Cobia on the Fly

     When it comes to saltwater fly fishing there is nothing more exciting than having a big fish gulp down your fly and Cobia are the big fish we have here locally in Beaufort, SC. There are a lot of different pieces that come together when sight casting to a cobia. The slick calm water, sighting the fish on top of the water, a great cast, and of course the right fly. Our cobia fishery here in so unique do to the fact that these big offshore fish come inshore to my home waters, the Broad River to spawn for 2 months out of theyear, which gives you an easy opportunity to fish for them inshore rather than running 20 miles offshore to fish.
   Cobia are a very strong and most times aggressive fish when it comes to sight casting for them. They range anywhere from 10-80lbs and can put up quite a fight on a 10-12wt rod, with a 2 piece section of 52 and 35lb liter. Looking for these fish is one of the most exciting parts of the action because you are looking for them pushing on top of the water either feeding, or simply just cruising. When we have calm, slick water, that's the time to look for them. The push or wake they put up is very noticeable, and looks like a huge V in the water. You are able to spot these fish 30-100yds away from the boat, and running the boat about 5mph is the easiest way to spot them them cruising.

A Cobia Cruising on top

        After you spot a Cobia, you then simply direct the boat towards the fish, staying on either the left or right side, about 30ft away so you don't spook them. Surprisingly Cobia are not a very smart fish, and do not get spooked by boats. Once you are within casting distance, you simply lay the fly about 2 feet in front of the fish, then strip as fast as you can. The Cobia will then turn and chase your fly down, which is a very exciting moment, but the key is to stay focused and be ready to set the hook. When you see the fish take the fly you simply give it a nice strip set and BAM the game is on. Letting the line go through your hand until it hits the reel, then your on for about a 45 minute to an hour and half fight. The fly of choice on my boat is the flashtail whistler.

The Flashtail Whistler

   Cobia fight like a bull, and tend to dive pretty deep, so the key is have your drag set tight, and be ready for sore arms the next morning. When landing the fish it is important to make sure the Cobia is worn out, because they are a very strong fish and can go pretty wild in the boat. A gaff or boga grip are the best ways to put the fish in the boat. It is a very rewarding feeling when you catch such a big fish on the fly, especially one that you watch eat your fly.
   One of my favorite experiences with a Cobia on the fly was last year on fathers day. I was out with my dad looking Cobia and after about an hour we spotted 2 big females cruising together, both around 40lbs. As I threw the fly out, the fish on the right turned right away, and NAILED my fly, game on! I fought the fish for around an hour then finally got him to the boat. Once he saw the boat he took off with sheerr force and broke my 11wt in 3 pieces! I thought we had lost the fish, but sure enough he was still on! For the next 30 minutes I pulled him to the surface with just the reel and butt section of the rod, my dad gaffed him, and we landed a 43 pound Cobia on the fly, which made for a great fathers day!
    The feeling of pulling that fish to the surface was amazing and one I will never forget. The reason my rod broke was because about 2 weeks prior to that I had a client break of a 50+ pound Cobia, and the ferrel's of the fly rod got cracked when that happened. Cobia are a ton of fun, and very exciting to fish for on the fly, one of my favorite times of year here as a local. Seeing a big fish eat the fly is something I recomend to anyone who like to fly fish, and Cobia are a great way to do it.


My dad and I with the Cobia and broken 11wt



A Guide and Friend

A friend of mine Bryan Bowers from SC Sportsman Magazine

          When it comes to building a relationship with a client on my boat the main goal is to become like a friend to him or her. From the time we leave the dock by boat, till when I drop them off, I treat my customer as if they were not only a paying client but also as a friend. There are quite a few different things that create that friendship while out on the water, and after my first year of guiding it became very easy for me to have customers who become friends. From not only being very serious when it comes to fishing, but also joking and laughing a little, having some very good conversations, and most of all catching fish.

