The Art of Fly-fishing

Do you want to become a successful fly fisherman? Well, the best adviceis: practice, practice, practice! Practice the artful, accurate cast.

Getting started at bonefishing, or any type of fly fishing requires to learn two major skills: Spotting the fish first and then casting to it. This is not learned in just one day fishing. So, before visiting Cozumel or Cancun you must first learn how to cast. The guide will help you to spot the fish, but then you will have to take it from there.

When fishing with our guides you should be given more than 40 or 50 "shots" at hitting fish. To take these shots you must learn to cast a distance of an average 50 feet at all angles regardless the wind conditions. You also have to learn to cast very quickly as the fish are most of the time on the move. So, your skill levels should be up to casting very quickly, with a minimum of false casts into the wind.

Learning to acquaint your vision to spot a fish it is a skill that simply takes time and fishing experience. This can't be prepared for at home, but only when you are in the lagoons looking for fish in a variety of sunlight and water conditions.

What can be learned is fly casting. Practice as much as you can before coming to your fishing destination (Cozumel or Cancun). Since most of the good fishing days have some breeze or wind, you should practice in the wind. So, pick a target and cast to it. Pick a target around 50 feet away and move around it. Practice different techniques and angles. Throw into the wind, cast across it from different ways, distances and angles. Use a backhanded technique to cast into the wind.

If you are a beginner or novice on fly fishing look for a fly shop that has experience in salt water fishing and ask for guidance when you start out. You will need to have the proper weighted line and of course a variety of flies to work with. Then practice as much as possible before making your fishing trip to either Cancun or Cozumel.

Fishing for bonefish, permit, tarpon or any other fish with a fly rod and reel is considered the most challenging and you will need more than just your casting skill for success. You will need to know the proper weight for your fly. Your guide will help you out with this. Also, when you are actually in the lagoons, you will also have to be aware of which way the currents are running. So, you will need to watch the turtle grass; it will tell you the direction and speed of the current.

Bonefish are found throughout the year in Cozumel -- in our lagoons on shallow sandy flats, grassy flats, open flats, mangroves flats, coves, bays, etc. But, water temperature can have a major effect on their behaviour. In the winter months, if a "Norte" blows in and cools the lagoons, the fish may not be active until the water has warmed up a little bit. Also, in the summer, the flats may become too warm and hold little oxygen in the middle of the day. So, the best time to find fish would be early morning or late in the day, unless a cool breeze blows in. Spring and fall can be a bonanza anytime of the day.

Before making your trip to either Cozumel or Cancun, contact Carlos and ask him about various types of fly rods weight #, flies, lines, leaders, shock tippets and anything else you are not familiar with. He can help you have your best fly fishing experience by being well prepared and ready to fish.

Keep your lines tight and your hooks sharp!

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