Informative Essay On Saltwater Fly Fishing

Saltwater fly fishing, almost unknown a few years ago, has recently become extremely popular. It offers new challenges to experienced anglers and, like freshwater fly fishing, has the reputation of being the "thinking man's" method of fishing. I'm not sure that saltwater fly anglers are really any more intelligent, creative, or reflective than their spin-fishing colleagues, but one thing is certain: it's a totally different sport, requiring different equipment and techniques. Saltwater flies are extremely lightweight lures that imitate baitfish, insects, or crustaceans. Many of them are so light that they float on the water's surface; others are lightly weighted or are designed to become waterlogged so that they sink slowly. Flies are made

It is most abundant from Cape Cod to Delaware Bay. It is easily identified by its dark coloration. Its leather-like skin is covered with mucous, making it slippery. It has a stout body with a blunt nose and thick lips, which hide the large conical front teeth and the flat crush­ing molars. The molars grind food into dust-like bits. Latin name: Tautoga onitis Best time to catch: Spring and fall Also known as: Blackfish, chub, Molly George, oysterfish, tog Sexual maturity occurs at approximately 3 to 4 years of age. Tautog has a slow growth rate, and can live for slightly more than 15 years. Males usually outnumber females, and are usually larger and live longer than the females. The average size fish caught by anglers is 2 to 4 pounds, which is anywhere from 6 to 10 years of age. Larger tautog can be caught from late October to late November in offshore waters. Tautog does not undertake extensive seasonal migra­tions, although it winters offshore at depths of 75 to 175 feet, then moves inshore to spawn in late March to early April when the water temperature reaches 40 to 50°F. When inshore, it inhabits inshore shallow areas over shell beds and around piers. Offshore it inhabits areas around structure formations-rocky bottom, artificial and natural reefs, and wrecks. Tautog feeds at dawn and dusk and is inactive at night. It eats mussels, clams, crabs, barnacles, shrimp, and small lobsters. Fishing Tips Tautog likes colder water, which makes early spring, late fall, and early winter the best times of year to fish. It can also be caught offshore during the winter months. It's best to board a party boat to fish for this species offshore during late fall and winter because the captain knows the locations of wrecks and reefs. Tautog can be caught from a boat anchored right over a reef or wreck or anywhere