Rich a client from Alabama on Thanksgiving Day

       Being serious on the water is one of the main ways I gain the trust of clients. Staying focused on finding fish either at low tide out of the boat, or high tide walking through the marsh. When they can see that I'm focused on finding them fish, and showing them how the process works, it makes them feel more comfortable being with someone they just met at the boat landing. Once they know I'm a local and grew up on the water, that usually gets there attention and trust in me as a guide, which also helps me out on the first impressions.
    One thing that has never been a problem for me is conversation, and if you've ever met me in person you'd know that I love to talk. Whether its about fishing, sports, cars, story's, memories, dogs, news, government, boats, and so many other things many people enjoy talking about. The fun part as a guide is to figure out what my client enjoys, and what he or she would be interested in talking about as the day goes on. Almost like reading someone by certain things they say or do, then making a conversation from it. Every day on the water with a client is a fun day, and I cant even start to tell you how many crazy story's Ive heard, awesome people I've met, and also friends I've made. All because of my job as an Orvis Endorsed Fly Fishing Guide.

A friend of mine Matt on my day off

       Being positive at all times on the boat is another main way to be a good guide. Always having a smile on your face, telling fun story's, and not letting anything interrupt a good day. The key to being positive is to have patience and be excited about everything going on no matter what it is. Whether I get hooked by a customer, have a guy who cant cast a fly rod well, or someone who simply is hard to fish with, I always keep a positive smile on my face.
    When you take all of these things I've talked about and put them into action on a 4 hour charter, the end result is excellent. Ive had days when guys are extremely happy because they caught a tailing redfish, 50 trout with there son, or a lady who catches her first fish. Then I also have days that a guy cant fly cast, or the weather is bad, and we don't catch much, but at the end of the trip they are still extremely happy with the day even with out a lot of fish. As a guide I feel accomplished in every charter when a guy gets off the boat with a smile, a hand shake, and my favorite quote from customers, "I will be back to fish with you soon! We had a great time!". Which return customers is my goal as a guide, and is the way you have a successful career in guiding.

    From these days on the water with clients not only do I gain a lot of friendships, but also a lot of connections. Places I can stay for free, fish, or simply help with an issue on something. I keep in touch with a lot of clients through email, facebook, and of course a phone call if the the weather is right and the fish are really on. I still learn something new every day with a new client, and thats always one of my favorite parts about being a fly fishing guide, its always changing, and never the same day in the office.

The Story of Influences and Idols

A client from Japan

   Most happenings in life are brought upon people by the influence of others. Some influences can be good, and some can be bad. Another big impact on a persons life is seeing somebody as an idol, and wanting to be like them. Becoming a Fly Fishing guide was a hard decision for me to make at the age of 18, but what I realized was that I had an opportunity to do something I loved to do as not just a job, but a life style. Now  looking back, I couldnt of made a better decisicion in my life.
   It all started out with my father. Ever since I was a small child my dad had me out on the river fishing, and teaching me the ways of the Broad River. Frank is probly my biggest idol, not only when it comes to fishing, but in the way he has lived his life. Because of him I'am the person that I've dreamed of being, and I owe that all to my dad. My mother Therese was also a huge support and influence for me growing up. She is the one who taught me that anything is possible as long as you have the heart to do it. From her experiences, she gave me a sense of adventure to life, that every day should be the best day, and to never let something bring me down. I couldnt of asked for a better family, and parents that are both a huge influence on my decision to be a guide.


