Amelia Island Fly Fishing -- Want to "Flick a Fly?"

Fly Fishing at Dawn Around Amelia Island

Fly fishing, for many of us, connotes spectacular scenes of the Montana wilderness from the popular movie, "A River Runs Through It." Who can forget the awesome pristine setting (and Brad Pitt's smile), in this film depicting the relationship of two brothers bonded by their mutual passion for the art of fly fishing. Fly fishing is not limited to Maine or the Pacific Northwest...there's plenty of opportunity to dabble in this art right here in southern waters, and "flick a fly" around Amelia Island.

You can discover fly fishing around Amelia Island, Florida and embark on a fishing adventure with Captain Russell Tharin, an Orvis-endorsed guide (one of only seven in the state of Florida), and Master Certified (FFF) FlyCasting Instructor. Captain Russell offers fly fishing and light tackle charters in local waters. You can also take casting lessons as an orientation, prior to the departure of a charter.

ARE YOU A BEGINNER? ADVICE FROM THE CAPTAIN ON HOW TO START FLY FISHING. . .

Captain Russell believes that fly fishing is one of the most rewarding angling experiences available -- both easy enough for a novice, and challenging enough for a pro, no matter your fly casting skill level or previous fishing experience.

The first step is to act and get started now! The Captain suggests getting involved with other fly fishermen and becoming a member of a local fly fishing club where you live.

TAKE A FLY FISHING LESSON

Fly Fishing in the Marsh, Amelia Island

Learn to fly cast, first by taking fly casting lessons from a professional, qualified local instructor. Be sure that the instructor teaches the mechanics and casting principles. Then practice fly casting drills, once a week. Also read books and watch videos, to learn about fly fishing, fly casting, tying flies and knots. You should also visit your local fly shop and buy tackle comfortable to you, and your local waters.

Also learn how to build your own leaders. Then try to master tying the flies onto your leaders, and learn the different methods of rigging. Additionally, become familiar with your local waters and hire a good guide who can impart their knowledge of fly fishing, from years of experience. Most of all, Captain Russell says to "be patient with yourself, and give the sport a chance!"

Have you been fly fishing in freshwater, but never fly fished saltwater from a flats boat? Then a good start would be to take an advanced casting lesson to learn how to cast to moving targets, in the wind, to double haul, and to cast for distance. Learn how to set the hook and fight big game fish on fly tackle. These are things that are very hard to learn on a charter, and you'll find practicing before your charter will be a big payoff.

FLY FISHING CHARTERS AND LESSONS AVAILABLE

Charters are dependant on the tides. During the heat of summer, charters are booked at daylight to take advantage of the early morning bite, when the fish are most active (and to avoid summertime's late afternoon showers).

Discover Fly Fishing Adventures, PRICING:

-- $275 for a 1/2 day charter
-- $350 for a 6 hour trip
-- $425 for a full day
-- $75 for a two-hour casting lesson for two (plus $50 for each additional person)

If you're interested in fly fishing and light tackle charters in local waters while visiting Amelia Island (or if you're a resident), call Captain Russell at Discover Fly Fishing Adventures, (904)491-4799. You can also contact him by sending e-mail to: captrt@bellsouth.net. Or visit the website www.flyfishingameliaisland.com.

ABOUT AMELIA ISLAND'S REDFISH. . .

Captain Russell Tharin with a Nice Redfish

According to the Captain, Redfish are large and numerous here around Amelia Island, and they can be caught under several different and exciting scenarios. Nowhere in the state of Florida do you have the tides that range from 5' to 7' in a 6 1/2 hour period. This means that you must be in the right place at the right time. Captain Russell adds that "there's no best season because Redfish do not migrate and fishing can be good all year -- as long as the weather is good."

If "sight fishing" in shallow water for Redfish in the flats of Amelia Island sounds intriguing to you, then read on... "This type of fishing has all the elements of Bonefishing, including hunting and stalking, seeing the fish, and making a stealthy presentation with heart-pounding hookups," according to Captain Russell.

CAPTAIN RUSSELL GIVES HIS ADVICE ON THE BEST METHODS TO SIGHT REDFISH:

"There are mainly three ways to sight Redfish flats. . .first, I like to start fishing about two hours before the dead low tide, and fish the incoming tide on the flats all year round. Second, in spring, summer, and fall, you can sight fish Redfish in the surf on the incoming to flood tides as long as there is clear water and sunny days. Wading works the best here. The third way to sight Redfish flats is to fish the flood tides in the marsh. The seasons of spring, summer, and fall work best for Redfish tailing in the grasses and it will happen on our highest tides, wading can be optional..."

"Spring, summer, and fall are the best seasons to sight fish along the beaches (for migratory fish like Bonito, Barracuda, Bluefish, Cobia, Jack Crevalle, Ladyfish, Spanish Mackerel, King Mackerel, Sharks and Tarpon). These fish can be found around, or under, and striking into bait pods. When I take clients charter fishing, one of the things I teach them is to watch for diving birds to locate bait pods and striking fish on the surface..."

"Some local fresh water lakes are stocked with Bass and Bream. A real treat are the Redfish and Baby Tarpon found in the saltwater lagoons on the Amelia Island Plantation."

BIOGRAPHY, CAPTAIN RUSSELL THARIN. . .

A native Floridian, Captain Russell was raised on the banks of the St. Johns River. He first began fly fishing in 1966 at the age of 10, and purchased his first fly rod with two green stamp books (are you old enough to remember green stamps?) Ever since, he's been an avid fly fisherman and sportsman. During his lifelong love of fly fishing, he achieved the designation as a Master Certified Fly Casting Instructor, certified by the Federation of Fly Fishers.

Captain Russell is one of only seven Orvis-endorsed guides in the state of Florida. Captain Russell is a charter member and former president of the First Coast Fly Fishing Club which is now one of the most prestigious clubs in the Southeastern Conference.

In 1997, Captain Russell created "Discover Fly Fishing Adventures" with Tidewater Outfitters on the Amelia Island Plantation. Discover Fly Fishing Adventures offers fly fishing and light tackle charters. The charters specialize in shallow water sight fishing for Redfish and provide instruction in the most advanced methods of modern fly casting available. Most recently, Captain Russell completed the Fly Casting Instructors Course, at the Wulff School of Fly Fishing.
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