Saltwater Fly Fishing Forum

December 19, 1999

Hi Chris,

Time for some end of the year communication.

Early last month I decided to celebrate a last day of fishing. I grew up in PA where the first day of trout season was always an event. So I went to the Housatonic River in Lenoxdale, Massachusetts and promptly caught a pretty native brookie. What this 6 inch fish thought he was going to do with a 3 inch rabbit tail woolly bugger is beyond me. Later a bass came completely out of the water to try to catch my Gurgler but the G was already in the air in a roll cast to the middle of the stream. The bass no doubt caught a lot of heckling from his buddies ‘cause he wouldn’t look at the bug again. So I had a nice last day - no big fish but some fun later in the season than I normally fish.

I have to thank you for a few things - opening up my eyes to all the fishing in the Housatonic, the wonderful world of salt water fly fishing and a nice rod and reel that can lay out the big flies without having cost more than a Rhode Island vacation. The other thing you introduced me to was EZ Shape. I love the stuff and use it on many of my flies. I even found a new use for it. My wife and I both have GM cars with the same shaped keys. I put a dab of pearl EZ on one set to make it easily distinguishable from the other both day (sparkle) and night (a little lump on the keys). You also put my rambling nonsense story on the Web. What a year.

In another month I'll be severely cabin feverish and need to at least talk about fishing. Are you around on Saturdays to sell some material and swap stories? I'd definitely call before I came down to Housatonic. It would be nice to talk to someone instead of just reading Jack Gartside and Ken Abrames.

Wishing you and your family a great Holiday season and a safe happy year 2000,
Jack Swegel

December 15, 1999

Hi,

I regularly check out your web site and I am also a subcriber to On the Water. I was wondering if you could help. I was looking for directions on how to get to Scorton Creek. I heard it is not a bad place to catch some holdover Stripers on a fly in the Winter. Your help would be greatly appreciated. Congrats on a great Site!

Thank you,
Marc Antetomaso

November 7, 1999

Chris,

Just a thought for your line of bunny flies: I've taken a tungsten cone head and put it in front of the bunny: It has an almost-clouser-eque action through the water, but has 'bunny action' like no clouser ever had. The nice thing is that your sparkle body forms up behind the cone head very well, and makes it move smoothly through the water. I've enclosed a photo:

Took some friends out fishing Halloween day. On the back side of Nantucket (about 25 miles from where the Egyptian airliner went down) we caught (get this, the last day of October!):
11 stripers (4 keepers)
4 bluefish (6-10#)
1 gannet (too short, we released it)
1 bluefin tuna (40#)

You shouldda seen the angler with a small trolling reel and short stick (5' rod) when the tuna got pissed..... what a fight!

Hope all is well....
Thor Farrish, Edgartown, Massachusetts

October 13, 1999

Dear Chris,

I see you have a number of South Africans on your circulation list. I recognize Keith Wallington's name, we call him "stretch", he's about 6ft 9. Fished with him in March this year in Zululand near the Mozambique border in a series of salt water lakes connected to the sea through an estuary and getting increasingly fresh as you move inland. They have resident populations of fish which are traditionally pure salt water but which have adapted to the local conditions. Kingfish in the freshest of the lakes up to 80lbs are sometimes caught on bait and 40 lbs not unusual on fly. Lots of springer (ladyfish) as well.

I will be taking a few E-Z Shape Sparkle Bodies with me to Durban in a couple of weeks time.

Chris D. Binnington
South Africa

October 12, 1999

Dear Chris,

Just wanted to send you an interesting report from Martha's Vineyard...The #$@#$%#@! little tunny are coasting through the swells, rolling on their sides and slurping shrimp! C'mon Chris...you're the best: give us a krill fly! :-) Plus, I just got a call from a buddy of mine...He just returned from a bass trip on the back side of Nantucket: of the 30"-35" fish he caught in his favorite rips, all had bellies full of krill!

Guess its not just the Albies.....

Thor Farrish
Martha's Vineyard, Massachusetts.

Thor,

I heard about the krill thing from a couple of people - amazing! I'll try to cook up some fly for this for next year, just in case the fish get on krill again. I see you're still in second place for boat flyrod bluefish in the Martha's Vineyard derby - congratulations! Keep catching fish, and keep in touch.

