Report from Tarpon Cay Lodge...

Guide Pedro and Leslie with her first Tarpon... two thumbs up!

Last week,... my wife, Leslie, and I returned from the Yucatan. After a few days of business meetings at Isla Blanca, Leslie and I then headed to Tarpon Cay Lodge with owner, Marco Ruz, of Yucatan Fly Fishing Adventures. It was Leslie's first visit to Tarpon Cay Lodge and her first time fishing for Tarpon. Despite a blustery north frontal wind, we had incredible fishing for baby Tarpon amongst the mangroves. Leslie jumped a few dozen baby Tarpon... yes, a few dozen! Way to go Leslie!

It was a nice reminder of how special this fishery really is... even in the winter months, fishing at Tarpon Cay Lodge can be spectacular. Leslie was fishing a red and white SeaDucer. Smaller sized SeaDucers (no longer than 2 1/2 inches) are one of the staples for Yucatan baby Tarpon. Small flies and an all floating line presentation with an 8 weight rod... what a pure fishing pleasure!

HOT Flies: Haskin's Floating Minnow and Deep Cover Shrimp

Candy for Baby Tarpon ... Haskin's Floating Minnows

I just returned from the Yucatan with visits to Isla Blanca and Tarpon Cay Lodge. This was my annual "business trip" to meet with owner, Marco Ruz, of Yucatan Fly Fishing Adventures. Of course, these business trips entail a bit of fishing too! The winter season in the Yucatan is always a roll-of-the-dice in terms of weather and fishing conditions,... so fishing was not the first order of focus. However, we did get out for a couple of days of fishing at both destinations and, despite the stiff north frontal winds, we were reminded how special these fisheries are... we jumped our fair share of baby Tarpon for sure.

Another confirmation revealed itself on this trip... flies that just plain work! Lee Haskin is fly designer for Targus and has spent a number of years perfecting flies for Yucatan Tarpon at Isla Blanca, Tarpon Cay, and Isla del Sabalo. His innovative baby Tarpon flies are optimal for targeting fish in the mangrove and shallow water environs. Our favorite Haskin flies for baby Tarpon are the Floating Minnow and Deep Cover Shrimp (weedless). These slender profiled flies ride high in the surface film and cut a soft wake that is attractive to baby Tarpon.

If you are headed down the to Yucatan for Tarpon, these flies are a must-have in your box. Fish with confidence, because these flies produce!

Deadly for baby tarpon amongst the mangrove environ... Deep Cover Shrimp (weedless)

BIG: The 50 Greatest World Record Catches

A must-have book for every avid angler...

This past Christmas, my favorite gift was a signed copy of the book BIG: The 50 Greatest World Catches. This is a must read for every avid angler. This book is an elegant coffee table piece that displays renowned artist, Flick Ford's, fish paintings of 50 of the IGFA's world record catches. In addition to Flick's paintings, author Mike Rivkin provides a nice summary and facts about each species represented. This is true masterpiece that deserves a place on your coffee table or in your angling library.

Please visit Flick Ford's website to learn more - FlickFord.com

Trip Report: Anglers Inn - Lake El Salto

Meet "Mr. BIG" at Lake El Salto...

Some of our customers just returned from Anglers Inn at Lake El Salto with wonderful reports of trophy Largemouth Bass landed on the fly. They experienced excellent topwater action during the morning and late afternoon hours. The HOT topwater flies were patterns that have a distinct baitfish profile such as the Crease Fly or Bubble-Head. The best retrieve for these flies was two hard strips followed by a loooong pause of 5 - 10 seconds. Most of the trophy Bass exploded on the fly during the pause... be patient!

During the midday hours, anglers stay in the action by fishing subsurface with light sink-tips (clear-tip or type 3). The most productive subsurface fly was the #2 Gummy Minnow (brown or pearl).

During the fall and winter months (pre-spawn), Lake El Salto has prime fly fishing opportunities for trophy Largemouth. The lake temperature is optimal in the top water column, causing the bait (Tilapia and shad) to reside in the shallow water environs. Prowling Bass will hold and ambush the bait along shoreline rip-rap and near-shore structure, such as submerged trees or brush. At times, it is quite a spectacular scene to see these jumbo Bass ripping up the bait, leaving the surface in a bubbly froth.

Here are a few more photos from last week's group at Lake El Salto!

Jon with a trophy Bass taken off the rock wall...

George with his "bucketmouth" along the rip-rap

Topwater Largemouth from submerged trees...

Another trophy Bass for George...

Fly Rod & Reel Article: Isla del Sabalo and Tarpon Cay Lodge

Author, Chico Fernandez, with a Yucatan Tarpon

Hot off the press! Check out the latest issue of Fly Rod & Reel (March 2009 issue) and go to page 20 for an article titled "Yucatan Babies". Chico Fernandez authored this informative article about Isla del Sabalo and Tarpon Cay Lodge. Chico hosted a group with us last summer and experienced some of the best Tarpon fishing in the Yucatan. Read on... and Fish On!

