October General Meeting……………………
Claire Buchanan ~ Bay Area Senior Project Manager for California Trout
October Raffle
President’s Line…………………….
Fly Tying……………………
Cicada – Fly Tying Class
Olive, gold and white clouser
Conservation Concerns……………
Conservation Organizations Thank Santa Cruz Fly Fishing Club
Fishout Schedule…………………
Cartoon…………………………..…
Posted on September 27th, 2022
Oct 05 6:30 PM Aptos Grange (in-person) and Zoom (online)
Claire is the new Senior Project Manager for the Bay Area Region of California Trout. She came on board to help add capacity specifically in the South Bay as well as Santa Cruz and Monterey counties. She comes to Caltrout with a broad range of fisheries experience, from agency work to ecological consulting, and has a passion for fishing and the outdoors. Her expertise is California native trout. She has had the privilege to be involved with the management and conservation of all eleven of California’s native trout…has caught a few of them too.
Posted on September 26th, 2022
End of Summer Raffle! This month we have three great prizes. Winners get the choice of a 4-piece 9-foot rod & reel set (5 WT, 6WT, or & WT), hand-tied striper flies by Lee Haskin (Perfect for the Forebay), or a set of Motorola Walkie-Talkie units with batteries included!
The ticket sales are open and close at noon 10/5 the day of the meeting.
Click on this link to purchase tickets: https://www.santacruzflyfishing.org/product-category/raffle-prizes/
Tickets are a dollar each, $20 bucks get you 25. The drawing of tickets will take place at the monthly meeting. Club membership is not required to participate, need not be present to win.
Support your club, buy a raffle ticket!
Posted on September 27th, 2022
Well at this writing, Mona and I are in Florida helping Emily batten down the hatches for Hurricane Ian which is set to bring heavy rains and winds to her community near Ocala. It is practically a divine appointment, because this trip was a last-minute plan, no hurricane in the picture, just some time to get out to help our daughter with her place and visit. Getting out may be equally as interesting since we’re supposed to leave right as it grazes Gainesville with heavy rain.
Planning. How many times have we planned something and then it doesn’t happen, or something changes our plans – like COVID?! Well, that’s what happened to our Annual Dinner / Fundraiser many of us have cherished and looked forward to for decades. That event is so much fun, most of us who plan, volunteer, and participate, know it is a full day of fun together – and the very next best thing to fishing together. All the prep beforehand, coffee and donuts in the morning – just like fishing together. Covid really put a damper on this for the last couple of years, which seems like centuries – BUT – no more. Hang on to your britches family – we are going to have the Annual Fundraiser again – on February 18th. Mark your calendars. More to follow, but plan for an event that starts early in the day, is full food, fun, the installation and acknowledgement of our members, board members and other fun stuff, AND the raffle!! This has normally been our largest fundraising event for our facility, conservation funds, events, and our scholarship fund. So stay tuned for more.
The fly-tying classes are back in full swing at the Grange, the second Wednesday of the month. If you are interested in taking some wintertime to tie up some bugs – get to the basics and other good foundational techniques and tools to use for your own fly-tying. I love tying flies on those shorter winter rainy days and evenings. If you haven’t ever taken a class – great! Reach out to Elaine Cook and you’re in. We all started with ugly bugs that still caught fish!
We will have another casting class at Jade Street Park last Saturday in October, so please stay tuned. We can work on single hand Spey techniques which are excellent for some of our local Steelhead waters when that time comes this fall and winter. And for those of you wanting to work on anything else – we’re game – bring it!!
Fish-outs for the 2023 year are already getting on the calendar. Check it out. Make a plan ahead of time. If you want to join us at Kennedy Meadows on Sonora Pass next year and you want to stay in a cabin – even a small one – get on the list with them now. Most cabins book nearly a year in advance. It’s a beautiful place to be in the summer.
I am super grateful for our board – your board, and all they have done to help you make the very best of your own fly-fishing dreams. We are continuing to develop our “hybrid-meetings” and kudos needs to go out to Scott Kitayama and Tommy Polito for continuing to improve this experience, despite some of the pitfalls. We are still working on getting speakers to physically come to the meetings, but some of them are just so good we will likely continue to have some of our speakers via zoom.
