Fly-rodding afoot in the surf zones of California, Washington and Oregon.

Intro | Habitat | Reading the Water | Tackle

The minus tide revealed a massive sandbar. For the first time in months, we would gain access to the outside breaker. Wading to this deepwater trough always holds the promise of a wild exploration with a fly rod. ItÂ’s one of those rare times you can stand in thigh-deep shallows and cast out to "Big Blue."

Jay Murakoshi and I were conducting another surf clinic, in what appeared to be ideal conditions for instructors and students alike; calm waters, low rollers, overcast skies, and a windless dawn. The sunrise seemed slow in coming, but the creatures of the surf were already in full throttle. Surf scoters were picking up tumbling sand crab. Brown pelicans were feeding in the rollers, and BrandtÂ’s cormorant were feasting among the hordes of silvery baitfish. Dolphin were off in the distance, presumably working over similar forage.

These were great signs of a vibrant wildlife community. Combined, they indicated we were in the right place at the right time. Confirmation came when our first few casts landed barred surf perch up to two pounds. All hell was about to break loose--and we were in for a heart-thumping lesson on fishing the Pacific.

I first caught a glimpse of the ball of anchovy at the base of a nearby wave. As the liquid window collapsed, our entire group witnessed an explosion of silver. Baitfish rained about us with a pod of Pacific dolphin in hot pursuit. The surf was lit like a July 4th celebration, complete with watery explosions and flashes of brilliant color.



We had planned to just go fishing, but within the blink of eye, our legs were getting "pinged" by 200-pound fish-eating machines, and we were surrounded by the struggle for survival. It was one of those fundamental moments when simply being there was near overwhelming. We reveled in the experience. We had to honor the wilderness. Fly fishing the surf zone never ceases to be an adventure.

The Pacific surf is a treasure house for fly fishers, a place to redefine your fly fishing world. Its challenges are varied; its rewards are many. The rugged physical environment demands versatility in tackle and technique. Each gamefish has a unique signature. Their strength and ardor is impressive. YouÂ’ll find celebration in a perch or mackerel, just as easily as youÂ’ll celebrate a striped bass or corbina.

Success out here is no different than on a trout stream. YouÂ’ll be required to have proficiency on two levels; technical skills and interpretive skills. Use the pull-down menu on the left (top) of your screen for your introductory lessons on the sandy beach habitat, how to read the water, what gear and tactics you'll need to employ, and then get out there and experiment. Acquiring the knowledge of natureÂ’s marine cycles is the cornerstone to your success, and this text is just a primer.

Ken Hanley is the author of Fly Fishing Afoot in the Surf Zone, Frank Amato Publications, 1999. He lives in Fremont, California.

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