A Lifetime of Lures: Al Gag

“I was poor, no other way to put it,” says Albert “Al Gag” Gagliarducci, who has been making affordable, reliable and effective lures in central Massachusetts for nearly 50 years. “I started making shad darts out of turkey quills and feathers so I didn’t have to buy them.”

Al progressed to pouring jigs, which turned out to be something special. “Those jigs caught fish when nothing else would. Word got out, and demand was immediate,” says Gagliarducci. “At one point I sold a million in one year.”

Wood plugs for striped bass were next, including some of the first through-wired needlefish, which became famous in places such as Block Island. Those needles are still being built by 24/7 Lures. Forty years later, they’re just as popular.

“The most rewarding feeling is when a kid tells me they caught their first fish on my lure. I do this for them.”

A New Way to Fly: Ben Whalley

Ben Whalley is one of the most innovative new saltwater fly-tiers, famous for the size of his visually striking, highly effective flies. While many anglers consider a 6-inch-long fly big, Whalley’s are often twice that.

Whalley grew up in Brazil fishing for pacu and largemouth bass with his family. They moved back to the States when he was a teenager. After a short stint in Florida, he found his way to Maine—first for college, and then as a biochemist. He fell in love with stripers, built a successful guiding business, and made the jump to full time in 2021.

“Many fishermen drag crabs on sinking lines in Maine, or toss small deceivers,” Whalley says. “But the spin-fishermen who target big bait using very large lures catch a lot of quality fish. I knew there had to be a way that fly anglers could do that too.”

He researched options and found Bob Popovics’ Hollow Fleyes. Soon Whalley was creating incredibly large mackerel, menhaden and herring flies based on Popovic’s philosophies. “They worked right away, and we had some awesome tides with 40- to 50-inch fish from shore.”

These flies followed him onto the skiff, his clients took note, and word quickly spread.

The post Inshore Innovators appeared first on Sport Fishing Mag.

Humans have been fishing with some form of artificial fly since time immemorial, with the first published accounts of fly-fishing occurring way back in the second century. But the majority of fly anglers ply their craft in fresh water. It wasn’t until the 20th century that fly-fishing in salt water took off—and never stopped rising.

1764

Saltwater fly-fishing in America can be traced back to the late 1700s. A letter from Roddam Home to the then-governor in the West Florida colony reports, “We have plenty of salt water trout and fine fishing with fly.”

1884

Camping and Cruising in Florida is published, detailing the adventures of author James Henshall as he traveled around the Sunshine State tangling with sea trout, snook, redfish, ladyfish, bluefish, jack crevalle and tarpon with a fly rod.

1930

In the late 1920s, fly-tying legend Homer S. Rhode Jr. moves to Coral Gables, Florida, from his home in Pennsylvania, where he fished for trout. By the time that decade ended, he had taken permit and bonefish on the fly, likely one of the first to do so.

1950

Joe Brooks, one of the earliest saltwater fly anglers, introduces libraries across the United States to his book Salt Water Fly Fishing, bringing the sport to the masses.

1952

Scientific anglers kicks off the fly-line revolution with the introduction of Air Cel, the first commercially available fly line consisting of tapered PVC sleeve over a braided core. Cortland follows shortly after with its PVC-coated 333 series. Line-care requirements are decreased, and casting distance is improved.

1970

Tibor “Ted” Juracsik develops a big-game fly reel with an oversize cork drag and anti-reverse system that keep the handles from spinning. Tibor Reels, Juracsik’s company, would go on land more than 950 IFGA record fish, more than other fly reel in history.

1974

Fly Fishing in Saltwater is first published. The book contains decades of valuable info on saltwater fly-fishing tackle and techniques gleaned the hard way from legend Bernard “Lefty” Kreh. The volume would be revised several times in the years following.

1982

Baseball and Fly-Fishing Hall of Famer Ted Williams helps popularize saltwater fly-fishing with his book The Big Three, which details his three favored species: tarpon, bonefish and Atlantic salmon. He would catch more than 1,000 of each by the time the book is published.

1991

The Stu Apte Tarpon Fly is featured on the 29-cent stamp.

1992

Lou Tabory ushers in a new era of fly-fishing in the striper surf with Inshore Fly Fishing. The book sent many existing freshwater fly anglers to the brine in search of new species, and encouraged many old salts to pick up the long wand for the first time.

1992

ESPN airs the premiere episode of The Walker’s Cay Chronicles featuring saltwater fly legend Flip Pallot. During its 15-season run, it was often the top-rated outdoor show on television.

2000

Pop Fleyes is published, bringing Bob Popovic’s unique epoxy and silicone flies to the masses. The book details not only how to tie the author’s signature flies, but also how to use them to catch striped bass, bluefish, false albacore, and other species in the Northeast and beyond.