Thanks, Jeff Goyert, for making the best raffle in all the Northern California clubs. The prizes are awesome and the opportunity for every member to participate is the best thing we can offer the membership. Don’t forget – those raffle dollars go directly into the clubs scholarship and conservation funding, amongst other club necessities.
I’ve read a couple of good books lately. Of course, they revolve around that which makes our fly-fishing enjoyable. Both books are eye openers. One more scientific; the other more passionate, deep, compelling, mysterious. Both a very good read. First one, “Salmon Without Rivers”, by Jim Lichatowich. An easy-to-read scientific write about the history of salmon and steelhead and her delicate and vital habitat. Thank you, Carly Blanchard, for allowing me this good read. If you don’t know what we did to the rivers, habitat and other species just barely 150 years ago – you need to read this. Another good one is “My Story as Told by Water”, David James Duncan. A series of chapters around all forms of trout, steelhead, salmon, some deep passionate and activist revelations, some significant successes, and some interesting takes on Salmon from the perspective of how they were perceived long before we turned them into an industry. Thank you Jeff Goyert for this one. I highly recommend both books. Would love to hear what you guys read as I’m needing a new one. I suppose if you write to me with a suggestion, it means you read this President’s message!
Thank you to everyone who has been active in the club. I love seeing all the enthusiasm, new ideas, new members. I love getting to know you even if I only see you once or twice a month. For me, the club is a respite from the storm I look forward to so often. And as we are getting back to the Grange in person, it sure is fun seeing you now more often or even the very first time.
Spread the word – the plan is it keeps getting better and better because of you. See you soon.
Tom
Posted on September 26th, 2022
If you plan to dry fly fish for trout anywhere in the world it’s a good idea to have a few of these flies in your box. A lot of club members fish the Green River in Utah and if you go there in the spring, this is a must have fly. To protect people from Covid during our class, if you are not vaccinated and boosted wear a mask. Otherwise wearing a mask is recommended for all. Please bring your vice tools and light. Also 6/0 black thread. Some tools, vices and thread will be available for beginners who are always welcome. The class is free and all other materials are provided.
Future tying classes. Dates and subject may change, please go to URL to see the current information.
| Fly for Class | Date | Excerpt | |
|---|---|---|---|
 | Nov 09 | Blow Torch - November Fly Tying Class | A must have steelhead fly. |
Posted on September 26th, 2022
HOOK: Mustad 34007 size 1/0 or 2/0
THREAD: white flat waxed nylon
EYES: barbell eyes-white with black pupil
BELLY: 1.Doug’s Bugs Motion Flash-pearl (similar to Krystal Flash or Mega Baitfish Emulator. These are thicker strands. So use fewer.)
2. Gold craft fur.
3. White or cream craft fur.
BACK: Zap-A-Gap or similar glue.
Having clousers to fish for stripers is essential. Here’s one to try next time you go for these powerful fish.
Posted on August 25th, 2022
In case you missed the September meeting, I want to revisit one of the important annual SCFF traditions: donations to support conservation organizations. Two of these organizations, CalTrout and the Coastal Watershed Council, received donations. I wanted to share with you thank you letters from them. Through your membership and participation in our fundraising activities, our club is able to support CalTrout, Coastal Watershed Council and other conservation organizations that help repair, enhance and preserve our fisheries. Thank you!
From the CalTrout website:
“At California Trout, we work to ensure healthy waters and resilient wild fish for a better California. It’s our belief that abundant wild fish indicate healthy waters and that healthy waters benefit all Californians. With more than sixty large-scale conservation projects underway, in tandem with public policy efforts in Sacramento, our six regional offices work tirelessly to advance our cause through a three-pillared approach to conservation.”
Letter from CalTrout:
Dear Bob,
Thank you so much for your gift of $500.00 received on 09/08/2022. Our vision of a California with healthy waters flowing from headwater to sea, where the diversity and resilience of our waters and fish match that of the people throughout our state, is achievable.
We are working harder than ever! Your contribution directly supports:
Removal of Rindge Dam and upstream barriers to restore Malibu Creek watershed which includes critical habitat for endangered Southern steelhead.
Working to establish baseline science on the Klamath River to capture variability and response in the post-dam removal era.
Recreating a healthy ecosystem in Humboldt Bay by restoring Cochran Creek estuary, which has been cut off from the ocean and no longer provides quality habitat to native fish and other wildlife.
