Fly-fishing is ideal for both freshwater and saltwater angling when combined with the right fly, casting method, and gear. Fly-fishers focus on catching a specific fish species, using an artificial lure to imitate the target fish’s favorite prey. Of course, the target species is unlikely to be the only creature lurking beneath the surface that is fond of feeding on nymphs and other small insects.
Irrespective of location and environment, the angler’s choice of fly has a huge impact on which species they catch. When targeting large seawater species, anglers use artificial flies that imitate bigger lures, such as small fish or crayfish.
Most fly-fishers have a bucket list of challenging species they dream of catching at least once in their lifetime. Some species make the list due to factors such as strength, size, and stamina, but others may be desirable because of their wiliness or difficulty to catch.
In this article, we run through a selection of the most challenging target species for fly-fishers.
1. Bonefish
Suspicious of anglers and adept at camouflaging themselves, bonefish are an incredibly difficult catch. With a torpedo-shaped body, silver scales, and a blueish-green back, the bonefish lives in shallow water in saltwater flats, the Southern Atlantic, Hawaii, the Gulf of Mexico, and the Indian Ocean.
Bonefish are not only elusive but extremely difficult to catch due to their fighting spirit. Bonefishing is guaranteed to test the patience and stamina of even the most seasoned fly-fisher, calling for a level of skill unlike any other fishing adventure. Anglers should avoid distinctive smells and bright colors, keeping in mind that the bonefish is easily spooked. Indeed, one of their most impressive attributes is their speed; they can reach a staggering 40 miles per hour as they cut through the water.
2. Tarpon
Weighing up to 200 pounds and measuring up to 7 feet long, these astounding creatures frequent waters off the coast of Florida, although they have been known to travel as far north as the mid-Atlantic. Tarpon are an extremely challenging catch owing to their sheer size and strength. Indeed, anglers have been killed in the fight to reel them in.
The tarpon is a tough adversary even for experienced anglers, as its bony mouth makes it difficult to hook. Once a tarpon is on the line, it will typically thrash around wildly, repeatedly jumping out of the water as it attempts to throw the hook.
Tarpon are usually caught nearshore or in rivers and estuaries, with a circle hook giving the best chances of landing them.
3. Milkfish
Also known as the chanos chanos, the milkfish is renowned for its strength, which is partly due to the fact that its muscles do not accumulate lactic acids, meaning that it never gets tired. The species is known for its incredible jumps; it can easily leap 6 feet out of the water up to 15 times as it tries to slip the hook.
The milkfish has become one of the world’s most sought-after game fish, presenting an epic challenge for anglers. Characterized by a torpedo-shaped body, disproportionately large eyes, a white underbelly, and a large V-shaped tail, this fish has a reputation as one of the hardest-fighting species out there.
4. Brown Trout
Catching a wild brown trout is the ultimate test for any angler, and it starts with a killer fly. Rather than relying on shop-bought flies, many seasoned fly-fishers make their own, creating clever clones of the wild brown’s favorite fare or coming up with a smart twist on an existing pattern. After all, few thrills come close to the sense of satisfaction achieved by reeling in a prize specimen caught using your own invention.
Studies show that brown trout, including sea trout, are more difficult to catch than rainbow, cutthroat, or brook trout. The calm before a storm is believed to be one of the best times to catch many trout species, including brown trout, with research revealing that trout respond to sudden environmental changes such as approaching storms by feeding heavily.
5. Musky
A big trophy fish fabled among anglers, the musky requires a measurable degree of skill and specific gear to catch, earning those fortunate enough to land this gigantic creature kudos from fellow anglers.
The musky, or muskellunge as it is otherwise known, is the largest member of the pike family. Known as the “fish of 10,000 casts,” the musky is an elusive predator that can reach up to 5 feet long They are large, solitary apex predators that require vast amounts of water to cater to their huge appetites. The carnivorous species with razor-sharp teeth ferociously feeds on other fish or anything else that moves in or on the water.