The post The Evolution of Saltwater Fly-Fishing appeared first on Sport Fishing Mag.

Bob Clouser may have created the perfect fly with the introduction of the Clouser Deep Minnow (08, 11) in 1987. The innovative yet simple pattern was concocted to catch smallmouth in Clouser’s home river, the Susquehanna. Tied with dumbbell eyes to ride hook point up, Lefty Kreh immediately sensed the fly’s potential and went on to catch nearly 90 species on it—many of which were in the salt. If you could have only one fly, this would be it. But fortunately, you can have as many flies as will fit in your boxes. If you plan on fishing backwater creeks that hold good populations of grass shrimp, be sure to pack some of Bob Popovics’ Ultra Shrimp (09). This lifelike and durable pattern has accounted for plenty of striped bass and weakfish for me over the years, but it will also hook plenty of snook and tarpon. Topwater aficionados shouldn’t leave home without some of Joe Blado’s Crease flies (10) and Jack Gartside’s Gurgler (12). The Crease fly effectively imitates a variety of small bait, and it can be worked on a sinking line to mimic a baitfish floundering on the surface. The Gurgler produces a ton of surface commotion despite being so easy to cast.

The post Essential Backwater Flies appeared first on Sport Fishing Mag.

There’s nothing more exciting than watching a striped bass explode from within the tight confines of a tidal creek, shattering the tranquility as they pounce upon the bait you’re dragging across the water’s surface. Depending on where you fish, you might encounter big surface strikes in the backwater from the likes of snook, redfish, bluefish, seatrout or jacks. Here are some of the best baits to get them fired up.

Mirrolures were developed in Florida, but their fish-tempting abilities have made them a favorite of anglers throughout the United States and beyond. The Top Dog has an alluring walk-the-dog action that coaxes even reluctant fish to the top, and the built-in rattle rings the dinner bell from long distances.

The cupped face on Yo-Zuri’s 3D Inshore Popper throws plenty of water to elicit strikes from shallow-water gamefish holding over grass flats, shellfish beds, or in the back bay. The internal hologram sheet and 3D-prism finish provide the flash needed for fish to home in on the bait even in stained or off-color water.

Berkley’s Choppo Saltwater disturbs the peace with the large prop on the tail section of the bait churning up the water’s surface even when worked slowly. The violent action is sure to evoke reaction strikes from even neutral fish, who will want to get rid of the offender at any cost.

The post Top Topwater Lures for Inshore Fishing appeared first on Sport Fishing Mag.

Louisiana’s robust marshes around the mighty Mississippi River might be the most-recognized backwaters in the country. The same can be said for Florida’s Everglades and its maze of mangrove-lined creeks and bays. But these two states don’t have a monopoly on backwater fisheries. Quite the contrary. Any of the states lining the Gulf of Mexico or Atlantic Ocean have backwaters worth exploring, so check out the areas below. Some of these spots may be completely new to you.

1) Thousands of Miles of Maine

Clouds of baitfish dart by my feet, glittering mesmerizingly like the facets of a diamond in the marigold yellow of false dawn. A violent splash out in the channel yanks my attention from the minnows.

Was that a striper? Perhaps a shad? A native brookie venturing into the brine? An elusive Atlantic salmon?

Maine is a cold-water paradise, with expansive mazes of pristine shallows that are home to a variety of fish. Thousands of miles of tidal shoreline—more even than California—give anglers virtually unlimited room to roam alongside the bald eagles, black bears and moose that call it home. The opportunity to find an unfished secret spot, devoid of other anglers, is easier than anywhere else on the East Coast. —Jerry Audet

2) Massachusetts Backwaters

While open-sand beaches and boulder fields get a lot of attention, Massachusetts’ tidal estuaries are an untapped labyrinth of shallow-water-fishing and sight-fishing opportunities. They are quiet and serene, but don’t let that fool you. Estuaries draw in fish of all sizes, including trophy-class striped bass. With thousands of miles to unlock in places such as Cape Cod and the North Shore, Massachusetts backwaters are ripe for exploration from shore, kayak, or skiff. —Jerry Audet

3) Long Island’s Salt-Marsh Complex

Though the nearby island of Manhattan is home to 8 million people, Long Island’s salt marsh is decidedly less populated. The soft, waterlogged soils that comprise this habitat slowed the pace of progress, leaving it mostly devoid of buildings, save for the occasional bay house. Instead of concrete and rebar, you’ll find invertebrate life holding the fertile meadows together. And instead of subways or yellow cabs, the inhabitants here move around with the aid of fins or feathers. —Joe Albanese

4) Crabs in the Delmarva Peninsula

Springtime along the mid-Atlantic, blue crabs emerge from the mud, as hungry redfish, speckled trout, flounder, tautog, striped bass and sheepshead line up at the seafood buffet. Blue claws are the heart of the Delmarva Peninsula, and provide meals for man and fish alike at every stage of their life cycle.

