Sometimes success is not about the fly or the cast, but how you’re retrieving your fly through the water. The technique you use can be the difference between a slow day and a successful one. Today, we’re drawing on the expertise of guide and instructor Justin Duggan, who reveals his top 7 fly fishing retrieves to boost your catch rate in both fresh and saltwater. Be sure to watch the video below to see it all in action!
The Fast Retrieve
The fast retrieve is crucial, especially in saltwater environments or when targeting fast-moving species like tuna. To execute this, practice extending your arm fully and pulling the fly line back in longer strips, covering more distance with each pull. This method ensures that your fly moves quickly through the water, mimicking the rapid movements of baitfish and enticing predatory fish to strike. Remember, practice is key to mastering this retrieve and ensuring you’re ready when it counts.
The Morse Code Retrieve
This retrieve, inspired by the movements of small shrimp or other crustaceans, is perfect for targeting species that feed on smaller prey. The technique involves subtle wrist movements to create tiny taps and jerks in the fly’s motion. By placing your rod tip in the water and using just your wrist, you can make the fly dart and flicker like a shrimp, which can be irresistible to fish. This retrieve is especially effective for species that are more cautious or require a delicate approach.
The Double-Handed Retrieve (Roly-Poly)
The double-handed retrieve, also known as the roly-poly, is one of the fastest retrieves you can use. It’s particularly effective when you need to cover a lot of water quickly or when targeting species that require a fast-moving fly. To perform this retrieve, tuck the rod under your arm and use both hands to pull the line, alternating between each hand in a smooth, continuous motion. This method allows you to move the fly at high speed without creating too much pause, making it ideal for aggressive fish.
The Strip and Grip
One common challenge in fly fishing is missing strikes that occur on the pause. To counter this, try the strip and grip technique. This involves stripping the line with one hand and then pinching the line against the rod cork with the same hand. This way, if a fish strikes during the pause, you already have some tension on the line, making it easier to set the hook. This method is effective in both fresh and saltwater and can be a game-changer in situations where fish tend to hit the fly as it slows down.
The Figure Eight Retrieve
The figure-eight retrieve is a go-to method for situations where you need to keep the fly moving slowly while maintaining control of the slack line. This retrieve is ideal for fishing flies like crabs or small shrimp that you want to drift naturally in the current. To perform this technique, gather the line in your hand in a figure-eight motion, then drop the coils and repeat. It’s a subtle retrieve that works well in both still and moving waters, helping you keep the fly in the strike zone for longer.
The Popper Retrieve
For topwater action, especially when using poppers, the popper retrieve can be highly effective. This method involves pulling back on the rod while stripping the line to create a loud “pop” in the water, mimicking the sound of a struggling baitfish. The key is to keep the rod tip in the water to eliminate slack and ensure a strong, consistent action. This retrieve is excellent for attracting aggressive topwater feeders, as it creates a commotion that fish find hard to resist.
The Sweep and Stop
To avoid losing precious fishing time, the sweep and stop retrieve can be a helpful technique. Instead of pulling the tippet into the rod tip at the end of the retrieve, stop just short and sweep the rod to bring the fly closer. This method keeps you ready to cast again without the hassle of untangling your line. It’s particularly useful in situations where fish might follow the fly but hesitate to strike, giving you a chance to re-present the fly quickly.
Final Thoughts
Ultimately, mastering these seven retrieves will undoubtedly elevate your fly fishing game and boost your chances of landing that next big catch. Whether you’re pursuing fast-moving saltwater species or more cautious freshwater fish, each of these techniques offers something unique to enhance your approach. So, next time you’re out on the water, give these retrieves a try and see the difference they make.
For even more expert tips and in-depth techniques, consider joining Justin Duggan’s full class for FREE. It’s just one of the many perks available when you become an Anchored Outdoors Premium Insider. Happy fishing!
