The angler on the bow made a quick cast with a crease fly right in the middle of an explosion of water. The scene was frantic as little tunny chased baitfish to the surface and birds massed overhead picking off the wounded and unsuspecting. A moment later his fly disappeared in an eruption of seawater as a fish inhaled the fly and dove for the bottom sending the fly reel into a whirling frenzy.

This was classic feeding behavior for little tunny (aka bonito, false albacore), one of the most exciting fly fishing targets that swim our coast. Hunting and fishing for them can be as exciting as it is frustrating. These speedsters are fun on any light tackle, although they are often shunned by traditional anglers fishing for more exotic prey. The trick to success is twofold – one within an angler’s skill, the other involving more chance than talent.

Often the first thing you’ll notice is a knot of wheeling, diving birds. Other times it’s the unmistakable melee of fish crashing to the surface in hot pursuit of panicked baitfish. Often when the action is particularly hot, these voracious feeders will actually swim on their sides with mouths open as they inhale their panicky prey. Whatever the sign, the key to getting in on the action is acting fast. This is easier said than done because at times there is continuous action for minutes, while at other times it lasts only a few seconds.

The standard method of pursuing them involves running to the action, cutting the engine and casting while the action is hot. This is when skill comes into play. Being ready with a fly and getting it in the sweet spot must be done quickly while there’s a lot going on. All too often, fish move on, leaving the water empty of action, only to pop up a short distance away. Sometimes the best strategy is to just stay in an area where there’s been a lot of feeding and the action will come to you. The other strategy is to watch the birds and follow their cue as they fly overhead tracking the fish.

These aggressive fish show up off our beaches in the spring and fall and can be one of the most challenging of adversaries. Light tackle is best with an eight-weight fly outfit (with a sink tip line) or similar spinning tackle. While top water flies are great, flies like the Clouser also provide great action. Once you land one of these aggressive fish, it’s important to release them quickly as they provide little food value and won’t last long out of the water.

Be ready with your camera and a dehooker and after a quick picture, launch them head first back into the water to give them a head start. Whatever tackle you use, make sure you give these gamefish a try. They can be found right off the beach and will provide you with some of the fastest and most exciting fishing you’ll find. Whatever you call them these fish are truly a worthy adversary.