First, as they grow, crabs peel out of their old shell, offering a soft and defenseless snack. While mating, the immobilized crab couples make for two meals in one. Then, to release their eggs, female blue crabs swim along the surface, unable to hide from their enemies.

Anglers use whole blue crabs for big red drum and striped bass, a quartered crab for sheepshead and tog. Peeler crabs are a favorite for speckled trout and redfish. The best thing about fishing with blue crabs: When the trip is over, you can eat the leftover bait. In a large steamer, add equal parts vinegar and water. When the liquid boils, drop the live crabs into the basket and cover with Old Bay seasoning. The crabs are ready when their shells turn bright red. —Ric Burnley

5) An Ode to South Carolina’s Lowcountry

When the smell of puff mud at low tide hits my nose, I know I’m home. Palmettos and old oaks draped with Spanish moss give way to miles of wide-open marsh. Early fall brings a chill to the air and chases away the bugs. As the bait migrate out of the backwater, redfish become more aggressive.

I launch my kayak in water too shallow for any motorboat to reach and ride the last of the incoming current far into creeks and oyster flats. Then, as the tide changes and the marsh exhales, I wait for redfish to leave the flooded grass. Nothing gets my blood pumping like paddling around a marsh corner and seeing a half-dozen bronze backs slowly cutting a V-wake. A long cast with a light lure barely makes a splash.

Through the tannin-stained water, I see the school respond, attack, and my line comes tight. Redfish are called bulls for a reason: They fight headfirst and with their heart. Run, charge, cut and head shake—just when I think the fish is finished, a red will always find a second wind for another round. Then, when the gleaming bronze, gold and orange redfish is lying on my lap, I admire the iridescent blue-green tail with the trademark black dot before releasing the red to fight another day. —Ric Burnley

The post Five Great Backwater Fishing Destinations appeared first on Sport Fishing Mag.

Lightweight wonders of engineering, low-profile saltwater baitcasting reels cast quickly and accurately without backing down to sizable opponents.

Penn Fathom

The Fathom features a full metal body, carbon-fiber drag, and stainless-steel bearings. The pinion gear is supported by ball bearings and brass gears for extra cranking power.

Shimano Tranx 150

Shimano packed their best technology into the Tranx 150, including a centrifugal casting brake capable of launching a quarter-ounce jig into the wind, a triumph for any casting reel.

Daiwa 150 SV Coastal

The Coastal 150 SV uses a cool T-wing line guide that opens up for unimpeded casting. To maximize line capacity, Daiwa shoved a 150-size spool in a 100-size reel.

13 Fishing Concept TX Gen II

Inspired by Texas wade-fishermen, 13 Fishing designed the TX2 with carbon frame and side plates, along with zero-corrosion bearings, gears and spool to survive constant exposure to salt water and sand.

Okuma Komodo SS

With an emphasis on corrosion resistance, the Komodo features stainless-steel bearings, gearing and drive shaft. A six-pin centrifugal brake and lightweight aluminum spool control casting power.

The post Low-Profile Baitcasters for Inshore Fishing appeared first on Sport Fishing Mag.

Low cost, low maintenance and high function—fishing kayaks offer access to many anglers who might otherwise be on the sidelines. Now, electric motors are opening the sport to even more people regardless of fitness and skills. Kayak manufacturers and electric-motor designers have developed foolproof systems that are easy to install and use, and with improvements in battery technology, you can expect even more kayaks to ride the lightning.

Want to get in the craze? First choose between a trolling motor or electric outboard. Electric outboards are faster, allowing you to zoom to a distant fishing spot—and typically offer better battery life. Trolling motors are more maneuverable, with programmable and virtual anchor features.

But take note: Adding a motor to a kayak essentially turns the paddlecraft into a motorboat, requiring registration, navigation lights and other adherence to other powerboat regulations.

The post The Electrification of Kayaks appeared first on Sport Fishing Mag.

The traditional arrangement of hull and outboard requires a foot or two of water to operate. Fortunately, humans are an enterprising bunch and have come up with a variety of ways to get to the fish in the skinniest of skinny water.

Mud Motors

As the name implies, these vessels provide propulsion by using a surface-piercing prop to churn up the soil-and-water mixture around the boat. There are two different configurations: long-tail and surface drive. Long-tail motors have a long drive shaft mounted directly to the motor, but this arrangement limits steering. Surface drives look more like a traditional outboard, but the prop stays right on the surface. Both use an air-cooled engine, so you don’t have worry about clogged intakes and overheating motors.

