ESSENTIAL STEALTH
Tidal sandy beaches can provide an opportunity for sight fishing. Bass tend to prowl singly in such situations, so here stealth is essential. Typically, a more finesse approach is required. For example, using a six-weight outfit and a long leader (12-14ft of fluorocarbon, tapered to 12lb) help to not spook the wary intended quarry.
Tide and temperature are important as we get into the height of summer, with water temperatures hot enough to comfortably swim in, making dawn and dusk better for avoiding the crowds.
Look for greyish shapes or dark shadows cast by a fish on to the sand under the clear water. Estimate where the fish is heading and cast, allow the fly to sink and make a slight twitch back to entice a bite. Strip in short, infrequent pulls to make the fly, such as a crab pattern, act as though scurrying away.
When dead drifting a similar weighted fly in a current, watch for the line to stop. If you get no sign of action, strip line occasionally. You should slow strip to move the fly until you feel the line tighten.
When you cast upstream, allow the fly to drop and then mend the line to keep in better touch with the fly, because many bites will come on the drop. Swinging the fly, by using the current, is an easy way to cover a lot of water. Try a crab pattern, such as a Del’s Merkin with a tan body.
If you can, avoid making shadows. Try to crouch to avoid the fish seeing you. Be careful not to cast your fly too close to a fish otherwise it will be spooked. The weight of the fly can also have an impact on scaring a bass – for example, a Clouser minnow with large, heavy eyes can make quite a splash.
Flies tied on black hooks are good because the hooks do not shine. From a materials perspective, one single strand of flash on a Clouser minnow may be too showy, or just enough.
Wherever you are fishing, when you see frantic surface activity, you should try a surface fly, such as a popper.
Fly-fishing for bass using popper, gurgler, or shallow divers and crease patterns provide visual stimulation and appreciation. These mimic baitfish and are typically fished on or near the surface.
Surface flies can be successful on calm days, usually early morning and dusk. Bass try to stun their prey, so it pays not to strike too early and instead keep your topwater fly in the same zone before committing to that final strip strike.
Use a simple leader consisting of 4ft of 20lb mono. The fly is tied direct to the leader with an improved clinch knot, or similar. Once cast out, wait and allow the rings formed on the water to fully dissipate. Then start working the fly back with sharp strips to create the water spurt displaced by the head cup of the fly, and again stop now and again. If you miss takes, allow the fly to remain still for a longer pause, or strip it back faster. Topwater bites are a pure adrenaline rush.