October 4, 1999

Dear Saltwaterflies.com,

I have caught my first, very picky, stripers and false albacore off Montauk this past week using E-Z Shape Sparkle Body. I call the fly: "The Flirt". (As you may know, the bloom seems to be off the rose based on last year and this year's Montauk Albie action.)

The flirt is tied on size 2, 4, or 6 hooks. I use black thread. Wind on two peacock herls and over wrap lightly with the thread to keep it from blowing out. I add two small grizzly saddle hackles two-thirds of the way up the shank. I add a sparse tie of white fish hair and then an olive green crystal flash cover. I add 1/24 or 1/30 lead barbell eyes. Whip finish the head. The barbell eyes are about 15% back from the hook eye. I then lightly coat the head with Pearl E-Z, so it dries clear with the flash being very blush. I have been coating the barbell eyes with E-Z red gill and add a spot of EZ Black for a pupil. First ties tended to get the colored eye paint dinged off. I have tried clear plumbers silicon for more cushioning, but it takes too long to dry and remains slightly tacky for days. I am about to try to tie some Flirts with an Umpqua clear "soft body" Angler's Choice (thin) soft body plastic Resin. Any other suggestions for protecting the eyes?

I just bought a new bottle of Saltwater Blue E-Z Shape and can't wait to try it. I am headed to Harkers Island in two weeks and can't wait to tie up some more experiments. All the best and tight lines.

Rick Bannerot
Stamford, Connecticut

October 2, 1999

Chris,

Hi Chris, Thanks for posting the photo of me as the main graphic on the Larry's Tackle Shop website. I don't mind at all if you use any picture of me at anytime. I remember that day at the Lobsterville Jetty, and wish I could catch that bone on fly right now. I fished the Lobsterville Jetty today as a matter of fact and there were some huge albies there. Dave Desmarais caught one that was around 13 pounds, but he released it because he is in 1st place in the fishing derby with a 14 pounder. I had one of those brutes come up on my fly but he didn't get it. Oh well, maybe tomorrow. I did land 3 albies on fly and had 7 on! I'm using a squid fly and they are tackling it. Take care Chris - I hope to see you soon!

Jeff Sayre
Oak Bluffs, Martha's Vineyard

August 30, 1999

Chris,

The term "swoffing" originated with Jock Grey, who was one of our fathers of the sport here in Oz, about 1967 or so and it is a sort of reference to the SWFROA Int and salt water fly rodders of SWF. Those doing it were SWF'rs and it ended up swoffers.

The modern version of SWF in Australia, after WW11 began, as far as I can find out, with Lance Wedlick in 1947. Between 1947 and the 60's I couldn't find any references to saltwater fly fishing although it must have happened. Jock Grey tied saltwater flies, about 40,000 in total and gave the lot away. He was part of a group called the rusty feathers because of the hook corrosion which stained the feathers. They were Bluey Powell, Tom Davidson and Jock Grey. Jock started the Aust chapter of SWFROA about 1970 or so with a few members including the Feathers, Ron Pearson and myself. We were all, as they say Swoffers. Cheers - have a nice day.

Max Garth SWF circa 1967

August 10, 1999

Hi Chris,

I just wanted to drop a quick note relaying the experiences I have had with your flies/saltwater tying products.

I'm not sure if you will remember me, but I purchased a fly selection from you earlier in the season for fishing Long Island waters. Suffice it to say, they didn't last long. Not because of poor clinch knots or broken leaders over rocks. The fish simply destroyed them. Of course, this isn't to say they were of poor craftsmanship, for these flies saw MANY fish each before they succumbed to the pressure!!

Having seen the success of the EZ Shape Sparkle Body flies and wanting to tie my own, I then order a shipment of tubes in many different colors (8, 9 perhaps?) to cover all my bases. Since then it has been non-stop action (with the exception of this recent heatwave which brought water temps up into the middle 70s - a tarpon was caught in Fire Island Inlet!) on your patterns that I have tied myself.

As such, I just wanted to thank you for putting out such a great product and a great website (I find myself continually checking for updates!). It was a pleasure doing business with you. I look forward to the fall fishing season and wish you the best of luck!!

