General Info: Stealth

Stealth is one of the things that separate the men from the boys in fly fishing. There are a few really basic rules to follow. Avoid wearing bright clothes. Do not walk up to the edge of the water and announce your presence. Do not wade into a river without fishing the shoreline first. Approach fish from behind. Wade slowly and quietly. Gently lift your line off the water. Blend in.

Merge with Your Surroundings

Similar to an army sniper, you want to merge with the natural surroundings as best as possible. If you have adequate fishing skills, the quickest way to increase your catch ratio is to be stealthier on the water. Take time to study the river before you barge knee deep into the river. Besides deciphering what insects are present, you should also develop a plan of action before heading into the river.

Stealth is paramount when stalking a saltwater flat. This can be an especially difficult task because salt rodders need to shuffle their feet to avoid being stung by a sting ray – just ask Mitch how that feels. You need to find a happy medium between shuffling and stealth. If you kick and splash your way towards a tailing bonefish, you will soon find yourself wading a vacant flat.