I'm starting to tie for my trip to Cape Cod (Wellfleet) at the end of Sept. After tying a few larger versions of Leland's Popper (blue and white, flashy, wire leader), I intend to tie up some basics: Deceivers, Clousers, Half and Halfs.... I even have some ersatz flatwing type flies for west coast salmon that would probably work....
My question: What sizes and colors beyond the basic #2 and 1/0 in chart/white, blue/white, olive/white? Any baitfish specifc patterns? Any "Don't come to the Cape without this one" patterns?
My fishing will mainly be from the beach, fooling around until something seems to work. 9wt, mult-tip line. Cursing and tailing loops--the usual.
Tom,
Like Double Haul said the bunker/menhaden pattern is a good bet. You can get a good look at what they look like by doing a google search for "menhaden" click on the image option. It will at least give you a glimpse of what you are trying to imitate.
Good Luck,
Aaron
I think the list you provided should get the job done as long as you have
those patterns in a variety of sizes and color combinations. If you're in wellfleet
make sure you have a bunch of flies and wire (bluefish central).
If you catch big migrating pods in the surf the pattern will matter little. Getting something big and flashy in front of them will work. Being able to locate the fish is the key...dont' be afraid to move around...
Make sure you have a few deep eels or common clousers in the box. Fish scrounge the surfline even when not visible and a hook-up pattern is very effective in these conditions on a sinking line.
In my experience, anywhere between 3 and 5 inches long will work.
There will be situations where you want to go larger or smaler but that should be a good starting point. Good to have a variety of sizes including a couple "half a chicken" flies.
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