by Larissa Chomyts

On a Thursday night I pulled into the rather full-looking small parking lot of the VFW Hall in Atlantic Highlands where members of the Bayshore Saltwater Flyrodders (BSF) were prepared to introduce us to the art and science of saltwater fly-fishing. As I walked in I was greeted by a relieved looking Barbara Ann. "Glad you’re here, " she said. "We’re it." " What!?" I said. "This was full and had a waiting list!" But one by one it was whittled down to the two of us, and though I was feeling a bit awkward at first at the news, I figured we’d at least get a lot of individual attention and I was right.

The half dozen or so club members who had come out to lend their materials, skills and expertise in preparation for a larger audience shrugged off the low turnout and quickly went about doing what they like best: tying flies and talking about fishing. The tables were set up and decked out with a variety of materials and tools, and the introduction started with colorful displays of a large variety of flies large and small.

Before actually tying my first fly, I learned about the various species of insects and bait fish each fly was designed to mimic, and about the game fish that would be attracted to it and under what circumstances. Much to my surprise, fish are very perceptive and particular about what appeals to them. The bright colors and beautiful designs and patterns of the various flies, as attractive as they are to the humans who create them, are really meant to appeal to the fish. A good fly is one the fish like best and an important part of successful fly fishing is knowing what the species of fish you’re after prefers and when. As seasons and conditions change, so do the appetites of various fish. Success depends upon knowing your prey and using the appropriate flies which, once in the water, have to look and act like something a fish would want to eat.

A surprising array of materials is used to make flies. Both artificial and natural materials are used, and each has its strengths and weaknesses. The decision to use one type of material over another is sometimes a matter of personal choice, but most of the time it is based on knowing what most looks like some part of the bait species you’re trying to duplicate. For instance, certain artificial hair can be used to shape a fly that looks like the body of a bait fish. When a highly reflective plastic bead is placed on either side of the "head", you’ve got something that looks like a tasty meal swimming near the surface that catches the sun which reflects off the "eye" and entices your prey to bite.

The workstations were each set up with a small vice to hold the hooks that we would attached the fly-tying materials to, deer tails (both dyed and natural), strips of artificial chartreuse colored hair, scissors, clear fingernail polish, spools of thread in various thickness, feathers and so forth. Among the most prized items is fingernail hardener. After a good laugh at the thought of men going into a store and filling a shopping basket full of the stuff under the stares of astonished women, Barbara Ann mentioned that the annual Revlon factory sale might be the place to go for a club outing.

Now that we were familiar with the purpose and the materials, it was time to actually tie a fly. As our skilled hosts explained and demonstrated the finer points of their craft, it appeared to be easy and intuitive, and at the same time difficult and precise. There were knots to know, cutting techniques, techniques to measure and cut hair and lay it on the hook, and of course string management and handling. The tension on the thread as it’s used to wrap the hair matters a great deal. Too much and it stands on end, too little and it’s lays too flat and may be pulled apart. The one constant: the nail polish was applied frequently and liberally. It’s what holds it all together and adds a luster that fish find attractive.

On the following Sunday we met on an open field at Holmdel Park to learn casting techniques. The possibility of going onto the water later was negated by the cold, swirling, gusting winds, which made it too difficult to cast for beginners like us. It was just me and Barbara Ann, plus Marita, an OWL member who is married to a BSF member. Since a half dozen BSF members came there was time for lots of individual attention and to try a variety of rods and casting techniques.

The lines are generally heavier than those used for freshwater, which was a good thing since there was the wind to overcome. I didn’t think I’d get it right under these conditions, but, with some very good instruction, my line was rolling out smoothly (well, sometimes anyway) despite the wind. I used to spin cast surf fish in my teenage years and the goal then was to throw the line out as far as it could go, so my technique was to haul the pole back and heave it out there like an Olympic shot put.

To help it get out far, a heavy sinker was attached to the line. That’s not at all how it’s done in fly fishing. The technique is much more subtle and refined. Our instructors could send it out quite far with a gentle motion that was more about elbow and wrist action than brute force. We were taught a variety of casting methods that moved the line out and kept it under control to avoid various hazards that could include people in the water, people walking up right behind you, sand dunes, rocks, birds, etc.After a while I got the hang of it, but to my surprise, fatigue set in after a while. The motion, despite being one of technique and not strength, uses muscles in a way that I was not accustomed to. Even though I was using a light pole, I could feel it after a while. Not that it was painful or even really uncomfortable, but my casts became more erratic and my form sloppier.

In addition to learning casting techniques, we learned about gear. Along with rods, reels and flies, anglers must be prepared to deal with a variety circumstances on the water. Most go into the water waist deep and personal safety is a concern. For instance to keep the line from floating around and tangling up in their legs, most wear a homemade carrier known as a stripping basket. A plastic dishpan with holes drilled into it works nicely. The holes allow water to drain so it doesn’t float the line out as it might if it were allowed to fill up. And there is a quick release buckle to let it go if you get knocked down and hung up.

Devoted anglers often go out in all sorts of inclement weather, including winter, at which time keeping warm and dry is important. A key piece of gear for that time of year includes an insulated wet suit.

The members of BSF love to fish, and are eager to share their passion for fishing with newcomers. It was a great experience to work with them, and I encourage all OWL members to take advantage of all they have to offer.