A lifelong customer,
Joe Borawski

August 10, 1999

Hi Chris

I just returned from Tofino, British Columbia where I had a great week fishing for Coho salmon, and the Coho were scattered all over the Sound. We fished a method that I've never done before, it's called Bucktailing. Bucktailing is when you troll at about 1000 RPM with the fly right in the prop wash (10 to 15ft. behind the boat). The Coho will come up and track the fly like a billfish would; as soon as you twitch the fly the fish will attack it. Once the fish hits the fly, you kick the motor into neutral and shut it off. I'm not one for trolling - as a kid I did that with my dad for hours on end for Northern Pike, but this was different, and a lot more exciting because the fly is right in the prop wash and it sits right on the surface so you see the strike. Altogether we boated about 50 Coho and lost at least that many. We also fished for Sea Bass - these ran between 2-4lbs, and we cast to them around kelp beds. They fight the same as a Bronze Back (smallmouth bass), only without the jumps.

In June I was out at Monomoy where we had some decent striper fishing, and over the winter I was down in Big Pine Key, Florida, where I caught my first tarpon. I've sent along some photos for you to check out. Well, it's back to the tying bench!

Rick Whorwood
Stoney Creek, Ontario

June 20, 1999

Chris,

Just wanted to drop you a line to let you know that I purchased Sparkle Body locally and made several Sparkling Sand Eels using your directions. Using one on my first attempt at salt water fly fishing at Corson's Inlet, New Jersey, I caught a 4 pound weak fish and a 14 inch striper. The sparkle body worked! Not only does it make tying flies easy, but catching fish too.

Thanks, Ken

June 1, 1999

Hello Chris;

Well I have to finally register a complaint. I could only get 150 stripers on one of your maximum decievers. I need to order more. Please call me asap about 3 dozen in tan/white, blue/white and chartreuse/white should do it. If you could tie them on the Trey Combs hook, that would be great. The fishing has been steady - some keepers, lots of small fish, big fish yet to come. Hope to see you at the catch and release on the 12th.

Tom Taylor

May 14, 1999

Hey Chris

Joe Gaudin

April 30, 1999

Hello,

Just found your site and wanted to say thanks for all the helpful info. This is the first site I'v seen that actually lets you copy the recipes for their flies. I am gonna try your Sparkling Sand Eel, Deep Sea Serpent and your Sparkling Crab. I live in South Louisiana and these should prove deadly on our Redfish. Will let you know how we do.

Thanks again,
Joe Gaudin

March 25, 1999

Hello,

Just wanted to drop you guys a note and let you know how much I am loving the "Sparkle Body". I home brew a lot of bucktail streamers, deceivers, and clouser minnow style flies. The thing that has always bothered me (and I think the fish too!!) is that fact that I have this really beautiful fly and then a large white, black or brown head. Have you looked at a bait fish lately? They don't look like that!! But by using the sparkle body I can now bring the colors all the way up to the eye of the hook!! It is fabulous!!

I am not a great tyer. But with "Sparkle Body" I can get a nice even finish that looks good and fishes great!!! I met you guys at the show in Marlborough, MA back in February. I have been using your stuff since then. And I will be using it for long while to come!!

Thanks, David Finchum

Walland, Tennessee. (at the entrance to the Great Smoky Mountains. No I don't trout fish! I am not in to chasing minnows around in a cold stream!!! :-)

Hi David,

Thank you for your message regarding E-Z Shape Sparkle Body. I'm glad you've enjoyed working with our product.

February 17, 1999

Good Morning

I was telling a young dark haired lady working your booth at the Marlborough show about a floating crab pattern using the E-Z Shape Sparkle Body material. Here is the link: Don's Hard Shell Crab. (This link will take you off of Saltwaterflies.com, so please use your browser's "back" button to return to Saltwaterflies.com).

Rich

February 17, 1999

Dear Chris,

I just wanted to thank you for introducing me to your E-Z Shape body material at the Marlboro show. Your innovative material will work wonders for my flies. Thank you.

A satisfied customer, Christopher Gosselin

February 17, 1999

Chris

Help! - I'm addicted to tying with E-Z Shape Sparkle Body! I've tied over two dozen of the sparkling sand eels. By the way - went with olive for a dozen as opposed to chartruse, as olive epoxy surf candy-like flies are the hottest fly for me when I fish the rocks off of Gloucester, Mass. Is there any cure for "E-Z Shapeitus?" I can't tie enough - what an absolutely great product!!!!

