I'm from the bay area and was back this week visiting (from up in south east WA). I got out with my dad to try for some surf perch on a local beach, one that we fish throughout the year. I've had some nice perch there, and caught my share of SF bay stripers (mostly schoolies), but nothing like this. I only started fly fishing 2 years ago, and I mostly trout fish, so this was the first proper fight I've had with a fish.
My buddy was in town and he, my dad and I had already fished the incoming tide for about 2 hours with no bites. I was throwing a small (sz 4 hook) perch fly imitating shrimpy/sand crab-ish critters (creds to my dad for tying it) and out of the blue I had a very solid take. Somehow I managed not to miss the strip set after so long without a bite. It started to take line - all my line, and eventually put my into my backing. I have seen and read stuff about stripers in the surf, and how much fun they are, but I was not prepared.
Its definitely never a guarantee to hook or land one on the beach, and this seemed like a fluke as its nearing the end of the season for them in the surf (they move into the bay and upriver). not quite sure how big it was, but we sent it swimming away after a photo. After the release, my buddy hooked into a schoolie size fish and I had a 3 inch surf perch, all from the same rip. If you ever get the chance to hook one, enjoy the ride!
I've been a longtime reader and never get around to posting anything on here. That said, thank you to all you who are active and keep this forum running, I've learned a lot much from your generosity and knowledge.
My buddy was in town and he, my dad and I had already fished the incoming tide for about 2 hours with no bites. I was throwing a small (sz 4 hook) perch fly imitating shrimpy/sand crab-ish critters (creds to my dad for tying it) and out of the blue I had a very solid take. Somehow I managed not to miss the strip set after so long without a bite. It started to take line - all my line, and eventually put my into my backing. I have seen and read stuff about stripers in the surf, and how much fun they are, but I was not prepared.
Its definitely never a guarantee to hook or land one on the beach, and this seemed like a fluke as its nearing the end of the season for them in the surf (they move into the bay and upriver). not quite sure how big it was, but we sent it swimming away after a photo. After the release, my buddy hooked into a schoolie size fish and I had a 3 inch surf perch, all from the same rip. If you ever get the chance to hook one, enjoy the ride!
I've been a longtime reader and never get around to posting anything on here. That said, thank you to all you who are active and keep this forum running, I've learned a lot much from your generosity and knowledge.
