Saltwater

Tailing bonefish often have their heads down and won't notice a fly that lands several feet away, but with moving tailers casting 6-8 feet ahead and bumping the fly when they get close works well | photo by Susan Fly presentation—where your fly lands and how it moves—matters more than fly pattern when targeting spooky flats fish in clear, shallow water...

photo by Olya L A 9-foot 8-weight fly rod is the best first saltwater fly rod for most anglers, offering the ideal balance of casting power for wind, delicacy for spooky fish, and versatility across species from bonefish to redfish. This single rod handles tropical flats, coastal marshes, and baby tarpon equally well—making it the natural entry point for...

Black, chartreuse and purple Tarpon Toad The Tarpon Toad fly is a neutrally buoyant pattern designed to hover and swim level in front of laid-up tarpon—making it the top choice for early-season fish in Florida's Everglades backcountry. Created by Georgia angler Gary Merriman in 1993, the Toad solved a problem that frustrated tarpon anglers for decades...

Mike Edgerly photo February ranks among the best months for Bahamas bonefishing, with water temperatures in the low-to-mid 70s°F that keep trophy-sized bonefish actively feeding on shallow flats while smaller fish retreat to deeper water. Andros, Grand Bahama, Crooked and Acklins, and Long Island all fish exceptionally well, each offering distinct...

Fulling Mill released its 2026 US saltwater collection on January 16, featuring new patterns from Signature Tyers Ben Whalley and Mike Mitchell. The company also published an international overview on January 8 covering its non-US catalog. Between the two announcements, the 2026 lineup spans big-game baitfish, flats crustaceans, and destination-specific...

Strong Arm Merkin permit pattern, developed by angler Nathaniel Linville and master tier Dave Skok in around 108 Seven crab patterns consistently catch permit across the Caribbean: Del's Merkin, Strong Arm Merkin, Bauer Crab, Flexo Crab, Avalon, Raghead Crab, and the Squimp. These flies have proven themselves over decades from the Florida Keys to Belize...

January is prime time to trade ice for tides. Cooler water pushes predators shallow, trade winds moderate, and many flats see less pressure—perfect for sight‑fishing bonefish, permit, redfish, and giant trevally. Below are five proven winter saltwater fly‑fishing destinations, balanced between accessible and high‑end, with expert tips to help you...

The Clouser Minnow—also known as the Clouser Deep Minnow—is the most useful saltwater (and crossover) bucktail baitfish fly you can tie. It’s sparse, casts easily, rides hook‑point up to avoid snags, and its dumbbell eyes create the jigging drop predators can’t ignore. Below is an SEO‑focused, action‑ready guide from MidCurrent to help you tie...

Sight‑fishing on saltwater flats is hunting with a fly rod. Instead of blind casting, you read light, bottom, current, and fish behavior—then place the fly where the fish will be. Master these fundamentals and you’ll see more fish, spook fewer, and convert more shots on bonefish, redfish, and permit worldwide. "Ready" | photo by Mark Sides Train Your...

Sunset redfish | photo by perry Quick answer: The best winter redfish flies are small, subtle, and fished slowly. Pack (1) dark Clouser Minnows or Seaducers (mud minnows/cold‑stunned baitfish), (2) weighted shrimp patterns (Kwan, Craft‑Fur, EP‑style), and (3) compact crab flies (Merkin/EP). Use tan/olive over sand and grass, brown/olive over mud, and...