Patapsco River

[hodx]

This was my first time, flyfishing saltwater ever.The night before,I made some small expoxy minnows out of Krystal flash and size 6 hooks.They were about 1 inch in lenght.So armed with my epoxy and gummy minnows, I set off.I had about 6' of sinking ine attached to my flyline and a 6' leader.After locating some fish in a rocky area and 9' of water and nobody looking at me casting,I started casting.I located the fish first,using a UL spinning rod and bait, before switching over to the flyrod.I used my 6wt first.Its was one of those packaged combos, you find in any store...but I had a hard time casting with it.Switched over to my new 8wt.I stripped off about 20' of line below my feet,when I moved the rod forward, I was amazed of how much line flew through the guides..guess a quailty rod mikes the difference.Anyway the first cast got me a 10" white perch..the next cast I changed to a 3" gummy minnow, I made...started catching some small 13-15" stripers.All in all,I had a great first time in saltwater flyfishing...I can't wait until the bluefish get up this far.One thing I learned is cheap rods don't work so good..intend to get a nice UL rod and and a 10wt.Thanks to all you guys and DAVE, for turning me on to the world of flyfishing...will always carry 2 rods on all my trips from now on.

Forgot to say,while casting with my 8wt,almost hooked me a DNR guy on a backcast...he was sneaking up behind me in his boat.Checked me for all the safety gear, then asked for my licence..I then pointed to the side of my boat.
Total 23 white perch,7 stripers and almost 1 DNR cop........Herman

[Dave Sikorski]

NOW THAT'S WHAT I'M TALKING ABOUT!!!!

Glad I could help bring you into the sport. The sky is the limit now.

Go over to Winchester Creek outfitters in Grasonville and have them set you up with a 10 wt outfit. Much more knowledgeable than Bass Pro and the service is TOP NOTCH. If there's one thing I've learned in flyfishing it is to cast rod and line combos before buying and ask ask ask....I guarantee there is somewhere out there who can point you in the right direction.

Hope to see you on the water one of these days.

Congratulations!!!

-D

[hodx]

Thanks Dave..who said you can't teach a old dog new tricks.

thanks for the info on the 10wt rod.

As for the water part..right now I am limited to a small 16' boat.Since yesterday wasn't windy..I actually could make it out in the bay..Intend to get a center console mako in the near future.............Herman

[Dave Sikorski]

Nothing wrong with the rivers and creeks. They're better than the Bay.

practice in the yard once a week with all of your rods and you'll see a great amount of improvement. make sure you take care of your lines and clean and treat them after casting in the grass too. Remember the casting techniques for shooting heads, sink tips, floating.....etc all vary a little.

A 17' mako is a nice boat for the bay and it's rivers for a flyfishermen. remember things like pop up cleats and low rails and such make your day much more enjoyable when fly casting. it doesn't take much to get a boat fly compatible. But you'll be glad you did when you can lay a cast out without hanging up in the boat.

This made my day!!! Glad you're enjoying the sport!!!!

-D

[flies only]

welcome to a crazy new world.. you know its all over when you start examining your dogs tail for a new flie.

[OneMoreCast]

Herman.. that's great news man.
The patapsco is good water for your boat. Don't overlook eastern bay though. Not much further and it has some amazing water to fish. It has nice protected water on just about any wind. There are also multiple ramps to minimize the running time and distance from your spot.
If you ever want to head over to Winchester Creek....post on the board or something. I'll meet you over there and help you test drive some equipment, talk about flies/lines/leaders... you name it.