Dale Hubbard

February 11, 1999

Hello,

I met you guys at the San Mateo Show and got a couple bottles of Sparkle Body. When I try to make a body coating like a minnow body, this stuff is so good at not dripping that each "line" of applied material stays raised and does not melt down to form a smooth minnow body side for example. My question is this, is there something I can use to thin the stuff down a bit?? Maybe add a little of some fluid to the bottle to make flow easier??

Thanks, Al Shaw

A little background on myself. I've been saltwater fly fishing for more than 25 years. I've won the Bonefish on fly release category in the Metropolitan Fishing Tournament a few times. On the other end of the spectrum I've also released two blue marlin on the fly, biggest 175#. I've also caught a flats grand slam on the fly in the Keys (150# Tarpon, 18# Permit, 10# bonefish). Here's a photo of a nice bonefish that I thought you might enjoy.

I take my guide friends fishing when they want a break and I fish 60-90 days per year. I also tie flies commercially. My friends include Mike Conner, Tim Borsky, Bob Lemay, Mike Praznosky, etc. I know and appreciate saltwater flies. I'm telling you this not because I want to brag, but so you will appreciate what I'm about to say. I started using your product and love it!

I bought two bottles last week and had to go back today to get four more colors. I see a lot of possible applications. Especially for bonefish and redfish. I hear that you have more colors. Please send me what info you have on your product and let me know about your new products. I'll tell my friends.

Thanks :-)

Rory J. Santana, Miami, FL.

Rory,

January 19, 1999

Hi!

My name is Adam Young and I am a very keen fly fisherman and I was wondering if you could please send me any free flies or some stickers or something along those lines? I am having trouble finding the right flies because none of the stores here have any. Do you think you could help me out?

Adam Young - Queensland, Australia

P.S. Your site rulz and so do your flies!

P.S. I love it when our site rulz!

November 30, 1998

Hello there,

I just thought that you might want to know that if anyone is planning to come down to Pensacola, Florida anytime in the near future the bonito are plentiful as of now. They are eating anything white and pink. I am using a white clouser with a chartreuse thread head and they can't resist it. These bonito are averaging 8-12#, so plenty of backing is the name of the game. For some real fun just a few miles off the coast bring a 9weight and get a good forearm workout.

Thank You,

Joel Howard, Pensacola, Florida

November 2, 1998

Hey Chris,

I am a new salt water flyrodder. I am looking for some leader recipes for surf casting for stripers/blues/anything. I am using a 9wt. rod and an intermediate line. If you have any info please e-mail me.

Thanks,

Wayne Halsall, Fair Lawn, NJ

October 20, 1998

Chris,

I was out on the North shore of the Northern Fork of Long Island this past weekend (10/17 - 10/18). I flyfished from a kayak along a riptide and the fishing was fantastic. I was using your Sparkling Squid and caught plenty of blues, false albacore and even two stripers. One of the albies was caught on a backcast that mistakingly touched the water! (It is hard to get height flycasting from a kayak.

I had two questions:

I have been using an Ugly Stick flyrod that was given to me. It is 9 feet tall and can carry 9 weight line. I don't like the way it handles. I have been freshwater flyfishing for years and something about this saltwater flyrod doesn't feel right. I don't think there is enough flex in the tip. It is plenty strong, though. Can you recommend a good (ideally under $150) rod for saltwater flyfishing where the fish would range from 5 to 12 lbs? I already have a decent reel.

Second, how is the fishing in LI Sound in March/April compared to the Fall? What is running?

Thanks again for a great set of flies and all your help in getting me started in saltwater flyfishing.

Regards,

Bill Gerosa

October 19, 1998

Gang,

I joined up with Andy Harris on the grounds of Millstone Power Plant - first time ever there for me - for some albie fishing from shore. Got there around 12:30 PM as the big moon tide was beginning to fall. Albies were stacked like sea green cordwood practically up against the grate, all in the channel and were surfing the waves created as the outflow formed a rip against the prevailing southwesterly. Seeing those fish swim and flash and surf was one of the most beautiful things I'd ever seen, and for awhile I was pretty content to just sit and watch the fish - they were gorgeous, all backlit by the October afternoon sun. Threw about ten different flies at 'em - nada. Went down to the rocks and studied the bait, found a small school of baby bunker, a small school of mullet and lots of rather smallish silversides all along the rocks. Then I thought , "Why not a popper, right in their face - kind of like what you do do with salmon and steelhead-when they won't eat streamers?"