Winter Fishing Option - Isla Blanca (Cancun)

Excellent winter baby Tarpon fishing near Cancun!

Many people head southward to leave their winter lairs and warm up with some tropical sunshine! Why not try a day or two of fishing while you and the family are vacationing in the Cancun area. Just north of Cancun is a wonderful fishery named Isla Blanca. During the winter, it offers some excellent baby Tarpon and Snook fishing. These species dwell amongst the many mangrove-lined channels, lagoons, and adjacent turtlegrass flats. Contact us if you have any questions about booking a day guide trip at Isla Blanca. Muchas Gracias!

May 15th: Delta Bass-n-Fly Challenge - Fly Fishing Tournament

Mark your calendars for May 15th!!! Join the excitement of tournament fly fishing for Largemouth Bass on California's renowned fishery, the "Delta"! This is Bass-n-Fly's second annual Delta tournament and we look forward to seeing you there!

Go to the Bass-n-Fly team website for more details about tournament information and registration.

Message from Angling On The Fly...

Happy Holidays and Best Wishes in 2009!

Thank you to all of our subscribers, visitors, and customers for staying tuned into our blog during the past year. In 2009, we will continue to provide you with useful information, on-location reports, and other current news and events. We wish you all the best in 2009 and may your lines stay tight! Fish On!

Best Wishes,
Keith Kaneko

HOT FLY! Bill's Baby Bass

HOT FLY for Lake El Salto Largemouth Bass (photo by Bill Carnazzo)

Earlier this month, we had a group of 8 fly anglers return from renowned Anglers Inn at Lake El Salto in Sinaloa, Mexico. The group was hosted by Bill Carnazzo, master fly tyer and fly fishing guide. During this trip, Bill had incredible success with a baby bass pattern he devised for this fishery and its trophy Largemouth Bass that prowl the depths. Bill says that the best retrieve with this fly is a strip-strip-pause sequence, with the bass often inhaling the fly on the drop during the pause. He was fishing the Rio Outbound Short with clear intermediate tip and says that the contrast of the clear intermediate transition to the belly (white color) is the best "indicator" for the subtle grabs. Bill reported that often he never felt the grab, but intently watched the line transition for the soft grab by BIG Bass! Read below for tying recipe and instructions for this highly effective fly.

Recipe for Bill’s Baby Bass

Materials

• Hook: Tiemco 800S or similar type, size 1/0 or 2/0
• Thread: White 6/0 Uni-thread or similar type, and then flat waxed white nylon for the head of the fly
• Belly: Pearl Radfloss or similar 3/8” wide mylar ribbon wrapped around shank
• Under-wing: White Superhair or similar product
• Over-wing: Blue-green Superhair or similar product
• Interior flash: Krystal Flash UV pearl color
• Side Flash: Gold Flashabou (fine)
• Topping: Mixture of fine black crystal hair and Krystal Flash UV Herring Back color
• Throat: Red antron yarn
• Eyes: Silver 3/8” 3-D molded eyes
• Head: White flat waxed nylon thread covered with epoxy

Tying Instructions

1. Cover the hook shank with the 6/0 thread from the hook eye to the back end of the barb, leaving the thread behind the eye. At that point tie in an 8” piece of Radfloss or similar 3/8” wide mylar ribbon. Wrap the thread over it to the back end of the barb, and return the thread to the hook eye.
2. Wrap the Radfloss forward to a point about 3/8” behind the eye; wrap it rearward in wide wraps, then forward again to achieve a cigar shaped taper. Tie it off and again move the thread to the eye.
3. Turn the fly over and tie in a throat of red antron yarn. It should extend rearward only to the point of the hook.
4. Return the fly to the upright position and tie in a bunch of Superhair equal to about two pencils width. Begin tying it in just behind the eye, and rearward to that same 3/8” point (where the Radfloss ends). Make sure it is tied in directly on top of the shank, and make adjustments as needed to achieve this goal. Place a tiny drop of superglue on the top of the thread winds.
5. Tie in about 12 strands of pearl UV Krystal Flash at the same point by doubling the material around the thread. This will make the interior of the fly come alive. Wrap it down to the rear of the head area.
6. Tie in a bunch of blue-green Superhair (same size bunch as white) in the same manner as the white Superhair was tied in.
7. Tie in about 12 strands of gold Flashabou in the same manner as the interior flash, except pull ½ of the material down onto either side of the fly. This will form the side flash.
8. Tie in about 12 strands of the UV Herring color Krystal Flash. This time tie it down in the middle of the bunch, allowing the front half of the bunch to stick out over the hook eye, with the rear half extending back over the top of the fly.
9. Using the same method, tie in a similar bunch of fine black Crystal Flash. Be sure to wrap it down all the way to the back of the eye.
10. Whip finish the 6/0 thread and then tie on the flat waxed nylon thread, wrapping a nice even head. Leave the thread at the rear of the head area.
11. Take the UV Krystal Flash and the black Crystal Flash that are sticking out over the eye, and pull them tightly rearward. They will mix but that is a good result. Tie them down with a few wraps at the rear of the head and whip finish there. This forms a “stripe” over the top of the head. Place a tiny drop of superglue on top of the head.
12. After allowing the superglue time to dry, place the eyes evenly onto the sides of the head.
13. Coat the head with a nice coat of epoxy, extending it rearward about 1/8” beyond the end of the head. Place the fly on a rotating dryer and leave it there until the epoxy is firmly set (the setting time will vary with the type of epoxy used).

