salt water fly fishing in the winter

**Towelie** · 26-08-2006, 23:38

Is it worth while guys? like ive said countless time im completely new to all types of fly fishing still havent boght my salt water fly gear yet but now ive started college il be getting paid again and il buy it with some of my bursery money but im just wondering if i should hurry to get it for any particular time of year or if summers the only time worth going salt water fly fishing? any replies apreciated guys cheers

**seatrout** · 29-08-2006, 14:34

hi Towelie

it is always a good time to get new gear. But if you are just starting out fly fishing then summer is the best time, i will be tring this winter to see if it works
as i want to add to my speices i have got fly fishing
mac
bass
wrass
whiting
trout
carp
mullet
shad

give it a go when your out fishing have your fly gear with you each time you go if it looks right have a go

**Phil Hollington** · 29-08-2006, 15:31

What about herrings?

They basically eat copepods and mysid shrimps, but I don't know if they feed on or close to the surface or not. Mysid shrimps can be up to 30 mm, so a fly could probably mimic one of those, but copepods are generally MUCH smaller.

Anyone have any ideas?

**lewis888** · 29-08-2006, 15:54

Originally Posted by Towelie

Is it worth while guys? like ive said countless time im completely new to all types of fly fishing still havent boght my salt water fly gear yet but now ive started college il be getting paid again and il buy it with some of my bursery money but im just wondering if i should hurry to get it for any particular time of year or if summers the only time worth going salt water fly fishing? any replies apreciated guys cheers

As said summer would probably be the best time to start, not only is there more fish that will take a fly - mackie, scad, gars, bass, mullet etc. But starting in winter will mean learning to cast in cr@p weather! As you are using a relatively weightless lure it will be much harder to control in high winds, not to mention the fact that with the winter weather you often end up with coloured water, great for cod but not so for lure fishing! I would be tempted to spend that money on chasing a big cod and then start swff in the spring/summer!

**Rupe** · 30-08-2006, 09:59

SWFF in the winter is hard. Its cold, and as mentioned in previous posts you're also going to have to contend with colored water and crap weather, plus fewer fish about. There is less bait in the water, so the fish that are around are going to be foraging for worms etc on the bottom as opposed to higher in the water for sandeel etc.

As such they will be less inclined to chase a fly.

That said it can be done. Flounder are a possibility - often they can be found in sheltered estuaries / bays so you'll have some better water clarity plus protection from the wind. They'll take heavy clousers or worm flies bumped along the bottom on a sinking line. If you can find concentrations of school bass they'll also take a fly. Not sure about herring / codling etc - I'm sure it can be done, location will be the key - as it is always!

The best SWFF months are June through to November, possibly December. Often people start too early in the year (April) and put the rods away too early (by October).