So I tied on one of Joe Blados's huge Crease Flies, tossed it out there, two pops and my long-dreamed for afternoon of "dry fly fishing" for albies began. They tired of that fly quickly, took two more on old Farnsworth flies - pearl sliders - they tired of that. Then I tied on an olive/white Slim Jim and "the games" officially began. For the rest of the afternoon I fished the Slim Jim or the Beach Glass Silversides. Hooked an astounding 22 fish between 1:45 and 5:15 on these two flies. Landed 6. First three were in the 11-13 lb range. As the tide fell, and there was less water in the outflow, the fish got wildly careless. I hooked all fish on Ande 20 lb; problem was Andy and I were trashing tippets on every fish, because of all the rocks and barnacles (now I understand how these guys were breaking off so many fish and trashing fly lines out there - I was very lucky as three fish went around the corner and made as if to go up the "other" outflow-I was really lucky I turned them and they came back out!!!) By the end of the afternoon we were out of 20 lb and could not hold them on anything less. So... what to do?... yeah, you guessed it. I cut the perfection loop off of the Ande 40lb butt and tied the fly directly to 40 lb test. Butt was not even 3.5' long - hooked last three fish on straight 40 lb test. So much for the need for fluorocarbon...

Andy and I had to call it quits because we both forgot water and were seriously dehydrated by the end of the afternoon. This was an afternoon that will get me through the worst parts of February and March. Hope you have one too!

Page Rogers

October 13, 1998

Gang,

Ed Mitchell graciously invited me to fish out of his Hyde drift boat in Jordan Cove and along Pleasure Beach/Seaside this morning. The albie bite was in full swing in the early dark hour between 6 and 7 am. Ed & I lazed out of the shore anglers' way and over to the beach part of Pleasure Beach. I hooked an extremely fat false albacore (over 10 lbs) on my second cast. Really fantastic fight and two very long runs. The 16lb Jinkai held up no problem, as did my fly line. About an hour later an even fatter albacore came right out of the water and nabbed the fly. When I saw the size of this gator as he/she began to circle the boat I was amazed - this fish was big - and I've caught them over 14 lbs. Kind wore a rut on my left middle finger as the gel spun backing zigged and zagged over my taped fingers. This fish was spectacular - a real tank - with the shoulders of an offensive lineman. The we poked over to Seaside as there had been a good bite there yesterday. The big bite did not really set up, though I got two nice bass and another, much smaller albie. After those other two brutes it felt quite light and we were hoping it was a bonito - but no such luck. Still bonito-less in the Sound, and its mid-October. But life is good...my shoulders are sore.

This was a wonderfully relaxed way to fish and stealthy too. Very enjoyable time. You can book Ed and his driftboat by calling him at 860 529-0685.

Page Rogers

Page,

October 10, 1998

Dear Chris,

I have a small flyshop in Seaside, Florida (panhandle). I began using your stuff a while back and would like to offer your product within my stores. I also guide here for tarpon, reds, specks, etc. Should you ever get down this way, please give us a call.
In the meantime I have boated four white marlin already this week using streamers tied with your "stuff". They seem to love it.......just about all of my tarpon flies and shrimp and crab patterns get tied with some sort of E Z on them...all to great success. Keep that product coming.

Best regards, Gordie Hinds
Go Fish; Seaside, Florida

October 3, 1998

Gang,

There are, as many of you know, just BILLIONS of baby bunker in LI Sound. Yesterday was into bass, blues and albies from shore in Old Lyme no less - saw eight fish come straight out of the water representing all three species - wild! The bunker are getting bigger and harder to represent with a fly.

