The Figure of Eight Retrieve

The figure of eight retrieve is a constant motion retrieve that is executed once your fly has completed its swing downstream of you. In this video, I demonstrate the technique as well as show you the cadence I use on the St. Johns River. If the swing itself does not elicit a strike, the figure of eight retrieve usually does as the fly makes its way up through the water column. This is my preferred retrieve when targeting shad on the fly.