Which BIG Fly ?

[Onshore]

OK now. I fish 3-4 times per week from Late April into late November. Most of my fishing is afloat on a flat or inshore, casting for Stripers. Until last year, my goto fly for windy days was a sparsly tied Deceiver. Last year, I chucked a lot of Skok mushy-type flies made of angel hair, mega mushy stuf, etc. Where the biggest deceiver that I found comfortable to cast on windy days was probably a full 6 or 7 inches, the Skok type flies add and inch or two to that.

I want a big fly that can imitate a Pogy or Herring.

What do you use for big flies on days when the wind gusts up to 25 MPH ?

Pix shows some of my mushy flies.

[dcobbett]

I don't use big flies under those conditions, so this is just an opinion. A sparse "spreader" fly; something like a Kinkie Fiber Buffy.

[Soundking]

Conomo special. it's the death on OC windy days when the fish are on bigger baits like drop-back herring and pogies.

[John_L]

I love the Skok flies like the Mega Mushy. I use them mostly in 7-8"'s up to 12 inches or so in length and I have tossed them in some pretty snotty conditions (20+ mph). When fishing smaller patterns (say 4-6 inches) I will use a more traditional deceiver pattern, as I love natural materials, and think they look great in the water, but the larger deceiver patterns using natural fibers tend to absorb and then retain more water than the Skok patterns, which seem to shed most of the water at the end of the first false cast.

That being said, I am mostly fishing from a boat in deeper water slinging a 450 grain line on a 10 wt. Even when casting into the wind, I can get some distance. However, that line is probably not the optimal choice for a shallow water situations you describe. Fishing in a boat allows me to work with the wind more as well (e.g., postion myself so wind become less of an issue). I am a pretty good caster, but would be stuggling to get much distance with a 9 or 10 wt. intermediate line. In that situation I think I would sling it as far as I can and hope the wind is bringing the fish in close. If that does not work, step down in profile (e.g., same length but slimmer profile, then just go outright to smaller pattern).

[reefdonkey]

Try really large ep patterns. If you stiffen them as you build them with zap a dap a goo you can build twelve to fifteen inch flies that throw easily with a ten weight. You dont need more than a 3/0 hook because stripers hit the head anyway. Also try using el cheapo mylar eyes with just a bit of goo; this saves a ton of weight over prismatic eyes and epoxy. This arangment is not durable but who cares, it catches big bass. Also if you are not getting em to eat try strippin as fast as you can, this can really be the ticket to getting big bass to eat. (hint
big herring can really move when a bass is about to engulf them.)

[JackStraw]

Onshore,

I pretty much use Skok flies whenever I can! Easy to cast, don't retain water, great hooks and most important....THEY REALLY WORK! I've tried to simplify my fly fishing and find I can use just a few patterns and be successful.....there are MANY great and productive flies around I've just settled on a lot of Dave's stuff from the results I've had. I did the same thing with bonefish a couple years ago...I had a TON of all different types but realized a few effective shrimp and crab patterns with different SINK RATES gave me more confidence and I catch more fish. The collecting part is fun though!

Tom

[Capt. Joe]

I use Bunker flies in the Spring when the Bunker schools arrive
I professionally tie these patterns and they can be seen with instructions on how I use them on www.Bunkerflies.com they catch big fish!

[rockfisherman]

[QUOTE=Onshore]
I want a big fly that can imitate a Pogy or Herring.
QUOTE]
I like the Abrames style long flatwings. Big, meaning long fly, without a lot of bulk. Try the RLS Crazy Menhaden (Alewife).

[Onshore]

Thanks, everyone, for all the advice.

[toddmb]

Here's Ken's Crazy Menahden, This fly is 12" long has a really broad profile from the side and below when in the water and cast extremely well.