Recently I returned home to Hawaii to try and save a Punawai or spring that flows into the ocean. Most of my time was spent doing research on Hawaii’s coastal laws in particular the Shoreline Management Act. As the owners of this property one had a Punawai on their land with over 27 outlets flowing into the ocean and they were asking for an exemption from the Shoreline Management Act.
In between taking care of business I took care of some other business. In the mornings or evenings I would spend a little time looking for bones. I found a few, hooked a few and landed very few. The fly that provided me with all of my success was Marts’ RL Pseudo Shrimp. Anyone heading to Hawaii might want to think about adding this fly to your arsenal. Below are a few tips on how to fish the fly from Bill Marts the creator.
Marts RL Pseudo Shrimp
I like to cast it fairly close to the fish then immediately give it a couple of strips to get their attention and to take the slack out of the line, then let it fall and let the bone come for it. If coaxing is needed, I will try short strips (almost hopping) with a very (VERY) slow crawl in between and even stopping it every so often. I think it does a fair job of simulating either a shrimp or a crab.
Of course, if this doesn’t work, be inventive. Sometimes while fishing saltwater or after carp in shallow waters, I will strip with short strokes fairly fast to get the fish coming after it. Then I will stop a strip in mid stroke, pause for a second, then tighten up on it. Nine times out of ten, if the fish was after it, it is on when I tighten (and set the hook). This is fun because the fish is so excited that all it can think about is catching and gobbling up this food that is trying desperately to get away. I enjoy the hell out of watching this.
