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By WADE OSBORNE
© St. Petersburg Times, published September 25, 2001
Fly rodders, grab your stick. There's no better time than right now to get into the reel's backing. Thousands of bonito, Spanish mackerel and even a few king mackerel are feeding on glass minnows just offshore. These fish are so close that birds feeding on the scraps can be seen from the shoreline.
Small flies are a must. Anything larger than 2 inches will not draw as many strikes. Clousers or deceivers will work, with size being more important than color.
Use a single-strand wire trace tied to the fly with a hay wire twist loop. Tie that to the leader with an albright knot.
This also is a great time for beginners to hone their skills. Usually, only a 35-foot cast is needed.
When approaching a school of fish, use the tide and wind to close the distance.
It's okay to cast into the school without spooking them. Once the cast is made, strip the fly line as fast as possible. After retrieving about 10 feet, pick up and cast again.
When your fly gets slammed, be ready to clear all of the excess line through the guides for the ride of your life.
-- Wade Osborne operates Afishionado Guide Services out of Tampa. Call (888) 402-3474 or e-mail wade@wadefish.com.