NorCal Kayak Anglers

Kayak Fishing Zone => Kayak Fly Fishing => Topic started by: Lord Palomar on March 16, 2016, 11:27:33 AM

Title: Fly fishing for lingcod
Post by: Lord Palomar on March 16, 2016, 11:27:33 AM
Reeling in a big ling on my fly rod is my goal this year. As I'm getting prepared for the season to open, I'll be posting some helpful links on this thread for all those interested. Many updates to come! Feel free to share helpful info/experience here as well.
Title: Re: Fly fishing for lingcod
Post by: ScottV on March 16, 2016, 12:08:02 PM
That is on my list as well.  I got the rockfish last year, now I want a ling!!
Title: Re: Fly fishing for lingcod
Post by: dustyboots on March 16, 2016, 12:49:03 PM
I'd love to catch a ling on the fly you think an 8wt is sufficient?
Title: Re: Fly fishing for lingcod
Post by: Lord Palomar on March 16, 2016, 01:29:22 PM
I'd love to catch a ling on the fly you think an 8wt is sufficient?

Yea you should be fine. I'm also using an 8wt. Probably among the most versatile weights you can have. Check out the link below for guidance. But honestly, if a 66lb striped bass can be caught on a 10lb test line on a Walmart pole...well hell, anything is possible. (Kid from my home town caught it, link also below)

http://www.cabelas.com/product/Fly-Rod-Buyers-Guide/531762.uts (http://www.cabelas.com/product/Fly-Rod-Buyers-Guide/531762.uts)

http://www.ncwildlife.org/News/NewsArticle/tabid/416/IndexId/7892/Default.aspx (http://www.ncwildlife.org/News/NewsArticle/tabid/416/IndexId/7892/Default.aspx)
Title: Re: Fly fishing for lingcod
Post by: stillgoin on March 16, 2016, 02:33:32 PM
My goal for the summer also.
Was actually tying some 5-7" clousers and decievers with that in mind this morning, although when using conventional gear I seem to get just as many lings on 2-3" shrimp flies as on the 7" swim bait or jig below.
Will be mainly fishing out of the SC area (cause i'm lazy and live 1/4 mile from the SC harbor) but am looking to launch in other areas as well.
8 wt is probably good but heavier could be nice for high D lines and muscle to keep big ones out of the rocks.
Plan on using an old cabelas 8/9 or the 11 wt florida rod to throw t-17 and 20 heads.
Title: Re: Fly fishing for lingcod
Post by: novofish on March 16, 2016, 04:36:45 PM
i'm gonna try to get one at GS or Albion this year - lost one at GS a few years ago :smt005
Title: Re: Fly fishing for lingcod
Post by: surf12foot on March 16, 2016, 09:05:05 PM
Go to NWKA -look under waving the bug wand, lots and lots of info there also look up the book Sea flies by Jay W. Nicholas, it has patterns for salmon, sea bass, lingcod and albacore. He talks about the equipment for going after these fish and if you want hit me up with your questions too?
Title: Re: Fly fishing for lingcod
Post by: Rockroach on March 17, 2016, 06:30:34 AM
Cheap basspro shop 10wt or 12wt(can't remember), 30' T-20 sink tip, short 20lbs leader, big heavy 4-6" clouser patterns.

Stay in relatively shallow water with structure.

Sling it out there as far as you can (water haul helps), let is sink, them quick strips back in.

That's my set-up. It works but dangerous in the wind, screws with my shoulder and running line management is a pain in the ass.

If you're not a purest, tipping with squid never hurts too :smt002

Have fun!

 

Title: Re: Fly fishing for lingcod
Post by: golfish on March 17, 2016, 08:20:38 AM
My ocean setup for lings is mainly an okuma 10wt., echo ion 10/12, int. running line, 26ft T20 and big ass clouser or one of my rubber leg creations. I'd fish a bigger rod if I had it to keep the big ones off the rocks.

