Before Sea Fly Fishing Was Fashionable

As a young man, I simply couldn't afford regular visits to trout lochs and commercial fisheries. Like many anglers, I had to make the most of what was available, and fortunately the coastline was never far away.

At the time, a new generation of gold head trout lures was becoming increasingly popular. Most anglers saw them as freshwater patterns, but I couldn't see any reason why they shouldn't tempt saltwater fish as well.

So that's exactly what I did.

Armed with a fly rod and a small box of trout lures, I began exploring rocky headlands and outcrops, concentrating on deeper water where pollack and coalfish hunted among the kelp. It didn't take long to realise that these fish would attack a well-presented trout lure just as confidently as any traditional sea fly.

The more I experimented, the more I learned.

Above picture:

One of many pollock taken from the rocky shores of Scotland's west coast. Long before sea fly fishing became fashionable, trout patterns were already proving their worth in saltwater.

Those same lures also proved effective from sandy beaches. By carefully wading into shallow water and covering the surf, there was always the exciting possibility of connecting with a bass, while on some evenings even a sea trout would put in an appearance.

Back then, sea fly fishing wasn't fashionable. There were no social media influencers demonstrating the latest techniques, no endless YouTube videos, and very little specialist tackle. Most anglers looked at a fly rod on the shoreline with more than a little curiosity.

That never bothered me.

The fish certainly weren't concerned whether the fly had been designed for trout or tied specifically for the sea.

Even today, I still believe many anglers overlook just how effective simple gold head trout lures can be in saltwater. Orange, white, black, red and olive green patterns have all earned a permanent place in my fly box over the years.

So, before you spend a small fortune on specialist saltwater flies, have a look through your trout fly box.

You may already own some of the most effective sea fishing patterns you'll ever need.