearl[/list_item]
[/list]

Design Inspiration & Detail

Special thanks to Davis Brown for sharing this fly. Another great fly for fishing the backwaters of South Florida. The natural shrimp colors and various appendages (legs, eyes, antennule, etc.) are perfect for attracting all crustacean eating predators. Be creative and change up colors.

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, it’s lethal.

Orvis Fly Tying Guide, Tom Rosenbauer

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If you are looking for a comprehensive book on tying flies, you found it! The Orvis Fly-Tying Guide includes detailed steps from start to finish on how to tie flies for all the basic patterns. Fresh and saltwater flies are covered, beginning and advanced techniques are covered, and detailed photography of each step of the fly tying process is included. The book lays the basic ground work by explaining simple tying techniques and then progressing with detailed tying instructions for some of the most popular and modern patterns. How to choose and prepare the correct material and all necessary tying steps for each fly are detailed in beautiful large color photographs.

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Once you have practiced basic tying techniques, the book includes photographs of endless fly patterns to inspire your future designs. All 400+ patterns include their fly tying recipes and proportions to help recreate them. Endless colors and fly patterns will get you thinking out-of-the-box on what materials to include in your next fly. This of course will get you “jonesing” to hit your closest fly tying shop to pick up the next batch of materials for your fly tying bench. Believe me, I know how it works…

For those interested in how much of the book is dedicated to saltwater – about one third addresses saltwater fly tying and fly patterns. Again, techniques and instructions may be demonstrated on freshwater flies, however most is applicable to saltwater flies.

Enjoy![/column]

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Orvis Fly-Tying Guide
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Florida Saltwater License-Free Fishing Day

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Many of you may have been waiting for a perfect time to get out and try your hand at fly fishing. Well, tomorrow is November 29th, a day which the state of Florida has given us a free day to fish without a recreational saltwater fishing license. This applies to residents and non-residents.

Florida already allows saltwater fishing (without a license) for shoreline areas which are accessible without the use of a boat or other means. On November 29, you will be able to fish all applicable saltwater by any means of access.

This saltwater waiver applies to any recreational harvest requiring a saltwater fishing license (e.g. crabbing, lobstering, scalloping, etc.). In addition, Snook and Spiny Lobster permits are not required.

For detailed information on Florida license-free fishing, visit the Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission on-line.

1001 Fly Fishing Tips

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1001 Fly-Fishing Tips is a one-of-a-kind collection of practical advice from over twenty-five of the world’s most renown fly-fishing experts. This book includes 1,001 of the best fly-fishing tips compiled by the former managing editor of Fly Fisherman magazine. It covers essentials from trout to tarpon, such as: casting with Lefty Kreh, matching the hatch with Charlie Meck, taking great fish photos with Barry and Cathy Beck, mastering mayflies with John Barr, catching selective trout with Mike Lawson, West Coast Stripers with Dan Blanton, Steelhead secrets with Lani Waller, and Spey casting with Simon Gawesworth.

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For those of you asking what percentage of the book is dedicated to saltwater fly-fishing; I’d say about one third. Keep in mind, advice on tying knots, releasing fish, taking fish photos, etc. are all applicable to fresh and saltwater. With a quick and easy-to-read format, 160 illustrations from renowned artist Dave Hall, and encyclopedic coverage of almost everything that’s important to know about fresh and saltwater fly fishing, this book is will offer some great advice for all fly-fishing enthusiasts.

As we are approaching the holiday season, this would make an excellent stocking-stuffer. The paperback version comes in a small format and a Kindle version is available as well.

Enjoy!
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1001 Fly-Fishing Tips
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Simms’ Stone Cold LS Shirts

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A few weeks ago, I picked up one of these Stone Cold LS Shirts from Simms . The store owner suggested I try it on and get a feel for how cool the shirts feels. To my surprise, the material really felt cool. I’m not really sure whether it’s the weave or material thickness which makes it so cool.

I ended up purchasing the shirt a half size larger than I would typically, only to leave room for an under-layer if needed. I do like to have shirts fit loosely, especially in warmer weather when an under-layer is not needed.

Over the last ten years or so, there has been a popular trend of fishing shirts getting “over pocketed”. I would find two main chest pockets having four pockets stacked on top of each other! Of course, these pockets would consist of boxed pockets, mesh pockets, velcro pockets, zipped pockets, and “half” pockets. You could never really figure out how to get in to any of them. The beautiful part of the Simms Stone Cold LS Shirt is the fact it only has two chest pockets, tucked under a aesthetic/ weather hem. The pockets include zipper enclosures and lanyards.

If you are in the market for a warm weather sun/ fishing shirt, try one of these Stone Cold shirts on and feel the difference.

[row][column size=’1/2′]

Description

Teeming with Cool Control™ fabric tech, Simms’ Stone Cold LS Shirt delivers Arctic-inspired relief during simmering days on the water. Recycled jade crushed into a fine powder and implanted into the yarn powers this cool-to-the-touch fabric. The result is a sustainable, stylish, temperature-regulating piece, with the added benefits of anti-odor, wicking, and quick-dry performance. Additional features include fly box compatible, zippered chest pockets, extended Sun Cuffs for prime sun protection, and the added comfort of a straight hem and smooth off-shoulder seams.[/column]

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Simms' Stone Cold LS Shirts
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Features

[list]
[list_item]Cool Control™ fabric technology absorbs & dissipates heat & provides a cooler, more comfortable garment[/list_item]
[list_item]Two fly box compatible, zippered chest pockets[/list_item]
[list_item]Under collar buttons, straight hem & off-shoulder seams for added comfort[/list_item]
[list_item]Extended Sun Cuff for additional protection[/list_item]
[list_item]Winner Gray’s Sporting Journal’s Best 2013[/list_item]
[/list]

[list]
[list_item]FABRIC TECH:   50% Nylon/ 50% Polyester with Cool Control™ fabric technology[/list_item]
[list_item]APPROX. WEIGHT:   6.5 oz[/list_item]
[list_item]STYLE FIT:   Traditional Fit[/list_item]
[list_item]SIZES:   S – 2XL[/list_item]
[list_item]COLLECTION:   Guide Series[/list_item]
[/list]

Fly-Fishing for Bonefish, Chico Fernandez

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Fly-Fishing for Bonefish covers the biology of Bonefish, what they eat, and how tide influences fishing. A section of the book dedicated to fly-fishing gear describes specific flies, lines, rods, reels, and more. Special attention is given to configuring the optimal leaders and how to rig your tackle to deliver more fish. Chico Fernandez explains how to hunt for Bonefish, casting techniques, retrieving fish, hooking up, fighting, landing, and how to release Bonefish safely. Included are tips on traveling to the flats and insight on how to better protect our saltwater resources.

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If you are new to saltwater fly-fishing or would like to learn more about Bonefish or flats fishing in general, this book is perfect for you! I found myself gripped, anticipating each section, one after another. How tides play such a big role in their feeding pattern, where they hide, and when they choose to eat. Chico talks about what specifically to take on trips, what clothes/ material to wear for weather and fast drying functionality. This book is filled with tips and tricks to stay comfortable through the day and ultimately land more fish.

Keep in mind, this resource is not applicable to Bonefish alone. Great secrets for fishing the flats are included. This means a good portion of the book will apply to Permit, Tarpon, and other species roaming the flats.

Enjoy the book – I know you will as well….[/column]

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Fly-Fishing for Bonefish by Chico Fernandez
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