Tracking coho and more in Walker Creek while monitoring water quality and temperature to better understand conditions for endangered salmon and threatened steelhead.
Expanding our presence in two new regions critical to habitat recovery and statewide impact: Battle Creek and Sacramento.
Building our Outreach and Education Program to effectively foster the next generation of conservationists, one that mirrors the diversity of our state.
Together, we will leave California a better place for future generations.
Yours in resilience,
Casey O’Sullivan
Membership Manager
From the Coastal Watershed Council website:
“The Coastal Watershed Council is transforming the lower San Lorenzo River into a community destination by inspiring people to explore, enhance and protect this critical natural resource.”
Letter from the Coastal Watershed Council:
Dear Bob and members of the Santa Cruz Fly Fishing club,
Thank you for being among the growing group of people committed to transforming the lower San Lorenzo River into a place where all Santa Cruzans can connect to nature in their daily lives.
Your donation of $250, received on August 31, 2022, matters so much. Together, we’re enhancing native habitat, improving water quality, and engaging thousands of youth through environmental education and leadership development. With your gift to the Coastal Watershed Council, we’re increasing positive activity along the river and the Santa Cruz Riverwalk, an urban park that lines its banks.
l’d welcome an opportunity to walk along the Riverwalk, meet for a chat, or schedule a call to learn more about why you care about the watershed. Let’s talk!
Every day, l’m inspired by our vision of a thriving urban riverfront and the support of people like you. Thank you.
ln gratitude,
Laurie Egan
Executive Director
Posted on September 27th, 2022
mobile scrollable table
| EVENT NAME | EVENT DATE | SPECIES | FISH MASTER |
|---|---|---|---|
| Pyramid Lake Fish-out March 26th – April 1st 2023 – New Info | Mar 26 - Apr 01 | Lahontan Cutthroat Trout | Mike White - (831) 706-5556 |
| Del Valle Fishout | Apr 15 - Apr 16 | Stripers, bass, trout | Joshua Wilkens |
| Los Padres Dam / Reservoir Fishout | Apr 29 | ||
| Rio Del Mar State Beach Surf Fishout | May 06 | ||
| Los Banos Creek Reservoir | May 08 - May 10 | ||
| Manresa State Beach Surf Fishout | Jun 03 | ||
| Lake Almanor/Hex Hatch – Jun 25 – Jul 1 2023 – New Info | Jun 24 - Jul 01 | Trout, Bass | Jeff (Yog) Goyert - Fishmaster (831)234-0033 |
| Palm Beach Surf Fishout | Jul 01 | ||
| Loreto Fly Fishing Trip July 2023 | Jul 16 - Jul 20 | ||
| Kennedy Meadows / Sonora Pass – Fish-Out 2023 | Jul 23 - Jul 27 | Trout | Tom Hogye - Fishmaster (831) 214 7578 |
NEEDS TO BE UPDATED WITH 2023 INFO.
The Pyramid Lake trip is one of the best-attended fishouts the club has, and for a good reason. Lahontan Cutthroat Trout cruise parallel to the shore in easy casting distance from shore. Cost for the week including meals and lodging and is around $300+ per person depending on the number in attendance. You need not fish all six days as there may be openings (usually later in the week.) Contact Mike for more details (831) 706-5556, to check on openings, or be put on a waiting list. First come first served.
Equipment: 6-9 weight rods with hi-speed, hi-D shooting heads or fast sink integrated lines to fish the bottom in 6 to 9 feet of water, and a floating line for indicator fishing. You should bring a stripping basket and a ladder that will accommodate it. A ladder helps to get you up out of the cold water and enable you to cast out to where the fish are. You can still catch fish without one but not with near as much consistency.
Flies: Woolly buggers in black, white, purple, olive, midge, caddis and mayfly nymphs to name a few. If as in years past the Confab in February is offering the opportunity to see how some of the best Pyramid patterns are made plan to attend and bring a vise and tie some yourself. Flies may also available from club member Jim Hall who ties some very good flies specific to Pyramid cutthroat as well as other species at reasonable cost. His number is (831) 713-6835. There is a general store with provisions as well as tackle and an assortment of flies.
How to get there: Take US 80 to Reno-Sparks, take the Pyramid Blvd. off ramp and go north about 35 miles. Crosby Lodge is at Sutcliff, near the Ranger Station.
