Favorite Fish of East Coast Saltwater Fly Fishing Enthusiasts

Shadalong the shoreline, near inlets, from jetties,
American shad are among the most exciting fishbeaches, and in grass beds and tidal flats. Striped
to catch on a fly rod. Shad are beautiful fish andbass also chase baitfish to the surface, especially
extremely tough fighters, known for their abilityin the fall. This makes the fish very popular
to run and make spectacular jumps. Mostamong anglers with boats as they can follow the
recreational fishing for American shad occurs inbirds to get in casting position of the school.
the spring, when the fish enter rivers to spawn.Bluefish
Due to a decline in shad populations, shad fishing isAlong the USA east coast, bluefish can be found
now a catch and release fishery.along shorelines, inlets, jetties, beaches and areas
Summer Flounderwhere rips form such as sharp bends or channel
Fly fishing for summer flounder can be done alongedges. Many of these locations are ideal for
the shoreline, along inlets, jetties and other placesshorebound fly fishermen. Other fly fishing
where fly fishermen can find shallow wateropportunities exist for boaters, including areas
access. Flounder can also be caught with fly fishingwhere bluefish congregate in large numbers.
tackle from boats, typically along flats and grassBluefish often work bait the surface and their
beds or places such as sharp bends where fish willlocation given away by birds or when their backs
congregate in shallow areas.Flounder bury in theor tails appear above the surface. Other fly
sand where it can ambush its prey, feeding on aanglers can anchor and chum with ground
variety of small fish and crustaceans. Saltwatermenhaden or mackerel in order to bring bluefish
fly fishermen use patterns that mimic smallwithin casting range.
baitfish, squid, shrimp, crabs and other naturalMahi Mahi
prey, presenting them in key locations whereMahi Mahi, also known as dorado or dolphin fish
flounder lurk at depths shallow enough to beare fast growing, pelagic fish. They are among the
reached with fly tackle.most beautiful of all fish.Younger fish school in
Atlantic Croakerlarge numbers, orienting to sargasso weed or
Atlantic Croaker or "hardhead" are popularfloating debri. Larger fish are loners are travel in
saltwater fish common along the Atlantic coast.small groups, but sometimes still orient to floating
The fish get their names because of thestructure.The males develop a blunt forehead and
"croaking" noise the make when removed fromgrow larger than the females.
the water. Croakers are hard fighters and prolificWeed lines and floating lumber or other objects
feeders. They are caught on a variety of flyare excellent places to cast flies for dolphin fish .
patterns and are among the first fish that moveThese fish sometimes orient to objects as small
into the shallows in the spring.as a coffee cup. It's best to keep one fish
Striped Basshooked up at the boat until the next angler has
Striped bass are among the most sought afterone on. Anglers rotate so that there is always
fish by saltwater fly fishermen. Also known asone fish hooked and swimming near the boat. This
"rockfish", these heavy bodied fish can test thekeeps the school at the boat. Fishermen can also
limits of saltwater fly fishing tackle. Striped basskeep the school enticed by chumming with scarps
are active in cold weather, allowing fly fishermenof skipjack tuna, false albacore or bonita belly.
to extend their season. Anglers seek out stripersFrozen silversides can be another good bait.