I mentally note which wind conditions will fish well for a fly rod on most of my marks. If it's windy I just feed line and drift away paddling upwind to control the speed. Gotta be willing to lose flies fishing like that but clousers are easy ties. They don't need to be pretty, just durable.
Title: Re: Fly fishing for lingcod
Post by: surf12foot on March 18, 2016, 02:10:28 PM
Golfish have a question for you since your setup is basically same as mine, how do you attach your T-20 to your int. running line. Loop to loop or something else?







Title: Re: Fly fishing for lingcod
Post by: golfish on March 18, 2016, 03:43:13 PM
loop to loop, running line side, triple nail knot small loop on t20 (not a fan of braided loops), small dab of aqua seal or uv knot sense to protect/smooth the transition. albright a piece of 40lb. mono on the other end to your loop of choice, I use triple surgeon. Basically same way I do sink tips for my spey rods.

That said I have been letting the fly shop weld a loop where I would have the triple nail knot on my sink tips. No issues so far and sweet going through the guides. The Airflo T stuff (braided core) welds much better than Rio (mono core) if you ever want to try welding your own, it's not that difficult.

I'll probably hit the 4bay tomorrow too.
Title: Re: Fly fishing for lingcod
Post by: surf12foot on March 18, 2016, 06:54:12 PM
Thanks for the info, pretty much have come down to that way after testing different approaches with lots of lost T-20 out in the big blue. Yes braided loops suck !! Thanks again for the info.                        Scott...
Title: Re: Fly fishing for lingcod
Post by: FishHunt(Ty) on March 24, 2016, 11:09:01 AM
What type of fly lure you use for catching ling cod?
Title: Re: Fly fishing for lingcod
Post by: surf12foot on March 24, 2016, 05:19:12 PM
lots of clousers in the 8-12 in. range, super deceivers, squid type flies
Title: Re: Fly fishing for lingcod
Post by: fishforit on March 24, 2016, 05:38:28 PM
Last year I tied-up 1/2 dozen or so Clousers. I going after it this year. Thank you Scott for the post......
Title: Re: Fly fishing for lingcod
Post by: HG on March 24, 2016, 11:06:14 PM
wow that's pretty cool. I thought salt fly fishing was more of a surface bite.

My ocean setup for lings is mainly an okuma 10wt., echo ion 10/12, int. running line, 26ft T20 and big ass clouser or one of my rubber leg creations. I'd fish a bigger rod if I had it to keep the big ones off the rocks.

I mentally note which wind conditions will fish well for a fly rod on most of my marks. If it's windy I just feed line and drift away paddling upwind to control the speed. Gotta be willing to lose flies fishing like that but clousers are easy ties. They don't need to be pretty, just durable.
Title: Re: Fly fishing for lingcod
Post by: ScottV on March 25, 2016, 07:52:43 PM
wow that's pretty cool. I thought salt fly fishing was more of a surface bite.

That's what everyone thinks. They have no idea we can fish deep with flies.
Title: Re: Fly fishing for lingcod
Post by: wizz on March 26, 2016, 04:16:57 PM
loop to loop, running line side, triple nail knot small loop on t20 (not a fan of braided loops), small dab of aqua seal or uv knot sense to protect/smooth the transition. albright a piece of 40lb. mono on the other end to your loop of choice, I use triple surgeon. Basically same way I do sink tips for my spey rods.

That said I have been letting the fly shop weld a loop where I would have the triple nail knot on my sink tips. No issues so far and sweet going through the guides. The Airflo T stuff (braided core) welds much better than Rio (mono core) if you ever want to try welding your own, it's not that difficult.

I'll probably hit the 4bay tomorrow too.
So are you using 6 feet of 40lbs for leader, or are you using a 6' tapered leader (say 16lbs or so) with a short 40lbs tippet tied with blood or triple surgeons  for toothy critters? Or would you go with straight 6' of 20 or 30lbs maxima (or similar)? I've 30 is about the limit for breaking off on my kayak without sketchiness, and even that's right on the edge. I was thinking of going to 25lbs top shot on my conventional gear for the salmon season for that reason.
Title: Re: Fly fishing for lingcod
Post by: golfish on March 28, 2016, 07:55:21 AM
I use about a 5' piece of 25lb. fluro. for leader, that's  what I do, there are other ways. My setup for fishing targetting RF in the column or on the surface could be different.