If you are considering going to Pyramid again this year with the club and you have not already done so, please contact the person who is booking the trailer you stayed in last year. Trailer-masters, if your trailer has gaps or cancellations, you can call Mike so he can pass the names of members who don’t have lodging to fill the empty spots.
Fishing, Camping, and New Ladder Regulation:
Fishing and camping permits can be purchased online prior to the fish-out. We would highly recommend doing this. Go to www.plpt.nsn.us to obtain your licenses. There is also an RV Park available at (775) 476-1155.
As with any great fishery there are always a long list of rules and regulations. We would recommend you review them on the website above. Suffice to say those of us who have been going to Pyramid Lake for many years are a good source of information as well. We will help inform and guide all newcomers. 15.6 USE OF LADDERS, ETC. Any ladders, milk crates, boxes or other objects used in the water as a fishing aid must be occupied or closely attended (i.e. remain in the area) by fishermen at all times. Any person who leaves such objects unoccupied in the water for more than one hour will be deemed guilty of littering. 15.6.1 Fishing aids described above must have a permanent tag affixed that has the name, address, and phone number of the owner of the fishing aid. If the permitted angler using the fishing aid is not the owner, the owner will be the responsible party for any infractions by the permitted angler.
This year we have five trailers reserved. (6,7,8,9, and 10) As of September 1st 2021 we have 5 openings available. These openings will fill up quickly, so contact Mike immediately at (831) 706-5556. Last year was an incredible experience with many fish over 15 lbs brought to the net. If you cannot commit early and make it into one of our reserved trailers you can always make your own arrangements by contacting the Pyramid Lake Lodge at (775) 476-0400.
Mike White (831) 706-5556, lumberguy73@hotmail.com
NOTE: Due to insurance regulations, all attendees must be paid up members of Santa Cruz Fly fishermen, so get your membership paid up if you haven’t done so yet.
Fish Species: Going for striper, largemouth, small mouth, bluegill, white crappie, rainbow trout, and striper.
Equipment: I’m bringing a 6 wt floating line for everything but stripers and 8 wt full sink for stripers down as far as 25 feet. Fishing out of float tube.
Flies: Clousers and buggers (smelt patterns) should be able to find one if not all species maybe.
Day Fishing Fees: Parking $6.
Watercraft launch fee: $5 for trailered boats; $3 for car-top, inflatable boats and float tubes. $2 for windsurf boards. Boat inspection: $4/cartop; $7/trailered.
Float tube Inspection: Don’t bring kayak if you do make sure super dry and bring float tube just in case, they fail kayaks like 95% of time for me. I learned to just float tube there.
Camping Fees: $43 for tent campsite with reservation fees included, then $8 for additional vehicle, $5 fishing day pass, and #3 inspection. 2 vehicles and 8 people max per site. There is tap water and toilets. There is the potential of a group camp out, keep an eye on Google Groups.
Site Link: https://www.parks.ca.gov/?page_id=537, https://www.ebparks.org/parks/del-valle
Description: Los Padres Reservoir is located East of Carmel Valley Village. The best route is Carmel Valley Road East about 8 miles to a right turn on Cachagua Road to a right turn into and
through Princess Camp then about .5 miles to the Reservoir parking lot. You have to carry your float tube about .5 miles into the reservoir
and launch from the dam. Lake is about a mile long. Best to arrive before daybreak. Parking lot usually fills up opening day.
DO NOT LEAVE ITEMS VISIBLE WITHIN YOUR VEHICLE OR ON THE SHORE
No signups necessary, anyone wishing to fish should just show up and if you can find me on the reservoir say “Hi” and ask where tofish. In general, fish in 10 to 20-foot depths. There are stories of huge brown trout, rainbows up to 24” and a chance to catch
steel-head much bigger.
Fishmaster: No Fishmaster for this Fishout
Fish Species: Steel Head Trout, Rainbow Trout, Brown Trout
Equipment: 5 and or 6wts with floating line and full sink or shooting heads. Fishing out of float tube.
Flies: Flies sizes 8 and 10 hooks, types black and brown woolly buggers, Denny Rikards seal buggers (orange, olive and black) and leeches (brown and black), Hale Bopp leeches (black,
brown and wine) and Hornburgs. Balanced flies under an indicator could be a good bet as well. Fishing is very similar to Goodwin Lake: very few hits on the surface.
