Nothing Like Getting Your First Fish!
Yesterday on a crisp SF morning, we took to the surf for saltwater fly fishing at Baker Beach. San Francisco resident Georgi, wanted to focus on her casting of a shooting-head line system and reading the beach to find fish. Shooting-head line systems are a specialized type of fly fishing line, and are primarily used in moving water. An angler might choose these to get their flies to sink deep into the water, where fish may be holding.
Because of the weight and taper in this line system, they are perfectly designed to cast heavy flies far into the surf.
Beyond our work with the shooting-head line system, here are a few things that Georgi and I discussed during our session:
Rod and Reel Placement- When setting up, lean the rod against the car in such a way that it is wedged against something and can not fall over from a gust of wind. The reel should be rested on a soft surface if possible but ALWAYS OFF SAND.
Knot of the Session! Non-slip mono loop!! This knot is great for streamers or baitfish imitation flies. The closed-loop gives the flies more realistic motion and ‘life’ in the water.
Looking for fish! Be on the lookout for any type of surface change. At Baker Beach the other morning we saw subtle small rips that changed and moved with the flowing tides. We also saw the foam in various areas further out to sea than the foam line closer to shore; this also indicated a current/ rip was there.
We fished along the rocks, and we worked water ranging from 6 inches to 3ft deep. Plenty deep for Perch and Striper, just gotta have the flies wet..... and we did!
Georgi reached out with specific goals in mind and knowing exactly what she wanted to focus on. We had a hugely productive morning on the water and she got her first saltwater fish, a beautiful Barred Perch.
Whether you know what you want to focus on or are just starting out, Garrison Fishing Guides will make sure your time on the water is fun, active, and informative.
Reach out today to design a session for yourself, friends, clients, or loved ones.
Lets get fishy,
-Max Garrison
“I’ve been fly fishing for trout over the past few years, and began learning to fly fish the surf during the recent lockdown. I scheduled a surf session with Max to work on my casting skills, especially casting a shooting head. Max really understood that my goal is to learn while on the water, and the learning started with rigging up, fly selection, reading the water, and of course casting. Thanks to Max’s patience and encouragement, I went from basically water hauling to double hauling. Oh, and did I mention Max put me on my first fish ever on the fly in the surf? I’ve watched a ton of video, nothing compares to having a coach like Max break down what you are doing right and what you are doing wrong. What a great day, 15 minutes from where I live. He even took video for me to study, and sent an email to follow-up our session recapping the information and techniques he shared. I’m planning on more sessions with Max to become a better fisher and to explore the shorelines and freshwater lakes of San Francisco and the North Bay.”
-Georgi D., San Francisco
