by Gary Thoubboron
Some of the best fishing in the Garden State is ignored by a vast majority of fly fishermen. I am not talking about the Big Flatbrook or the South Branch of the Raritan River I am talking about New Jersey's beaches bays and estuaries. There you can fish for a variety of saltwater species that will readily take a fly.
A large number of fly fishers ignore saltwater because they don't know where to go when to go or what gear to use in order to catch fish on a fly. I am here to tell you the IN's and out's of saltwater fly-fishing are a lot less complicated then one would think. It is true that anyone wishing to master any aspect of our great sport must put in the time and effort. However, I am here to tell you that with a minimum amount of gear and knowledge you too can catch fish so large it will have your large saltwater reel screaming into it's backing. Some of the fish are so large it will make your arms ache by the time you finally beach them.
The gear you will need is as follows. If you were going to get by with just one rod I would have to recommend a 9 foot 9 wt rod leaning towards one with a faster action. Although I prefer a much slower action when it comes to trout fishing I much prefer a fast action when fishing the salt. You will need two lines one sinking line and one floating or intermediate sinking line. Although some people prefer fishing with shooting heads which enable the angler to switch the end of their line in order to meet their current situation. I like full lines like Teeny ST 350 sinking line or one of Scientific Angler's floating or intermediate line. Next you will need a large saltwater worthy reel. For this you can use your own personal preference just make sure the reel has a good drag system. I prefer the reels today with large arbors. They enable you to catch up to a fast charging fish while keeping constant pressure on it.
When it comes to flies a large selection is not necessary.
For the beginner three different flies in different sizes are all that are
necessary. You will need an assortment of Bob Clouser's Clouser minnow.
I can't tell you how many different species of fish you can catch on this
fly. As long as you have some of these in different colors and sizes you
will be all right. The other two are surface poppers and something that
isn't weighted like Lefty's deceiver. The reason for different colors is
obvious however, when it comes to sizes 1 or 1/0 should be your standard
size. However, there will be times when the fish are keyed in on a certain
size and will ignore everything else. I have been out there and the stripers
ignored everything but size 4 bonefish size flies. Other times when you
want to really go after the Big Charlie only a 12-inch herring fly will
due.
Location is probably the most important thing you will have to deal with when you are a beginner salt-water fly fisherman. Although the tides are very important if you can locate the fish eventually you will catch them. Read the papers to find out where they are or take a ride down to Gateway Natl. Park on Sandy Hook. They have many parking lots in the park where you can walk down to the ocean side or walk the other direction to fish the bay. Two of the best down there for fly-fisherman are the tip of the hook and Horseshoe cove. If you plan to fish from the beach you will need three additional items in order to make it a pleasant experience for you. A stripping basket is a must along with a pair of waders and good rain gear.
Also if you don't want to set out on your own without someone showing you first hand you can hire one of the local guides to help you out. Bill Hoblitzel out of the Fly Hatch in Shrewsbury is one the best I have ever used. I would recommend him highly to anyone wanting to use a guide.
In closing there is nothing like it in the world to be fishing the tip of the hook with birds and fish in a feeding frenzy and you have a screaming bluefish, little tuny or bass at the end of your line.
Good luck and happy fishing!
Comments, questions, inquiries to: Gary Thoubboron or James Thoubboron