Day Fishing Fees: No Fees
Fog burning off in the early morning
Carmel Creek with fish ladder to the left center. There is a couple of big fish in there…
Location: Rio Del Mar State Beach
Target Species: Surf Perch and Stripers
Gear: 6-8wt. Rods with full sinking lines or shooting heads to match the rod. Polarized glasses (safety),
Mandatory Accessories: Wader Belt & Stripping Basket
(If a basket is needed, some maybe available to borrow or purchase. Please contact the Fishmaster ahead of time. Also there are many DIY Stripping Basket making tutorials online)
Single, double & triple fly rigs
clousers to sand crabs
Directions: Take RDM Blvd all the way down to the flats (bottom), circle the round-about to the left and exit back along Beach Drive, drive half mile to the State Beach (aka Platform). DO NOT stop up by the round-about, be sure to continue on Beach Drive. Early in the morning the parking lot is closed, but there is plenty of parking outside.
| SURF FISHOUTS 2023 | Meeting Time (AM) | State Beach | ||||||||
| 2023 | Date | Sunrise | Low tide | High tide | Moon | Tide flow | Fishmaster | |||
| MAY | 6 | Saturday | 5:55 | Rio Del Mar | 6:09 | LO 05:48 -0.8 | HI 12:28 PM +3.5 | Full May 5 | Low slack to low Flood | Sam |
| JUNE | 3 | Saturday | 5:35 | Manresa | 5:49 | LO 04:52 -1.0 | HI 11:42 +3.4 | Full June 4 | Low mid-flood | ?? |
| JULY | 1 | Saturday | 5:35 | Palm | 5:51 | LO 03:53 -0.8 | HI 10:50 +3.4 | Full July 3 | Mid-flood | Sam |
| AUGUST | 5 | Saturday | 6:00 | Rio Del Mar | 6:16 | LO 07:48 -0.1 | HI 2:29 PM +4.9 | New Aug 16 | Mid-flood | Sam |
| SEPT | 2 | Saturday | 6:25 | Manresa | 6:39 | LO 06:30 +0.3 | HI 12:52 PM +5.3 | Full Aug 31 | Low slack to low Flood | Sam |
| OCT | 7 | Saturday | 6:50 | Palm | 7:08 | LO 13:17 + 3.3 | HI 07:55 AM +4.0 | Full Sep 29 | High flood to slack | Sam |
| Meet up times are scheduled 15 – 20 minutes before official sunrise. | sambishop@totlcom.com, 831-274-4025 | |||||||||
| Locations/dates/times/Fishmasters might change, but note will go out early on Google group if so. | ||||||||||
Los Banos Creek Reservoir is an oasis in the valley, it has Bass and Bluegill and the option of fishing Stripers and Bass in the O’Neill Forebay 20 miles away.
Camping: Los Banos Campground (209) 826-6393) doesn’t take reservations, has 14 sites with tables with shade and also shade trees, non-potable water, and campfire rings.
Sites are $20.00 per day. Bring firewood and folding chairs.
Food: Bring your own food for breakfast and lunch.
Dinner will be pot-luck; bring your own meat. Also bring plates, cups and silverware.
I will supply stove, BBQ, coffee pot and wash area for dishes.
There is no drinking water available.
Gear: Float tube and fins, kayak etc. lake has 5mph speed limit
Fly line 5-6wt. include floating, intermediate, and fast sinking.
For fly suggestions contact me.
This Fishout is limited to the first 10 members who contact me – Dan Eaton (831) 201-2330.
Location: Manresa State Beach
Species: Surf Perch, Striped Bass
Min./Max Participants: NO Limit Cali Surf Style
Gear: 6-8wt. Rods with full sinking lines or shooting heads to match the rod. Polarized glasses (safety),
Mandatory Accessories: Wader Belt & Stripping Basket
(If a basket is needed, some maybe available to borrow or purchase. Please contact the Fishmaster ahead of time. Also there are many DIY Stripping Basket making tutorials online)
Flies: Clousers, wooly buggers, sand crabs, etc.
