The summer is in its peak and with weather soaring close to 500C, fishing is not only hard in the sweltering heat, it’s quite a challenge to make a fish bite at times.
Scouting for the Next Season
Last weekend was one of those trips that you get excited about and know that whatever the outcome may be, you’ll walk away with something you keep for the winter’s fishing season. The summer may be too warm for everyone’s taste; however, scouting new ground to fish in when the winter comes is part of your success story.
A few friends and I scour the whole country for spots that have potential. We do this so we don’t have to waste time in the winter months to look for spots.
Looking for spots is like treasure hunting. You really don’t know what you’ll find until you hit pay dirt. The fact of the matter is, even if you know what you’re doing, there will be times when you have to “crack the code” again in new spots. I normally carry a few lures and flies with me that would give the highest probability of catching fish.However, on exploratory trips, I make it a point to carry as much as I can so I can determine which ones the fish will take. I am a huge fan of soft plastics and make it a point to carry a few varieties with me when exploring new spots.
A few years back, I fell in love with flats fishing. I never thought it would be so complicated! From finding the spots, to the lures and methods you have to use to be successful, I have found that no flat is the same, even if it’s just a few kilometres from each other. The same species of fish will behave somewhat differently.
Finding Fish in the Flats
Tidal flow has a lot to do with the feeding time of the fish in the flats, even if conditions in one flat are perfect, it could be the worst possible time for another that’s just a kilometre away. There are flats which are completely dry in the low tide and totally submerged in the high tide.These places are home to different species of crustaceans, squid, cuttlefish shells and smaller fish that larger fish feed on, while other flats are only submerged in the highest of tides. With this in mind, it would be a good idea to make a log of the tides when you are going out exploring. Also, take note of what fish you catch, the lures or bait used and the time of day. When it proves to be a successful day, this would most likely repeat itself down the line when you spot a similar tide, then you can go back to the spot and enjoy the same experience.
Gear and Tackle
The advancements of the gear and tackle we use have changed so much in the past few years. From the rods we use, down to the line and hooks, things are getting more high-tech, yet the fish in the flats remain a mystery, and are still winning the battles.
In years past, light tackle has been neglected, often referred to as “newbie tools” since these would be the first rod and reel that kids would get to use. With the advent of braid and smaller reels being beefed up by manufacturers, it is now possible to go really light without compromising line capacity, power and casting distance. The newer mid-end reels are also mostly made with an aluminum body and don’t flex under the pressure of a braided line, so you now see more people buying top-shelf reels in the 4,000 and lower sizes. Matched with an appropriate rod, these are one of the weapons you use in the flats.
My choice is a reel in the 2,500 size and a rod that’s at least 6 feet (183cm); it has more than enough power to bully fish in the flats,with a reel spooled with an 8lb (4kg) braided line and a small jig with a soft plastic tail in the business end which completes the fishing machine.
If you want to go fly fishing, a 9weight fly rod with a floating line is a good starting point. It might be a bit too heavy for experienced fly anglers, but if you are starting out, a 9 weight will help you punch through the wind. Standard flats flies such as the “Crazy Charlie”, “Gotcha” and “Clouser minnow” will all work. The most important thing to remember is to match the size of the forage the fish are feeding on. Flies in hook sizes 4, 6 and 1 and dressed in white, pink and tan material are good starting points.
Make use of the summer to find spots, and you won’t have to waste fishing time in exploring probable spots during the winter fishing months. Don’t give up on a spot though, as you might just be fishing it in the wrong tide. Keep your eyes open for activity and when you do hit pay dirt, ask yourself, would you share your treasure with anyone else?
Till the next tide change,
Kit
Thefishingkit@gmail.com
Published in August 2012
