Flats Fishing

Logic dictates that one finds the deepest water and use the heaviest tackle possible to catch the biggest fish. This, like most things considered to be common sense, simply isn't true, especially when one doesn't have a boat.

Flats Lines

In saltwater flats fishing, long rods, tiny lures, and low diameter lines are the rule due to the long casts necessary for wary fish in clear, shallow, water.

Structure, however, presents a problem. Fish hold to structure, but structure oftentimes refers to objects that can cut a line instantly. So an abrasion resistant line is ideal, but abrasion resistance is, for the sake of argument, directly and positively related to line diameter, which conflicts with the main idea.

It is difficult to find a line advertised for use in saltwater that isn't at least ten pounds in diameter. This is because abrasion resistance of line below ten pounds in diameter doesn't cut it, pun unintended, for the overwhelming majority of saltwater angling. But this diameter line is happiest with lures weighing approximately ½ ounce. A ½ ounce jig in skinny water is ineffective. Lines with a diameter greater than ten pounds, it goes without saying, require even heavier lures.

The Solution?

Six or eight pound diameter line, along with lures weighing approximately ¼ ounce, is considered standard for flats fishing, but, as noted, it is ineffective for fishing fishy structure. Relatively recent advancements in fishing line technology has, however, allowed the flats fisherman to have his cake and eat it too.

Note: Durability increases with price. In other words, more expensive lines last longer.

Least Expensive

The least costly, abrasion resistant, 'small' diameter lines are the copolymer ones. An example is Silver Thread. Stren and Trilene also have copolymer product lines. These lines typically advertise low stretch, compared to nylon monofilament lines, in addition to abrasion resistance, but they have low knot strength. However, I do not consider the latter to be a deterrent.

Moderately Expensive

Moderately priced lines are made in part or in whole of fluorocarbon, also known as PVDF. 100% fluorocarbon is invisible underwater, or has half the visibility of nylon. I consider 100% fluorocarbon to be a no stretch line. However, 100% PVDF does not cast well, regardless of what is stated on the box, but combining fluorocarbon and nylon into a 'hybrid' line has resulted in more than a few products that possess the best qualities of both PVDF and traditional nylon monofilament. Fluorocarbon is generally stronger than monofilament per diameter.

Note: 8 lbs. Yo-Zuri Hybrid is the Author's Choice.

Most Expensive

The most expensive lines available to the flats fisherman today are the braided 'superlines.' Generally, these lines are completely limp, have no stretch, and have unmatched abrasion resistance as well as strength to diameter ratio. The unique properties of this line make it necessary to use 'special' knots. The combination of braid and other materials, e.g. nylon, has produced lines possessing similar properties, but at a lower price.

Problems

Braided lines are opaque. A three foot long 100% fluorocarbon or clear nylon monofilament leader is strongly recommended. The thickness of the leader is determined by the species being targetted. As always, I suggest the use of the lightest possible leader.

Note: For snook this means twenty to thirty pound diameter, up to forty.

Flats Lures

Spooky fish and skinny water necessitates the use of the smallest, lightest jigs possible. Small jigs enter the water with little disturbance. I also believe a slower sink rate allows for a more natural presentation, thus eliciting more strikes. Many jigs are designed specifically for flats fishing and are advertised accordingly.

Flats Rods

I've written much about rods in other articles, so I will focus on rods approprite for flats fishing. Given the line and lure requirements, a high modulus graphite rod at least seven feet in length, preferably longer, with a 'short' butt section, is most appropriate. The ability to make long casts can mean the difference between success and failure, between a good fishing trip or an average one. Leverage is not a problem as it is from a bridge or pier. Power is light, 4-10 lbs., or medium, 6-12 lbs. Nothing heavier is necessary or recommended. Action is moderate or fast-moderate.

Note: A graphite fiberglass composite rod will land more fish when using a no stretch line.

[ Top | Articles | Home ]