Aldeer.com Forums Alabama Deer Talk AL Fishing Talk I've met my match...

I've caught a lot of species on the fly, both fresh and saltwater varieties. Nothing compares to the absolute voracious nature and drag screaming pull of the jack crevalle. Many encounters with this fish result in broken rods or lines, bent hooks, or simply a lack of will to continue the fight.

Once spotted, they can be approached, cast to, and you better get ready! They will absolutely annihilate any fly thrown in their path.



Once hooked up, you better settle in. You're going to be that way for a while. 20 minute fights are the minimum for an experienced fly angler, but 30 minute fights are not uncommon. 45 minutes are the normal for a newcomer. That was me.



I had caught red snapper, bull redfish, and other species on the fly, but nothing, and I repeat NOTHING compares to the sheer power of a jack crevalle. The fish pulled into my backing no less than 6 times, each time dishing out a crushing blow to my anticipation that it was almost over.

Eventually, I prevailed and the fish tired. There were runs under the boat requiring intense tactics of dipping the rod into the water and pointing it at the fish, drag screaming runs into the next ecosystem, and close-quarter feats of strength and exhaustion by both angler and beast.



The lil sipper fly....



I said I'd never do it again. "If I ever see another, I'm pulling my fly out of the water", I told people. I meant it. A few weeks later a slow day on the water offered a renewed opportunity as a massive school of jacks cruised into sight. Neighborhood bullies looking to smash anything in their path. I just couldn't resist.....



For real this time, I'm not going to try again. Although I've said that before....

Also, there was also so many of these around that I simply got tired of catching and unhooking them. Spanish mackerel can be an easier target right now. They give their locations away by their airborne antic on schools of anchovies and other bait fish. Diving birds often alert anglers to these feeding frenzies.



What a blast this time of year is on the coast of Alabama!