Coley, that beach looks perfect right about now



Light as a feather, can flick em a fur piece on the 40+ loaded single 6.

That's only a size 4 Gami shown, entire fly is beautifully designed by SFish@abeachnearu

Coley,
Nice series of pics. Been there before are far as not having the right flies, thankfully just not in the Bahamas.
Anything tan is always my go to down that way along with different weight eyes. Blind patterns saved the one day while fishing off my knees for spooking bones in a salt lake.
Looks like you got hit with a pretty good blow. What island were you on?
That fish looks great.
SF

Lol, fixed it for ya.

Bread crumbs, lime, coconut, and grated Parmesan. At first glance it does look a little weird, but not to worry, the end result was delicious.

As was the octopus that I happened across in the shallows and cooked up Abu Reefer style.

We were on Green Turtle Cay which is a tiny little island just off of Great Abaco. Awesome little place with super friendly locals and some great options for some family friendly activities.

I'd read that the fishing would be challenging, that the fish were fewer and farther between than in most other places, that the fish were spooky due to pressure, but that the fish here were on the large side. My experience was in line with all of this. It took me a little while to figure out timing and a few places, but after a few days I was getting shots every time out. Didn't have a lot of time to devote to fishing but had some very memorable experiences on a few of times I did get a little time to flog the water.

Coley,
What pattern was it that you wish you had?
Your box looks like it had the right stuff for down that way.
SF

More of the types of flies that I posted pictures of. I've tied up a bunch since having returned. The fish I was finding were primarily over grass beds. As such, the fly that was working well was one that was fairly weed friendly that had good natural movement without stripping. Rabbit, marabou, and long flowy materials that moved well with the natural micro currents seemed to be the ticket. The flies needed to be able to be stripped once or twice quickly through the grass without hanging up and then look enticing sitting motionless on top when the fish came to inspect them. Tans and light browns with a touch of color (pink/orange). Rubber legs have surprisingly good movement when stationary.

I'll bite....
A few recent searun cutt ties. Nothing fancy enough to break out the ascot to fish.
SF

Nice work Stoney.

Time to spice this thread up a bit.....

AJ 3/0

AJ 1.5

Homemade shanks

You tie some nice flies while hungover.

Nice ties Bantam.
A few I cranked out recently.

I need a beach rod... Stoney what do you think of a 11'6 6wt Loomis Pro4x?

Is that a switch Luis?
If so, that would be good for salmon and overkill for cutts.

I fish a Sage XP 697-4 probably 95% of the time off the beaches.
If I was going to buy a new stick, the Scott Radian and Meridian rods are sweet.
I've heard good things about the new Sage X as well.
SF

I think they make a 5wt in the 11'6 length. Just thinking multi purpose rod

Totally understand wanting to be able to use a rod for multiple fishing applications.
A 5 wt switch is probably equivalent to say a 7 wt single handed?
Probably a good choice for coho but still a little overkill for cutts.
I know some guys fish 3 & 4 wt switch rods for river trout and off the beaches for cutts.

I wish I was more help but I'm challenged when it comes to two handed fishing and knowledge about the rods and lines.
SF

How about a casting project?

Wondering how this fast action stick will like my 58 yo arthritic shouldered casting stroke?

The 6 wt Outbound oughta help some, that & a tailwind....

My advise,... give it up now. Don't even try. Pass it on to you adopted little brother.

I think even the lightest two handed rod is still a little tedious and tiresome for long bouts of single handed casting. That having been said, I've never spent time with anything lighter than a 7wt switch rod.

Personally I'd look for a fairly long single handed rod (10-10'6"?) with a weight forward line, even some of the switch lines like Rio's Switch Chucker cast well one handed. They don't strip or mend well though and so perhaps more traditional heads and tapers are better for this application. For multipurpose use I often over line my 10' 8wt with a 9wt switch line and am happy with this setup for swinging and single hand casting.

Fast action graphite rods are the bane of shoulders, elbows, and wrists that suffer from tendonitis, bursitis, and arthritis. Medium action rods are usually the most effective medication.