“Taking a look into a guides fly-box may be considered “taboo”. How could you know what flies to use in the Keys? Saltwater fly-fishing is a completely different game from the still-water bass fishing at the reservoir with poppers, or from drifting down the Delaware, throwing bead-heads on the cool, wet morning of opening-day.”
You have booked your flight and lodging accommodations, hired a guide, practiced your double-haul, and have done your research…now its time to hit the vise, or the fly shop! Oh wait, what should I even get?! Well, you’re in luck because there are basically three general patterns that almost everything is based off of; bait-fish patterns, shrimp-patterns and crab-patterns. Obviously, there are and infinite amounts of variations. Some of value, some that “catch-the-angler”. Though, rest assured that it’s most likely not the arrow, it’s the indian (as the saying goes).
Bait-fish flies, also referred to as “streamers” in the fresh-water community, are used for almost everything. Yes, even crustacean feeders such as Bonefish and Permit have been known to pounce on a Clouser. Though, the most commonly used bait-fish patterns in my arsenal or EP Peanut-Butters. Colors range from dark to light. Remember, dirty-water/low-light, go with a darker colored fly, clear-water/full sun, go with lighter/brighter colors. Again, there are many variations of bait-fish patterns like tube flies, poppers, seducers, worms, toads, and game-changers.
Shrimp flies also work great for just about everything. Tarpon, Bonefish, Permit, Redfish, Snook. Jacks and Snapper will all gobble up a shrimp fly. The biggest difference in a shrimp patern is going to be its size, bascally big or small in regard to the size hook it is on. Mantis Shrimp work great for Bonefish, Permit and Redfish which are generally the target species.
Crab flies are genreally going to used for the crustacean feeders, Permit, Bonefish and Redfish. The advantage to using crab flies is very bait-specific…they want them and you’ve got them! They range from large to small, heavier Merkin flies for deeper water and fast moving current and lighter Kwan’s for very shallow, light-wind “tailing conditions”.
“Each pattern is going to have different colors, size hooks, weight and more importantly, prices. A $25 fly isnt guarenteed to catch you a fish, but it was probably tied by an expert on what fish it is targetting. Its ok to tie your own as well, just be upfront with your guide beforehand. Reach out to them, send them pictures of what youre creating, they may even ask you to make them a couple for future use. “
There are a lot of good books the reinforce this journey of which fly you’ll use and when. Also, how to properly present the fly. If you have found some hungry fish, and they do not know you’re there, you’re probably going to get bit with the right cast with the right fly!
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