I don't worry so much about teeth when fishing RF as I worry about abrasion on leader and head. Gotta pay attention, one bad drift fishing up hill can destroy a nice piece of T20 in an instant. Checking leader and head is important. 
Title: Re: Fly fishing for lingcod
Post by: Scurvy on July 23, 2016, 12:20:04 AM
Gotta pay attention, one bad drift fishing up hill can destroy a nice piece of T20 in an instant. Checking leader and head is important.

Where are you sourcing your T20?  My fly shop only had T14.  Do you make your own heads?

— TIA, Bradley


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Title: Re: Fly fishing for lingcod
Post by: golfish on July 23, 2016, 09:21:19 AM
I don't remember where I got it, if the Cal Fly shop didn't have any I probably got it at The Fly Shop in Redding or the Ashland Fly Shop.

Airflo makes T18 and Rio makes T20. I only make level heads for the heaviest ocean stuff now, most of my T8 to T14 heads have been chopped into sink tips for my steelhead/spey stuff. I've gone to integrated for stripes which is most of my stillwater sinking line stuff.

Title: Re: Fly fishing for lingcod
Post by: Scurvy on March 04, 2017, 09:05:50 AM
My ocean setup for lings is mainly an okuma 10wt., echo ion 10/12, int. running line, 26ft T20 and big ass clouser or one of my rubber leg creations. I'd fish a bigger rod if I had it to keep the big ones off the rocks.

I mentally note which wind conditions will fish well for a fly rod on most of my marks. If it's windy I just feed line and drift away paddling upwind to control the speed. Gotta be willing to lose flies fishing like that but clousers are easy ties. They don't need to be pretty, just durable.
Nice stringer!

I tried my hand at the fly setup at SMC, fishing at 50', and I caught a Blackie in the column, but my 14T integrated line was just too much trouble to get to the bottom. At 9" per second, my countdowns were just too long, and those depths kill the scope of the line on retrieves really fast.

It seems that the fly is limited to pretty shallow water. Thoughts?


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Title: Re: Fly fishing for lingcod
Post by: pindo124 on March 04, 2017, 09:25:30 AM
I couldn't really disagree more than flies are for shallow water only. I typically use T14 also. One thing I often use in the ocean: I cut a piece of T14 6' long, then double it over so it's 3' in length, with a loop on each end. I then loop-to-loop connect to the business end of my 28' T14 head, which is looped to Airflow Ridge intermediate running line. Then loop on 6' of 20 lb flouro (I use 20 lb because I want the leader to break in case of a snag, not the fly line).

The doubled-over piece of T14 pulls the fly line & fly deeper & faster. It also helps to keep a belly out of the line so if you get bit on the way down you know about it.

While kind of a heavy rig, I can cast it OK with either an 8 wt or 9 wt. But if you're fishing deep, you don't have to cast very far - just get most of the line out of the kayak & feed running line.

I regularly fish near the bottom (80-100') at SWS. At HMB, where the water is a lot shallower, I sometimes remove the 6' piece because it sinks too fast. I caught my PB ling at HMB that way.

BTW, SWS opens April 1, and HMB April 15.

Good luck out there.
Bill
Title: Re: Fly fishing for lingcod
Post by: scubaluis on March 05, 2017, 12:16:29 AM
I purchase my fly rod and reel set up last week at the Expo from Bill at Headwaters so I will be trying some fly fishing off my kayak this year.

it looks like fun.
Title: Re: Fly fishing for lingcod
Post by: Scurvy on March 11, 2017, 09:25:46 AM
I couldn't really disagree more than flies are for shallow water only. I typically use T14 also. One thing I often use in the ocean: I cut a piece of T14 6' long, then double it over so it's 3' in length, with a loop on each end. I then loop-to-loop connect to the business end of my 28' T14 head, which is looped to Airflow Ridge intermediate running line. Then loop on 6' of 20 lb flouro (I use 20 lb because I want the leader to break in case of a snag, not the fly line).