What to Expect: Tide and weather dependent, but expect good times.
| SURF FISHOUTS 2023 | Meeting Time (AM) | State Beach | ||||||||
| 2023 | Date | Sunrise | Low tide | High tide | Moon | Tide flow | Fishmaster | |||
| MAY | 6 | Saturday | 5:55 | Rio Del Mar | 6:09 | LO 05:48 -0.8 | HI 12:28 PM +3.5 | Full May 5 | Low slack to low Flood | Sam |
| JUNE | 3 | Saturday | 5:35 | Manresa | 5:49 | LO 04:52 -1.0 | HI 11:42 +3.4 | Full June 4 | Low mid-flood | ?? |
| JULY | 1 | Saturday | 5:35 | Palm | 5:51 | LO 03:53 -0.8 | HI 10:50 +3.4 | Full July 3 | Mid-flood | Sam |
| AUGUST | 5 | Saturday | 6:00 | Rio Del Mar | 6:16 | LO 07:48 -0.1 | HI 2:29 PM +4.9 | New Aug 16 | Mid-flood | Sam |
| SEPT | 2 | Saturday | 6:25 | Manresa | 6:39 | LO 06:30 +0.3 | HI 12:52 PM +5.3 | Full Aug 31 | Low slack to low Flood | Sam |
| OCT | 7 | Saturday | 6:50 | Palm | 7:08 | LO 13:17 + 3.3 | HI 07:55 AM +4.0 | Full Sep 29 | High flood to slack | Sam |
| Meet up times are scheduled 15 – 20 minutes before official sunrise. | sambishop@totlcom.com, 831-274-4025 | |||||||||
| Locations/dates/times/Fishmasters might change, but note will go out early on Google group if so. | ||||||||||
You may want to use a two fly rig, one smaller for perch and a larger one
for Stripers. When I add flies I often need to use lighter weight
ones than I might with one fly. For example, dumbbell eyes are
heavy, so I tie most Clousers and jig flies using bead-chain or even plastic eyes, knowing I will very likely be
using 2 or 3, so need them to be light enough to cast.
A reminder that the surf is not a place to learn to cast, but it will force you to improve your line control!
Belts are not mandatory but a good idea if you get swept off your feet. Baskets are also not mandatory but darn near.
Cost: Parking? & maybe some lost flies…and the fish of a life time
Meeting Location: In front Manresa Beach Parking Lot on San Andreas Rd.
San Andreas Rd. Lot has limited parking as the beach lot does not open until 8am
Special Considerations / Links: Tides, Wind, Swell, tidesandcurrents.noaa.gov/
Lodging / Food: Coffee and donuts at the local hang out
The Lake Almanor fishout is scheduled for the last week of June, 6/24 thru 7/1, 2023. This time period is, hopefully, the peak of the annual Hexagenia hatch that begins generally mid-June and runs through mid-July. The most productive fishing takes place early evenings on into past dark between Lake Almanor West to Canyon Dam on the SouthWest side of the lake. Most of the fishing is done from float tubes as well as small boats or even from shore.
In addition to the evening “Hex” hatch, a multitude of opportunities exist for fishing throughout the day to include Little Crater Lake, Manzanita Lake, Baum Lake, Eagle Lake, Butt Valley Reservoir, Deer Creek, Clear Creek, Feather River, Yellow Creek, plus many more.
Lodging will be the responsibility of individual attendees. A popular campground operated by PG&E is the Rocky Point Campground, for reservation information call 916-386-5164. Many USFS campgrounds are in the area. Reservations are available through www.recreation.gov or by calling 877-444-6777. Make use of internet resources to acquire the actual campground names. There are also many resorts and rental cabins available in the area. A few examples are Wilson’s Camp/530-259-2267 and Plumas Pines Resort/530-259-4343. Other options are available via online research. Be advised that due to the popularity of fishing at this time of year reservations fill up early.
Sierra Fly and Tackle, stores in Chester and Hamilton Branch, is a great resource for current conditions and reports along with a large invantory flies and equipment. A must stop for all visiting fly fishers if only to get one of their cool tee-shirts. Both first time and veteran “Hex” Anglers could well benefit from the expertise provided by a knowledgeable and experienced guide. Lance Gray (530-517-2204) or Tim Loomis (831-345-8411) both offer instructional packages to help achieve success during the “Hex”.
Location: Palm Beach State Park
Species: Surf Perch, Striped Bass
Min./Max Participants: NO Limit Cali Surf Style
Gear: 6-8wt. Rods with full sinking lines or shooting heads to match the rod. Polarized glasses (safety),
Mandatory Accessories: Wader Belt & Stripping Basket
(If a basket is needed, some maybe available to borrow or purchase. Please contact the Fishmaster ahead of time. Also there are many DIY Stripping Basket making tutorials online)
Flies: Clousers, wooly buggers, sand crabs, etc.
