Fly of the month

By BOB RICHARD

© St. Petersburg Times, published July 16, 2000

Clouser Deep Minnow

Originally designed as a fresh-water smallmouth bass fly, it is capable of catching fish in all waters. If ever there was an all-purpose fly, this is it.

Sometimes refered to as a fly-fishing jig, it can be retrieved as a baitfish imitator or bounced across the bottom as a shrimp or crab substitute.

During summer months in Florida, the fly, fished slowly through beach swash channels, will guarantee lots of action. Ladyfish, jacks, pompano, trout and snook will hit with a grass flat pothole.

If an opportunity to fish the Keys arises, be sure to take this fly in smaller sizes as bonefish find them irresistible.

These flies work as well on Florida largemouth bass as they do on the Pennsylvania smallmouth for which they were designed. A word of warning, due to their lead-eye design, Clousers are refered to as "chuck and duck" flies. Cast with a sidearm stroke and a larger loop.

-- Bob Richard works for Bill Jackson's, 9501 U.S. 19 N, Pinellas Park, and can be reached at (727) 576-4169.

- The fly was designed by Bob Clouser, owner of Clouser Fly Shop in Middletown, Pa.

© St. Petersburg Times. All rights reserved.

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