Fly Fishing

pdm0004 · Location: Auburn, AL/ Franklin, TN

Hey everybody, I'm getting ready to go on a fly fishing vacation in flats of Key West in August and I'm looking at primarily two rods, Orvis Streamline 908-4 Tip Flex Fly Rod 9' 8 weight, or St. Croix Triumph 9' 9 weight, for the job, and was wondering what yall's opinion of the two were. I will be paring this with an Orvis Battenkill Large Arbor Reel. Also I was wondering which flies would be good for bonefish, tarpon, and permit, in the Key West flats? Any other suggestions or tips would be greatly appreciated!

Thanks

KingFisher · Location: Gainesville, GA

It's hard to beat a little crab imitation for bones and permit. I like a tan one with marabou tail. also, a gotcha is touch to beat.

jeremy · Location: Portland, Maine

Hey, have fun man .. the key are pretty sweet. Since you are getting the orvis reel, mine as well pair it up with the orvis rod too? that's just my .02 cents.

As far as flies .. i definately agree with kingfisher and the "crab immitation" .. i got a chance to fish with my good friend dave tepper and will benson and the world angling crew down in the florida keys this year .. and, honestly, they basically only fish crab patterns for bonefish and permit. I remember them basically telling me that "everything on the flat eats a crab." Now, that does not mean that all "crab flies" are created equal. Those guys take their crab flies very seriously and don't just throw "any old fly" .. they are very particular about size, weight, color, shape, the way it moves in the water and all of the "little" details. But, those little details matter big time on spooky keys bonefish and permit. So, from my experience, If i were you - i'd bring crab flies, gotcha's, some clousers, perhaps some deceivers for jacks or cudda and some tarpon toads or other similar tarpon flies.

Guys like will and dave and lots of other guides down there are too busy to tie flies because they are guiding/fishing every day, so they actually buy flies .. but not just from anyone. They buy all of their flies from Peter at ss flies. Peters flies and ss flies are really well known as being incredible saltwater flies for the flats of florida. take a peak at this website SS Flies and you will see what i am talking about. And, a few of SS fly crab patterns and tarpon patterns might not be a bad way to go. There's lots of other guys on here who fish florida a lot and they might have some other recommendations too. All I can say is that on my last trip down there to key west i had my pest trip ever .. i hooked a 100+ pound tarpon, caught 2 key west bonefish and dave landed a couple permit ... all of the fish were caught with will benson and using ss flies. PS. The florida keys can be tough. Its possible and definately doable to just walk out on any old flat and perhaps get shots at fish while wading ... but if you really want to get to outer flats and sight fish consider a guide and a flats boat. at least for a day or 1/2 day .. your chances of seeing fish go up (way up) and you'll definately learn how to look for and present flies to those key west fish. It honestly is a pretty tough game down there. If that interests you contact will benson or dave tepper at world angling. World Angling ... If not, no big deal. No matter what you do, GOOD LUCK and have fun! let us know how you do!

KingFisher · Location: Gainesville, GA

Good points Jeremy.
My guide does tie his own though, as do I. My guide's go to fly, and I'm not even sure on what it is called, is a number 4 weighted toad. It is tan bodied with x-small lead eyes, and two toned marabou tail with striipes. It's got me convinced. You are right--those guides are picky about their flies, and who ties them.
Great post.

High Tails & Tight Lines,

King Fisher

KingFisher · Location: Gainesville, GA

Interesting, my guide is listed on the link you attached SS flies. Bob Beigley. Great guy and a good guide. He usually ties his own flies though.

jeremy · Location: Portland, Maine

Ya that is funny. When I say that they don't tie their own flies .. I should clarify a little. Of course, they tie their own flies and can and do in the off-season ... But, when things really pick up during Tarpon season etc.. and they are on the water day in and day out morning until night - they simply have no time to tie flies. Also, I know that Capt. Will has been instrumental in helping Peter to design those flies. And that is a very interesting story because Peter is a professional commercial fly tier from Maine and Will is born and raised in the florida keys and a guides in the keys. So, when you combine the fly fishing knowledge of will and other guides listed on that site .. with some serious saltwater fly tying talent .. you get SS flies.

KingFisher · Location: Gainesville, GA

Good post Jeremy. I would suggest everyone check out my fly shop, on ebay stores.... especially for redfish.

High Tails & Tight Lines,

King Fisher

pezgalloboy · Posted: Tue 07/14/09 8:29 pm Post subject: key west flats

i just got back from Key West. The flats in key west are usually deeper than the upper keys. Some of the few wadeable flats are 18" to 36" deep. I saw LOTS of Tarpon and many Permit. I would fish a 9 and take an 11 weight(for tarpon in the morning) in your pack if you can. The Orvis large arbor is good. As for flies, Crabs, Crabs, Crabs. I looked at the SS Flies website that Jeremy posted and those are very good patterns. I have been tying yarn crabs and other variations in size 1 and 2. I see most of the tailing permit on the coral part of the flats where it is shallow enough although I know there are always fish in the turtle grass but when wading, it is very hard to spot them. The crab patterns I use are lighter in color and have marabou tails. some have tan and very light brown color variances. That is all you need. good luck.