Page Rogers

August 27, 1998

Chris,

My name is Eric Naguski - you might not remember me, but I wrote you a couple of months ago about fishing on Martha's Vineyard (I'm the guy from Central Pennsylvania). I just wanted to thank you for your help on wading spots on the island. I mainly fished around Menemsha and Lobsterville Beach and was able to consistently find fish. I did not catch any very big bass from shore (the largest was about 25") but I probably averaged 3 or 4 fish every time I fished during the two weeks I was on the island (I only missed 3 days). I also fished with Mo Flaherty twice and had a blast! Too many fish to count out of the rip at Middle Ground, mostly in the 4-8lb range. I did manage one bass which came in at 15 lbs. I also got got two shots at bonito and got two strikes but I was unable to hook up, very frustrating after chasing those things around in the rain for two hours. Anyway, thank you for your help. This winter, if you want to find rising trout any day of the week (as long as we're not flooded out), give me a call. I owe you a fishing trip.

Thanks again,
Eric Naguski

August 20, 1998

Dear Chris,

Brilliant! I am just in the process of embarking into the field of saltwater flyfishing, having never fly fished before. The Internet seemed a logical place to start looking for info, but what I found has overwhelmed me. But by far and away, one of the best sites I have come across for useful info is your site. The step by step fly tying guides are excellent, and I have printed out every last one so that one day I might be able to tie my own.

So, thank you for sharing your knowledge and the information. I look forward to seeing more flies up on your site!

Sincerely,

Jan Korrubel

Pietermaritzburg, South Africa

July 11, 1998

Yo!

John Schillinger weighed in a 6.6 lb bonito at Larry's in Edgartown this afternoon....taken off of Dogfish Bar. Yes! Let the games begin in Paradise!...

Page Rogers

July 1, 1998

Gentlemen,

E-Z shape arrived this morning. Great service. Tied a Grass Shrimp using the Pearl E-Z. Great Product. I'll give my Devcon Epoxy away soon. Please keep me in mind when you have the clear developed. At that time I'll probably want a Pure Black for eyes. I would appreciate you sending me your fly catalog. By the way I appreciate the Shrimp Pink E-Z. I'll let my fly tying Club members know of your great product.

My Thanks,

Bob Ferguson

June 30, 1998

Chris,

I just wanted to say thanks again for one of the best fishing trips I ever had. You made it really exciting and fun, and the keeper striper I caught was a big bonus too! I hope I get invited back next year to spend time fishing with you...and by then you will be my brother in law! Thanks again so much for everything; my sister is a lucky lady. By the way...the kids loved squidding alot!!!(so did I).

Your soon to be brother in law,

Gregg Dyer

June 27, 1998

Chris,

Just returned from a great trip to the Vineyard; amazing fishing for stripers but even more amazing was the guide. He took me and my son Greg to some of the most beautiful spots on the island and we took stripers up to 40 inches. He was very patient with my fly casting and I learn a lot from him each time out. His companionship was delightful and many other fisherman on the island were familiar with him (perhaps he's becoming legendary).

Just wanted to tell you about a great trip. By the way, the guides' name was Chris Windram, my soon to be son-in-law, and I also want to thank my daughter Jennifer for sharing Chris with her father this past week.

Bill Dyer

May 20, 1998

Chris,

Had some great action this past weekend here on the Vineyard. Went down to my favorite spot Friday afternoon around 5 and had non-stop bluefish action until 7. Used your deep sparkling sand eel with a #50 test mono shock tippet almost the whole time only took around 15 fish because it would take so long to get them in. They were in the 4 - 9 lb size range. Near the end that one fly had just about had it but was still catching fish. I then switched over to your white spun deerhair head fly and was getting all bass (biggest was 34") while the guy next to me was getting all bluefish!

The most memorable part of the evening was the sight of thousands of fish lined up in the crest of the waves. They were mostly bluefish but once in a while you could see a bass in among them. I've been here 10 years and this was the first time I remember seeing them in the waves like that.

Now get this, I saw Jeff Sayre in the shop on Sat and he told me he was at my spot with John Schillinger on Friday and it was dead. I asked him what time he was there and he said he left around three. When I told him the news that he should have stuck around he was bummed out. Then a few minutes later a guy came in the shop and recognized me from the beach on Friday and he told me I left too soon because the bigger bass moved in about an hour after dark. Then I was bummed out...I guess it's all relative.

See you soon,

Bob Lane, President - Martha's Vineyard Surfcasters Association