Tying Tips

1. If you want to add a weed guard, tie in 30 or 40# Hard mason onto the hook bend before step 2, and finish the weed guard by tying it in just behind the eye, before step 13.
2. After the fly is complete and the epoxy is dried, taper the fly by barbering the rear ends of the Superhair material.

Article: Western Yucatan Tarpon by Ken Hanley

(click image above for complete article)

Here is an informative online article on World Wide Fishing Guide about Isla del Sabalo written by Ken Hanley of Pacific Extremes. This article provides a nice summary of the fishing experience while at Isla del Sabalo. Enjoy!

Great News from Nicholas Dean Lodge!

Nicholas Dean Lodge is now offering first class dining and accommodations...

For the past years, Angling On The Fly has been sending many anglers to Nicholas Dean Lodge for British Columbia's renowned Steelhead and Salmon fishing. They have always provided a first rate fishing program, and are now increasing their level of service by offering dining and accommodations at the beautiful Yellow Cedar Lodge on the banks of the Skeena River. Read below for a message from Nicholas Dean Lodge...

Hello Anglers,

This week we are pleased to announce some very exciting news. Actually, we're ecstatic! Beginning April 20, 2009, we will be teaming up with Alf and Simone Leslie of Yellow Cedar Lodge, to provide our guests with the very best in dining and accommodations in northwest British Columbia. Yellow Cedar Lodge is an impressive facility that is situated on the banks of the majestic Skeena River, on the outskirts of Terrace. Here, the lodge sits amidst impressive mountain views and a wilderness setting - an ideal spot for anglers to relax in comfort after a great day of fishing. The lodge itself is appropriately named given its construction of beautifully crafted yellow cedar posts and beams, which give it a unique character and class of its own.

The lodge features a large dining area and adjoining bar, a mixture of private single and double beds with en suite washrooms, a bar/games room, lounge, gym with cardio equipment and weights, a sauna, hot tub and a large covered porch overlooking the river. Dining is a major highlight at Yellow Cedar Lodge, as Alf is a master Red Seal Chef who goes to great length in providing gourmet, home cooked meals. Using the freshest ingredients, Alf makes home made breads and desserts, and prepares sumptuous meals including wild Salmon and Halibut from the Pacific Ocean, only a short distance away.

Tight lines and screaming reels to all...

Chad Black
Operations Manager
Nicholas Dean Lodge

2009 Hosted Travel Offerings

(click on image to enlarge)

Angling On The Fly works with various fly shops throughout the nation to provide hosted destination trips. We always encourage our clients to support their local fly shop by joining hosted trips when offered. Above, I have listed hosted travel options offered by Kiene's Fly Shop in Sacramento, CA. Have a look and please contact us for information and bookings. Fish On!

Bass-n-Fly Challenge - Fly Fishing Tournament

Angling On The Fly is a big supporter and member of team Bass-n-Fly. With the mission of heightening the interest and excitement of fly fishing for bass, Bass-n-Fly is announcing their 2nd annual Bass-n-Fly Challenge on the California Delta. This exciting event will be held on May 15, 2009 and is open to the public. Please join us for an exciting and fun event! CLICK HERE for entry details.

2009 Hosted Trips for Mexico Trophy Bass!

Angling On The Fly has secured 2 prime weeks at Anglers Inn for next season. These weeks are scheduled during the prime topwater season at both Lake El Salto and Lake Mateos. Please feel free to contact us if you are interested in joining us on one of these trophy bass adventures! Trip details are as follows:

Lake Mateos Trip
December 7 - 12, 2009
Group Leader: Keith Kaneko
Package: 5 nights / 4 days fishing package (dbl. occup.)
Rate: $2,065 USD per angler (from Mazatlan)

El Salto Trip
December 12 - 17, 2009
Group Leaders: Jim Christensen and Terry Thomas
Package: 5 nights / 4 days fishing package (dbl. occup.)
Rate: $2,015 USD per angler (from Mazatlan)

Angling Moment: Yucatan Tarpon

Yucatan Resident Tarpon

I was browsing through my image archives and I came across this one taken a few years ago. I have resurrected this image to post on this blog, since it is one of my favorite. Holding this gorgeous resident Tarpon is Marco Ruz, owner of Yucatan Fly Fishing Adventures. This remarkable fish was landed in the Los Petenes Biosphere Preserve, somewhere between Isla del Sabalo and Campeche.

Tarpon of this size on an 8 or 9 weight fly rod is pure heaven. All floating line presentations with light flies are what this spectacular pursuit is all about. It is a personal favorite of mine... Fish On!