My Dad Frank with a nice Red

      Another major influence is the shop that I guide for called Bay Street Outfitters. Five years ago during my sophmore year of high school I started working for the shop, selling clothing and fly fishing tackle, which to me was the best job anyone could ask for! My manager Alice taught me how to be great with customers, and also how to learn the product I was selling. When you sell things like a fly rod, knife, or clothing you wear, it becomes fun to help people with the things you love as well. From Alice I learned how to be polite, and most of all helpful to people in the store. Before I knew it, I became one of those few people who love there job.
   Tuck is the head guide for the shop here, and ever since the first day I started, he was an idol of mine. A guy who took his passion and turned it into a career, which to me was better than being the president of the united states. Hearing his story's from trips, seeing the awesome pictures, and realizing how happy he was to be a fsihing guide was something that I looked up to. Tuck taught me a lot about guiding, and a lot about fly fishing for redfish and cobia in general. We soon became not only co-workers, but friends, strated to fish together, and learned new tactics from eachother.
   From working in the shop I realized that guiding was something that I was ment to do. My situation with Bay Street Outfitters was the best not only because I loved where I worked, but I had a chance to become an orvis endorsed fly fishing guide at a very young age, and do something not many people get to do. I graduated high school the summer of 2009, and never looked back. Tony Royal, who is the owner of the shop is the one who gave me the oportunity, and had the trust in me that I would be able to obtain the Orvis name. I knew the Broad River like the back of my hand, got my captains liscense, had a new boat, and the positive personality to be a successful guide. At the age of 18 my first charter was October 15, 2009, and for me it was the start to a new path in life, one that I loved.


Client with his first Red on the Fly

  Doug Gertis is another person who as always been an idol of mine. Doug is one of those guides who everyone knows, and everyone recomends. Not only is Doug one of the best fisherman in Beaufort, but he was born here just like I was. So I have always had a profound respect for him not only as a guide I've looked up to, but also as a true local to the waters here. I never had a chance to work with Doug here at BSO, but from the conversations and storys weve shared, he always seems to amaze me.
  Another guide I've always looked up to is David Murray, who is a Salt Water Fly Fishing Expert here in Beaufort. I can remember being a little kid and watching him do casting lessons down town, and remembering how amazed I was by the way he could cast a fly rod. When I though about Fly Fishing, David Murray is the guy who came to my mind. David doesnt guide any longer either, but he still does casting lessons for us here at the shop. Every time I watch him teach, there is always something new I learn. Ive done a few casting lessons for different clients, and it feels good to be doing something that I always thought was incredible, and never thought that I'd be doing the same thing David Murray was doing 15 years ago.
  I could go on for days about other people who have influenced my life when it comes to guiding, and most people know who they are. One day I hope to influence someone like all the special people have done for me.   
  

Schooling Up

Triple Hook up on Reds

    The weather here in Beaufort, SC is starting to cool down, the leaves are starting to fall, and the fishing has been excellent! As a local to these gorgeous waters the fall is by far one of my favorite times of year to fish on the fly and also with bait. As the air tempature cools down so does the water, which causes the bait to die off, and the water to clear up. During this change of weather is when the Reds and Trout are at there best!
   Most of the Reds during the end of October are starting to steer away from the high tide grass flats because most of the crabs are going into hibernation. From the lack of crabs these reds are starting to feed on shrimp and minnows on the low tide mud flats, and also schooling up do to the clear and colder water. The reason they school up in the real shallow water is basiclly to stay safe from predators like the Dolphin. You can find these fish in schools anywhere from 20-200 fish at a time, which is quite an exciting feeling.



Caught out of a school of reds

   Targeting these schooled up redfish is a very exciting way to fly fish or spin fish, and also one of the most productive ways to have a great day. As I always tell customers, "once your in the fish, your in em". When your fly fishing for the schooled up reds your throwing a few different flys including the dupre spoon fly, Bay Street Bunny, or any kind of good shrimp pattern thats visible. Casting 8 or 9wt rods with a 9ft 20lb monofilament liter is preferable. If your using spinning tackle the redfish magic, any berkely gulp, or a golden spoon will work great.


Sight Casting to a school of reds

    If you look at the image above you see exacly what the schools of reds look like. They create a large V in the shallow water which shows you where and at what direction there moving. The school of fish above is a small school of about 30-40 reds. The key part to sight casting to the schools of fish is not spooking them with the boat, your cast, and loud noises. Since they are only in about 8-12 inches of water spooking them can be very easy to do, but the key is to be silent and quick with your cast. When casting to these schools we are focusing the fly or artificial either a long way in front of the school and moving the bait in front of them while they pass, or focusing on the outside of the school and getting those fish to move away and come after your lure. Sometimes more than one red will try and eat your fly which can cause a lot of comosion and an awesome sight of the fish.

