This month we pose some questions about fly fishing on the Bay to Capt. Scott Barmby, of Rock On Charter Fishing.

captain barmby casting saltwater fly fishing
Learning saltwater fly fishing on the Chesapeake leads many anglers to Captain Scott.

Q: Many anglers are used to spinning or casting gear, what's the attraction to saltwater fly fishing on the Bay?

A: It’s a new and different challenge to most. Some are just looking for something different than the trout fishing they have done for years.

Q: Tell us your top three tips for fly fishing on the Bay.

A: First, use an intermediate line. Second, remember that bigger flies work better for the larger Bay predators. Third, have a rod with sinking line with you, also. (Which allows you to fish down deeper).

Q: Are there some specific fisheries/situations where fly fishing will out-catch other methods? If so, how/why?

A: I have a good customer that started fly fishing after he was on a boat with a fly angler fishing for speckled trout, and the fly angler was out catching him five to one. Why? There are a couple of reasons. First is the ability to present a slower retrieve. There’s also a better ability to match the fly to the bait the fish are feeding on. And finally, the fly can stay above the grass and enter the water with less noise and disruption. So, yes, there are situations where fly fishing will out-catch other methods.

Q: As a guide you see a lot of different anglers try to fly fish on the Bay. What's the most common mistake you see people make, and how can they correct it?

A: For many anglers it’s setting the hook. We are not jerking the rod up like with spinning gear, nor is a trout fishing hook set appropriate. Instead, you need to strip-set when the fish gets tight. Then, lift the rod sideways, not 90 degrees over your head.

Q: Open mic time — what would you like to tell all the anglers out there, fly and otherwise?

A: Let’s take care of the fish and do more catch and release. Enjoy the time on the water, and remember that taking a kid fishing is always a good thing.

Contact Captain Scott at (240) 372-1864, [email protected], or via Rock On Charter Fishing.

Level Up your Saltwater Fly Fishing Game

learning saltwater fly fishing
You'll get hands-on instruction at the Orvis Fly Fishing School.

Captain Scott has started the new Orvis Fly Fishing School here in Maryland. It includes hands-on instruction in fly casting technique, gear, knots and fly tying, how to set the hook and fight the fish, and more. If you’d like to learn about fly fishing on the Bay or give your skill level a big boost, check out all the details at Rock On Charter Fishing, on the Orvis Chesapeake Bay Fly Fishing School page.