Hey everyone — Coby here at The Saltwater Edge! Usually Jenks and I are talking about what I'm eating, but today, we're flipping it: let’s talk about what the fish are eating.

Spring is kicking off, the water is warming, and the bait is starting to show. If you're getting ready to hit the water, here's a quick rundown of the flies you’ll want to have in your box right now.

 The Spring Essentials

1. Ray’s Fly

• A true classic.

• Covers a variety of smaller bait profiles.

• Fish it all season long — especially now in early spring.

If you're unsure where to start, start here. Ray's Fly is often the first thing tied on around here.

2. Herring Imitations

The herring are beginning to move in — and the fish are getting fired up.

• Student Loan Fly
  A perfect herring imitation that's light and easy to cast on an 8-weight rod.

• Blane Chocolate Hybrid Changer
  A larger, highly realistic herring profile. Best fished on a 9 or 10-weight rod. Moves great in the water but requires a little more rod power to cast effectively.

3. Gurgler (Topwater)

• Springtime means topwater action is coming alive.

• We love the Gurgler in a squishy orange-pink color.

• Easy to cast and super exciting when fish blow up on it.

If you’re not fishing topwater in the spring, you’re missing out on some of the most fun eats of the season.

4. The Minnr

• A versatile little pattern.

• Imitates a shrimp, small baitfish, or just something edible-looking.

• Another great "match-the-hatch" fly when fish are feeding on smaller prey.

5. Basic Minnow Pattern

• White and pink.

• Could be a squid, could be a small baitfish — either way, the fish don’t seem to mind.

• Cast it on anything from a 7 to a 10-weight rod.

Simple, effective, and an absolute must for covering spring bait.

Quick Gear Tips for Spring

• Leaders:
  Start with 16–20 lb leaders.
  Scientific Anglers is running a Buy One, Get One Free deal right now — perfect time to stock up!

• Lines:

  • For lighter flies and moderate rods, we recommend the RIO Striper Floating Line.

  • If you're tossing bigger flies, go with something more aggressive like the Sonar Titan.

At the start of the season, it’s easy to start with a pre-made leader, then cut back and retie as you go.

Spring is Here — Get After It!

The bait is here, the leaves are coming out, and the fish — and anglers — are starting to come back to life. Time to dust off the gear, load the fly box with these springtime essentials, and hit the water.