The world of flyfishing used to be an enigma for me. I had no idea that people could target such big game fish like tarpon and sharks on the fly. It wasn't until I was in 9th grade when I was first introduced by a friend to watch a youtube video about fly fishing for tarpon. Seeing fisherman with their skiff creeping up on pods of tarpon and whipping the fly right in front of the tarpon was just magical. These fish were usually found in the mangroves or the flats of the Florida keys. The fishermen would tie on a minnow like fly and try to entice a tarpon to eat. When the tarpon does eat, the fly fisherman must be prepared to stick the hook by stripping the line back fast. Such action allows the sharp hook to puncture the hard bone like mouth of the tarpon. Setting the hook is only the first half of the battle, the fisherman needs to endure the long runs and quick jumps from the tarpon.

The youtube video: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=icTTYaYaWgg

Ever since then, I have acquired a fly fishing rod from Bass Pro. I switch between fishing with the fly rod and spinning. My success with fly fishing has always been waking up early and walking the beach with my fly rod. Since I do not own a boat, I only have the luxury of fishing inshore. Naples, Florida is right on the Gulf of Mexico which means plenty of fish to choose from for fly fishing. The whole gulf is my backyard.

Artist considers something art when it requires patience and creativity. In my opinion, fly fishing is art because it does require both elements. Patience comes in the form of continuously casting and waiting for the right presentation to work. Sometimes the fish can be extremely picky, so switching up the retrieving speed is crucial. For the creativity part, tying the fly with different color patterns and fishing at the right spot would need a lot of creativity. Tarpon and snook are keen predators that rely on sight. Throwing a fly that mimics a pilchard or mullet would be ideal when fishing for them on the beach.