What to Expect: Tide and weather dependent, but expect good times.
| SURF FISHOUTS | Meeting Time (AM) | State Beach | ||||||||
| 2023 | Date | Sunrise | Low tide | High tide | Moon | Tide flow | Fishmaster | |||
| MAY | 6 | Saturday | 5:55 | Rio Del Mar | 6:09 | LO 05:48 -0.8 | HI 12:28 PM +3.5 | Full May 5 | Low slack to low Flood | Sam |
| JUNE | 3 | Saturday | 5:35 | Manresa | 5:49 | LO 04:52 -1.0 | HI 11:42 +3.4 | Full June 4 | Low mid-flood | ?? |
| JULY | 1 | Saturday | 5:35 | Palm | 5:51 | LO 03:53 -0.8 | HI 10:50 +3.4 | Full July 3 | Mid-flood | Sam |
| AUGUST | 5 | Saturday | 6:00 | Rio Del Mar | 6:16 | LO 07:48 -0.1 | HI 2:29 PM +4.9 | New Aug 16 | Mid-flood | Sam |
| SEPT | 2 | Saturday | 6:25 | Manresa | 6:39 | LO 06:30 +0.3 | HI 12:52 PM +5.3 | Full Aug 31 | Low slack to low Flood | Sam |
| OCT | 7 | Saturday | 6:50 | Palm | 7:08 | LO 13:17 + 3.3 | HI 07:55 AM +4.0 | Full Sep 29 | High flood to slack | Sam |
| Meet up times are scheduled 15 – 20 minutes before official sunrise. | sambishop@totlcom.com, 831-274-4025 | |||||||||
| Locations/dates/times/Fishmasters might change, but a note will go out early on Google group if so. | ||||||||||
You may want to use a two fly rig, one smaller for perch and a larger one
for Stripers. When I add flies I often need to use lighter weight
ones than I might with one fly. For example, dumbbell eyes are
heavy, so I tie most Clousers and jig flies using bead-chain or even plastic eyes, knowing I will very likely be
using 2 or 3, so need them to be light enough to cast.
A reminder that the surf is not a place to learn to cast, but it will force you to improve your line control!
Cost: Parking? & maybe some lost flies…and the fish of a life time
Meeting Location: Parking Lot / End of W. Beach St.
Special Considerations / Links: Tides, Wind, Swell, tidesandcurrents.noaa.gov/
Lodging / Food: Coffee and donuts at the local hang out after the session
Sign Up Now! Experience a new HIGH! Fish for Dorado, and many other salt-water fish, including Bonito, Roosters, Yellowtail and Sailfish on a fly! Join the group going to Loreto in Baja
Sunday, July 16th through Thursday, July 20th.
This trip includes:
The fishing day starts around 6:00 a.m. and we usually get back to the harbor between 1:30 and 2:00 p.m. Spend the rest of the afternoon fishing from the beach, having a cool drink in the pool, exploring Loreto, or just sitting around telling some tall fish stories. And, you will have many exciting moments on the Sea of Cortez to talk about.
The approximate cost for everything but meals and airfare is: *$900.00 per person, double occupancy; around $460.00 for a non-fishing guest. It does not include meals because there are some nice restaurants (A lot of fresh seafood!) in town or if you prefer, eat at the hotel, where they will also cook your catch to your preference. Interested?
Please contact Rich Hughett, 831-757-5709, for all the details. You will need to book airline flights* as soon as possible.
*No money will be collected in advance. Southwest Airlines and Alaska Airlines from San Jose to Los Angeles and Alaska Airlines to Loreto. Rich will help with your airline reservations.
Gear: The minimum size rod for Dorado is a 10 weight, with a corresponding size reel with plenty of backing. I suggest everyone take floating, intermediate and full sink lines, such as T-14. Most fish down there are not leader shy, so I use about a 5 foot leader with a 20 pound tippet. For Dorado, the main fly is a Sarmulmac. Clousers also work. In fact a variety of flies work for salt water fish, as long as they represent a smaller baitfish.
Notes: Further discussion of dates, gear and preparations to be had as interest develops
Posted on September 26th, 2022
Posted on September 26th, 2022