The Redfish Pointer

Hudson



     

    Almost 6 months ago I made the decision of getting Lilla my Weimaraner a companion to have when I'm not home. German Shorthaired Pointers have always been a breed I loved, and probably one of the few that could keep up with Lilla's ever lasting energy. The thought of getting another dog had been in the back of my mind as I watched Lilla get older, but I just never had the drive to really look hard for a good German Shorthair breeder. Then one day I was working our fly fishing booth at a weekend event on Brays Island which is a local shooting/ outdoor community here in Beaufort, and thats where the pups caught my eye. The 6 week old German Shorthaired puppy's were absolutely beautiful, and I could not resist holding one. Before I knew it the breeder had my number and was going to give me a call when they were 8 weeks old; I fell in the love with the gorgeous puppy's.
    Soon after I saw the pups the thought of getting one was stuck in my head, and wasn't leaving. There was only two things that were holding me back; the responsibility of having 2 very energetic dogs, and the expensive price of the high end German Shorthairs. Then 2 weeks later when I got the call my heart told me to get one, so I then ended up working out a deal with the breeder, and was off the next day to Myrtle Beach to pick out my new pup! With the help from a good girlfriend, I ended up picking out a handsome, healthy male, which we later decided on naming Hudson. Lilla and Hudson soon became best friends and played non stop, and I knew that I had made the right decision adding another dog to my life.


Landing one of the Fish Hudson Pointed



                                

   Whether I'm at the beach, on the boat, at the sandbar, or fishing, my dogs are usually with me when I'm on the water. Lilla and Hudson both absolutely love the water, but as Hudson got older I could tell he liked the water a little more than Lilla. Even if we weren't in the boat he would roll in mud puddles, jump in the pond at my house, and pretty much find anyway to get soaking wet, which made it quite interesting when it was time to come inside to sleep! Seeing Hudson love the water so much I soon decided to take him wade fishing with me for some tailing redfish on the fly, and thats where the Redfish Pointer started.

     The Fly Fishing adventure started out about 5pm on a Monday afternoon at a short grass flat where we waited for the tide to rush in so we could start looking for some tailing reds. As we walked through the marsh Hudson, now 6 months old, kept pointing at little blue crabs moving around in the mud, which he found out as the day went on there not much fun to play with. Watching him point the blue crabs I then started to wonder if Hudson could point the tailing redfish, which I'd never heard of a dog doing. As time passed the tide got higher and right when it got above my booties I spotted the first fish. Watching the tailing fish move through the spartina grass I looked over to where Hudson was and sure enough he was already in his pointing stance, starring down the tailing redfish.

    The smile that he put on my face watching him point a tailing redfish was incredible, I was a very proud father. Then I gave Hudson the command to stay, made the first cast, and BOOM! Hooked into the redfish, and couldn't believe what just happened. After fighting the fish for about 5 minutes, I gave Hudson the command to go, and sure enough he went jumping through the marsh with joy and curiosity. He was a little confused by the fish at first, but before I knew it he was licking and smelling the redfish all over. As the evening went on we ended up landing 6 tailing redfish on the fly, breaking my previous record, and Hudson pointing 4 of those fish. It was an incredible day of fly fishing with my new German Shorthaired Pointer Hudson, and a fishing experience i will never forget. Watching him patiently wade in the water next to me, looking for tailing reds was a ton of fun, and most of all it was something I've never heard of a German Shorthair Pointer do. Hudson is a great fishing partner, excellent dog, and when people ask me what kind of breed is he I just tell them, "he's a Redfish Pointer!" If your local to Beaufort, SC he will also be in the new Beaufort Lifestyles Magazine.





