[VTDryFly]

hello I have a intermediate line for my SRC fishing and was wondering if it seems like a lot of action is occurinf on the top if that means it would be wise to switch over to surface flies or if subsurface could still be productive. I also didn’t know when seeing a fish leaping out of the air completely if that means they are feeding or doing something else.
I didn’t know if a floating poly leader would make it possible to fish gurgles and poppers on the surface or if it’s not needed on the CQS. I guess I am having problems knowing when to switch over to top flies when it seems like subsurface isnt producing.

I also didn’t know when it gets darker out if there is a time when it’s too dark to fish subsurface or maybe certain drab colors that aren’t good. I just am frustrated seeing fish jumping and feeding on the surface while not getting any action on my intermediate line and don’t know what to do in those situations.
Thanks

 

[VIUcutthroat]

First thing I’d do is p/u a floating line. That is what I’d use with surface flies. I think most of us have been frustrated by jumpers not striking whatever we have to offer. At least when you are seeing jumpers you know SRC are in the area! They can be difficult. Have you tried Roger Stevens squid flies? There is a floater for a floating line and a sinker for the sunk line. Lots of stuff written by him on here, just search using his name. Also, consider carrying a few zooplankton flies (small stuff). And of course vary your retrieves. Slow retrieves easier with a floater if activity is in shallow water. Not sure about your darkness question.

 

[Jim F.]

I know zip about fishing the salt, but I have logged many productive hours fly fishing for a variety of species in low-light & dark conditions. My top-producing patterns share one characteristic - they are all dark flies and most of them are tied in black. Dark colors/flies render a more defined profile.

 

[Stonefish]

I haven’t found searuns to be all that picky except when they are feeding on euphausiids or amphipods.
You’ll want some of those in your box, come later this fall and early winter. Especially if you see fishing just dimpling the surface.

I don’t believe the jumping are feeding. Many times you never see bait spray, which leads me to think they are just happy. I’ve seen fish jump under all kinds of conditions from bright sunshine to downpours or freezing temps.
Covering those jumping with a well placed cast will often result in a hook-up. Sometimes it takes several casts.

My best suggestion is to have two rods rigged when you hit the beach. One with a floater and one with a intermediate. Have a good selection of patterns and don’t be afraid to switch flies. Having confidence in your patterns is huge as well.

Lots of times topwater will tell you fish are present, but be prepared to miss some fish. If you get frustrated with the misses, go to the dark side (subsurface) and convert those misses to hookups.

For the most part, I pretty much fish the same way regardless of the time of day and based on what I’m observing.


Good luck,
SF

 

[VTDryFly]

Thanks. So if the jumping fish aren’t feeding are you casting over the area they are jumping in hopes of hooking up with other fish in the area? It always seems like the fish I see jumping are pretty far out I would say 60-70 feet easily and really haven’t had success hooking up with fish out that far, mainly because I can’t get the fly out that far which is due to a combination of factors. But even when I do I don’t hook up with a subsurface fly. I’ll just keep casting and working the water like it didn’t happen. And sometimes when it’s good fishing hook up still with a good amount of fish closer than where the jumping fish are jumping. So when I see them jumping I am kind of at a loss.
Thanks

 

[Tony the Trout]

Fish jump because they lack middle fingers...

 

[Dipnet]

Have you tried Roger Stevens squid flies?

Actually, it's "Roger Stephens" and he has many posts with lots of good info on SRC fishing. Just wanted to be sure you had the correct name if you do a search for his posts!

 

[1morecast]

You do know, as soon as you switch over to top water flies the fish will stop jumping.