Texas Sleds

This unique watercraft is designed to rip over mere inches of water. Looking like supersize surfboards wearing outlandishly large outboards, these vessels rely on horsepower and jack plates to get skinny. At wide open throttle, which is the way these boats were intended to be driven, they are flying by on the prop and a small section of hull. An intake mounted at the bottom of the skeg keeps cooling water flowing to the motor.

Airboats

Taking skinny to new level, airboats can be piloted where there is no water at all. They use a giant fan, often powered by a small-block automotive engine, to push them across and over just about any slick surface. The low-profile hulls don’t handle rough water well, and they can be prone to tipping. And forget about talking to the person next to you over the drone of the motor and propeller. But they can get you where nothing else can.

Pirogue

This term can refer to a variety of canoes from around the world, but we are talking about the paddle craft that originated in Louisiana’s Cajun country and is immortalized in the Hank Williams classic “Jambalaya.” Originally made from hollowed-out cypress trees, modern versions are crafted from plywood, fiberglass, or rotomolded plastics. These typically have flat bottoms and are paddled, letting them get real skinny.

The post Backwater Boats: Alternative Solutions to Get Skinny appeared first on Sport Fishing Mag.

Fly anglers in the Northeast often hang it up for the day once the sun is clear of the horizon, fearing that the bright rays of the day have sent the fish deep. While the stripers may have departed the shallows, summer flounder, also known as fluke, can be caught all day throughout the marsh.

If you want to get in on this fishery, target creek mouths in about 5 to 10 feet of water on a dropping tide. Fluke stage here, waiting for bait to get flushed out. Use 6- to 9-weight rods outfitted with a sinking line and a short leader—you want your fly to bounce off the bottom.

You can never go wrong with a Clouser, but any weighted pattern that matches local baitfish will work. Bring in the fly with short strips, hopping it along the bottom. When it gets bit, hit back with a sharp strip-strike, and bring them up off the bottom ASAP.

The post Targeting Fluke on Fly appeared first on Sport Fishing Mag.

Capt. Sonny Schindler, Mississippi Gulf Coast

Two hundred fifty days a year, you’ll find Capt. Sonny Schindler fishing the Mississippi backwaters and barrier islands, catching dozens of trout, redfish and flounder during a typical six-hour trip.

H&H Ford Floating Flipper

“Using a dehooker keeps me a safe distance from a stingray or hardhead catfish. Just hook the dehooker to the fishhook, pull the line against the dehooker, and the fish flops back into the water. I keep three Flippers on the boat.”

Boat Monkey Popping Cork

“Locally made in Hattiesburg, the Boat Monkey popping cork casts far and is loud as hell. The rig uses a short wire tough enough to survive an attack from a jack or redfish.”

Cuda 3-Inch Micro Shears and Boone Fisherman’s Pliers

“Micro shears are the perfect size for snipping tag ends close to the line. The blades work great on braided line. I like the long-nose Boone Fisherman’s pliers for freeing deep-hooked fish and handling feisty blue crabs.”

Okuma Ceymar HD 3000A Spinning Reel and Ceymar Inshore 7-Foot Medium-Heavy Rod

“The 7-foot rod provides clearance to launch a popping cork with a long leader. I like a rod with a solid backbone to work a larger fish without prolonging the fight and jeopardizing the fish’s health.”

Spike Anchor

“A 6-foot-long, solid stainless-steel spike anchor stops my boat faster than my Power-Pole.”

Capt. John McMurray, New York City

Within sight of the New York City skyline, giant striped bass swim the skinny marshes and back bays. After decades of experience, Capt. John McMurray of One More Cast Light Tackle Charters knows what it takes to catch them.

Daiwa Proteus PIN70XHS

“The perfect rod with enough balls to throw a big topwater and light enough for all-day fishing.”

Daiwa Saltist MQ

“Super-stiff frame with precision gears and instant drag pressure for solid hook-sets.”

9-inch Musky Mania Doc

“This walk-the-dog topwater plug with internal rattles creates a commotion that turns on striped bass.”

9-inch Lunker City Slug-Go

“When the bass get finicky, switch to a 9-inch Slug-Go soft plastic on an unweighted weedless hook. Use a twitch-twitch-pause to allow the lure to sink to the bottom and then dart through the water.”

MinnKota Riptide Ulterra

“I couldn’t fish the flats without my MinnKota Riptide Ulterra. The handheld remote controls speed and direction, and even deploys and retracts the motor. After a productive pass, I program the motor to repeat the track and stay on the fish.”

The post Inshore Captains Reveal Top Fishing Gear appeared first on Sport Fishing Mag.