Hudson with a Tailing Redfsih



   

A Father and Son

My Dad and I on fathers day

     In the world of fishing one of the best bonding experiences is a father and son getting there lines wet together. All dads out there know that the feeling and smile of watching there son reel in a big fish, and being as proud as a father could ever be. The son on the other hand remembers these days of fishing with his father like it was yesterday. Having a mind full of pictures, knowledge, and experience from the days out on the water with his dad is something a son will never forget. This bonding experience of fishing is a tradition in most outdoor family's, and goes on through generation to generation as the passion of fishing is past down from father to son.
    Growing up on the Whale Branch River is something that has made me who I'am today, not only a professional fishing guide, but a low country local who truly respects and loves the place I live. Being born and raised around the smell of the marsh, feeling of the salt water air, the cool river breeze, and constantly changing tides is something that becomes a part of you. The few who have grown up here know the feeling, and others move here to live the coastal dream. Ever since I could walk I was on the dock throwing a cast net, crabbing, fishing, swimming, and simply enjoying the river. My father is the one who taught me everything I know when it comes to things like that, especially fishing.
   I knew how to drive a boat before I could ride a bike, cast a fishing rod before I could read, and got my own boat before I could multiply and divide. Most people knew me as the kid who was always on the water either fishing, hanging at the sandbar, or just enjoying a great sunny day. Fishing was always my favorite thing to do, and ever since I caught my first redfish Ive been hooked. Frank Plair is my father and is the one who encouraged me to be the person I'am today. He taught me how to drive a boat, cast a rod, tie the right knots, use the right bait, navigate the waters, and of course find the fish. What he taught me was something I couldn't learn in school, or do on my own. His knowledge and passion for fishing was passed down to me from father to son, which i hope to do one day with my own son.
  As I got older fishing grew to be a part of my life. Whether it was the latest clothing, a new boat, or fishing stickers all over the back window of my car since I could drive (which is still the case). But as you get older you soon learn you need money for things you didn't pay for before like gas for the car and boat, dinners with girls, and so much more. So my sophomore year of high school I got a job at a local fly fishing shop called Bay Street Outfitters, which was a dream come true. The more days I spent working the shop the more I loved the environment because I was surrounded by everything I loved to do. Soon I was known to work here whether is was from friends, family, or anyone who saw me with the countless Bay Street Outfitters hats, shirts, etc.
  From working in the shop I soon got very involved with fly fishing, and became amazed with all the different equipment, tactics, and sheer art of it. Tuck Scott who is the head guide here at the shop is the one who really taught me a lot about fly fishing for redfish, whether it was on the boat, or walking around in the grass flats. Tony Royal who is the owner of the shop taught me almost everything I could learn about about fly fishing in general. From the rods, flys, gear, and casting, Tony taught me all that could be known. After working in the shop for 3 years I soon realized that I wanted to be fishing guide, the job Ive always dreamed of.
   During my senior year I got my captains license after I turned 18 and gained the title Capt. Owen Plair, which was something Ive been looking forward to for years, and I know made my father proud. Before I knew it I was out of school, got a new boat, my own house, and became an Orvis Endorsed fly fishing guide for Bay Street Outfitters. My dream had come true, and I was living the life I know I was meant to live. Taking people out on the water and sharing with them my passion and experience of fishing here is one of the most rewarding feelings. Watching them be amazed by the tides, catching fish, and enjoying a great day on the water where I live is my job, and my passion. Guiding is something I hope to do my whole life, even if its only part time, its something I will always do.
  Being the youngest Orvis guide in America is an honor, and I owe the knowledge and experience to my dad, who taught me everything I know about the rivers that I fish. As a guide one of my favorite trips to do are with a father and son. Watching them bond like I do with my father always makes for a great day whether the son is 5 years old or 45 years old, the bond is always the same. I also enjoy having younger kids on the boat as well, and teaching them things i remember my father teaching me and watching them progress in there ability as the day goes on. It gets me excited to have my own children and pass down my knowledge to them like my father did with me.

