Saltwater Fly Patterns
12 Flies for Travel

      No matter where you travel there will always be the "hot" fly pattern of the week.  I like flies, and can easily entertain myself for hours examining the details of a fly shop's collection, especially in a shop that has a broad selection from local tiers.  I am quick to pick up a few of whatever is being touted as the "hot" pattern of the moment.  

      Regardless of how much a particular pattern is being "promoted",  I never forget about the tried and true standards in my box.   There is nothing like having absolute confidence in the fly that is tied to the end of your line.

      On a quest with a specific goal, like a tarpon, bonefish, or permit in the Keys, one would certainly want a more target specific selection.  These twelve flies are offered only as a broad spectrum selection.    

      If you were to ask ten different anglers, all with similar experience levels, I am sure you would get ten different list.  I am also sure that the farther down you went into these lists, the more variation you would see.

      If I were restricted to only one fly to have for any and all fishing, it would certainly be a Clouser.  This fly's ability to produce in a broad spectrum of environments is almost unparalleled. From bonefish, redfish, or speckled trout in the shallows, to albacore, king mackerel, or dorado in the deep; the Clouser is a producer.

      Tied as small as # 8 for the flats and up to 4/0 for striped bass and offshore work, this fly's versatile is arguably unparalleled.

      Chartreuse/White would probably be my first choice, although if I truly had to make a choice, an olive over white would also be very tempting. 

more Clousers  >>   

      Most saltwater tiers have their own version of a menhaden, my Deceiver version has a few details that are important to me.

      This is basically a  white Deceiver with a dark back that is tied with a broad profile.  The extra details I add, include:  a little pink bucktail in the cheeks, variegated colors in the second deer hair collar, and bright red throat.   Most of the time these small details are absolutely insignificant.   Occasionally, when dealing with selective fish, I believe these small details do make a difference.

      Tied on hooks as large as 5/0 and as long as 7 inches this fly pattern  has served me well when searching for large striped bass.

      This fly is #3 on my list because I like catching redfish, and this is hands down my favorite redfish fly.  

4.   Bay Anchovy / Glass Minnow

      Size Matters !  There are dozens of good patterns of small translucent baitfish to choose from.

      In open water, stripers, Spanish mackerel, and false albacore can be very size selective when feeding on glass minnows or bay anchovies.  As little as one half inch in length can make the difference between success or having your fly rejected.

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