Question regarding tactics

[Phaus]

While reading past posts and being new to saltwater tactics, I have a few questions regarding tactics. Is fishing primarily from shore wading out from the beach and fishing deeper water? Or do most people fish the jetties and rivers using a dead drift method? Or is it a combination of both? In general, because I am boatless and primarily fly fish, what are the best tactics and times to become successful?

Any advice would be greatly appreciated.

Thanks,

Pete Niehaus

[rel]

Pete- I too wade and fish when I can where I can(weather dependant). As for method- no one method will do all the time- keep trying different techniques until you get a hook-up. As for the times to fish the warmer the water the later at nite I fish. During the spring I usually fish late afternoon tides- the water is warmer then, and in the fall I fish both late afternoon and early morning tides because the water is still warm- its the air that isn't. The larger fish tend to come in to feed after dark as a general rule, but like any rule there are exceptions. Good luck and spend as much time as you can in the water. ron

[doublehaul]

Also, don't forget that stripers feed close to shore,
right in the wash on a beach or right up close to rocks
or jetties. So, don't just wade out and cast as far as
you can. Before you enter the water, make some short
casts into the wash on a beach or into the white water
around rocks near shore. don't forget to cast parallel
to a jetty too. good luck!

[josko]

Expecting to catch a keeper-size bass from shore in Mass. is not realistic.

[JimK]

Why not? Don't people catch keepers often from the shore? Are you refering to catching keepers with a fly? Then maybe I'll agree even if I don't fly fish.

[boba]

I'm sorry to disagree in one respect with Josko, whom I regard as more experienced from his previous posts.
You can't expect to catch keepers on the fly frequently from shore, but you can and will catch them , one to several a season, if you are willing to go out of your way to read the experts if you are new to the sport, to put in the time, and to really think about how, where and when you fish. You should be able to get one to several keepers (which I define as 34" or more, never mind the legal definition which is way too small).
For reading, try Lou Tabory,"Inshore Fly Fishing,"George Roberts "Saltwater Naturals," Nick Karas' "The Complete Book of the Striped Bass," and Ed Mitchell, "Fly Rodding the Coast." Each of these will contribute substantially to your knowledge, as well as being enjoyable. They are well written.

In addition, it really helps to fish with one or more buddies who know what they are doing and who fish a lot. Experience counts for a lot, which is why I hesitate to contradict Josko, since I know he has a lot. I've had 30 years fishing stripers (only 12 on the fly), and I'm a newbie compared to a few of my friends. Just be willing to read a lot, think hard, put in a lot of hours, and, oh yeah, get lucky in your choice of friends.
So much water, so little time...

[Phaus]

Thank you for the good advice. I know that this post is down in the list but, when fishing with a fly are you dead-drifting, or striping line? (combo of both) Thanks a lot.

Pete Niehaus