Father and Son Clients

 

The Redfish Puzzle

    
    











    The experience of landing a tailing redfish is something i recommend for everyone who lives in the low country or just visiting to experience in person; as a beaufortonian its one of my all time favorite fly fishing experiences here in our coastal waters. Watching the puzzle pieces of mother nature being put together piece by piece to create the opportunity to fly fish for these redfish is in one word; amazing.
     Starting with the short spartina grass flats; these flats bake in the sun 80% of the time which allows you to walk on them since they become a hard surface from not receiving much water. The other 20% of time the short grass flats get covered by water from  higher tides anywhere from 7.5-8.5ft, which then allows the reds to come onto the flat. Then when those redfish finally have enough water to reach these short spartina grass flats they start to feed. The fiddler crab being there prey of choice, but also our fly of choice. Using crab patterns like the Dupre Spoon Fly, Redfish Toad, or the Merkin Crab will work just fine. With all the pieces now put together the end result is made from the Redfish feeding on the crabs, sticking there nose in the mud to find them, and allowing the spot tail to break the waters surface, a sight you'll never forget.
    When all of mother natures puzzle pieces are put together we now have the opportunity to fly fish for the Tailing Redfish. Sight casting to these fish is the key, and its also what makes this kind of fly fishing challenging and also very unique. Walking in 6-12 inches of water and constantly looking around you in a 360 degree angle  for any kind of water movement. Out of the corner of your eye you spot one, as the shine from the reds tail catches your eye. Watching the spotted tail move side to side, back and forth, working the muddy bottom to find  food, the excitement starts to kick in. Then you walk very slow towards the fish until you get in casting range which is anywhere from 20-50ft depending on your fly casting ability.
   Now within casting distance you start to strip out your line, making sure there is a good 40ft to cast with. As you start working your line through the rod by double hauling and using those countless hours of casting practice, your heart rate picks up tremendously, and the game is on. Focusing on the direction the tail is moving you then lay down your fly with almost complete silence 2-3ft in front of the tailing fish. Then striping the line slowly to give the fly some movement you pull it right in front of the feeding fish imitating one of the thousands of fiddler crabs. All of a sudden in a split second you feel your line get tight, see a small splash, and then like a bullet the redfish takes off in a mad fury. You've landed a tailing redfish, and fooled him into eating your fly!
    While your reel is being striped of line, a smile is brought to your face by the feeling of hooking into one of the unique tailing redfish. Pushing itself through the shallow water and short grass, the fish tries to flee away, until you  reel him in as the reds strength starts to wear down. After a short but exhilarating 15 minutes you pull the fish towards you with the liter almost to the rod tip, and pick up the beautiful fish. Removing the hook out of its mouth while admiring your catch is one of the best feelings with these fish on fly. You tied on the fly, made the cast, and fooled a fish into eating it, which many people can agree is the feeling a true fly fisherman loves the most when it comes to the passion of fly fishing.
   After a few minutes of pictures, taking in the moment, and letting that fishing smile take over, its time to release the fish. Slowly putting his body back into the water, letting go, and watching him swim away to tail again another day. This amazing experience was put together by multiple events, like the pieces of a puzzle. The high tide, short spartina grass, fiddler crabs, the feeding redfish, your fly rod, the fly, and of course the ability of a great fly cast. Every piece was put together to fit just right and give you, the fly fisherman, the opportunity to land a tailing redfish.
     The set up of choice is a 7-9weight 9ft fly rod, a large arbor reel with a good drag, weight forward floating line, and a 16-20 pound liter that's between 7-9 feet. You will also need a good pair of wading booties that cover your toes because walking through the marsh with sandals is not very fun. The shop i guide for is called Baystreet Outfitters, and they can also get you set up with the right equipment. If you are ever in Beaufort, SC and want to have a chance to experience the thrill and sheer excitement of a Tailing Redfish simply give me a call and ill be more than happy to be your guide.

                                          Customer Will Verity with a nice tailing red