The doubled-over piece of T14 pulls the fly line & fly deeper & faster. It also helps to keep a belly out of the line so if you get bit on the way down you know about it.

While kind of a heavy rig, I can cast it OK with either an 8 wt or 9 wt. But if you're fishing deep, you don't have to cast very far - just get most of the line out of the kayak & feed running line.

I regularly fish near the bottom (80-100') at SWS. At HMB, where the water is a lot shallower, I sometimes remove the 6' piece because it sinks too fast. I caught my PB ling at HMB that way.

BTW, SWS opens April 1, and HMB April 15.

Good luck out there.
Bill
Bill, how big are the flies you're using?

Also, I'm not clear on how the doubling of the line makes it sink faster. That whole 6' line is T14 (14"/second), whether it's a straight or doubled over section. Couldn't you add a couple of split shots to the leader and accomplish the same thing without the cost and headache of a looped section of line (after all, you're not going for quality casts)?


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Title: Re: Fly fishing for lingcod
Post by: pindo124 on March 14, 2017, 09:13:45 AM
I'm typically  using standard Flashtail Clousers, basically striper flies. Roughly 4-5" long, including the flash tail. All kinds of colors - you never know what they're going to like.

What I like about the doubled line vs. split shot:
1. It lasts longer. Split shot come off after a while. And you have to keep squeezing them to keep them on. I rarely lose the doubled piece. Sometimes a loop frays & I have to make a new one, but T14 is pretty cheap when purchased in bulk & it's not hard at all to make up the piece. I always have at least one spare when I'm out on the ocean.
2. Loop-to-loop connections makes it quick & easy to remove the 3' doubled piece & reattach your looped leader to the shooting head.
3. Total length of T14 = 34' (28' head + 6' of doubled). This slight reduction in length makes casting a little easier.
4. The doubled piece makes the entire rig sink faster than it would without it, because you have this piece of concentrated weight at the "business end." Try it. It definitely works. I've used it in rivers as well, in place of a sink-tip, by looping the double piece to the end of a floating line.

Bill


Title: Re: Fly fishing for lingcod
Post by: Scurvy on March 25, 2017, 10:39:23 AM
I'm typically  using standard Flashtail Clousers, basically striper flies. Roughly 4-5" long, including the flash tail. All kinds of colors - you never know what they're going to like.

What I like about the doubled line vs. split shot:
1. It lasts longer. Split shot come off after a while. And you have to keep squeezing them to keep them on. I rarely lose the doubled piece. Sometimes a loop frays & I have to make a new one, but T14 is pretty cheap when purchased in bulk & it's not hard at all to make up the piece. I always have at least one spare when I'm out on the ocean.
2. Loop-to-loop connections makes it quick & easy to remove the 3' doubled piece & reattach your looped leader to the shooting head.
3. Total length of T14 = 34' (28' head + 6' of doubled). This slight reduction in length makes casting a little easier.
4. The doubled piece makes the entire rig sink faster than it would without it, because you have this piece of concentrated weight at the "business end." Try it. It definitely works. I've used it in rivers as well, in place of a sink-tip, by looping the double piece to the end of a floating line.

Bill
Bill, thx for the explaino. I'll try it out.


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Title: Re: Fly fishing for lingcod
Post by: Tinker on March 26, 2017, 02:36:00 AM
I couldn't really disagree more than flies are for shallow water only. I typically use T14 also. One thing I often use in the ocean: I cut a piece of T14 6' long, then double it over so it's 3' in length, with a loop on each end. I then loop-to-loop connect to the business end of my 28' T14 head, which is looped to Airflow Ridge intermediate running line. Then loop on 6' of 20 lb flouro (I use 20 lb because I want the leader to break in case of a snag, not the fly line).

Bill, I get the concentrated weight part of how you rig the sink tips, but I'm not quite understanding the "doubled-over with a loop on each end" part.  How are you making the loops in a doubled-over piece of T-14?
Title: Re: Fly fishing for lingcod
Post by: KPD on March 26, 2017, 01:42:41 PM
Thanks for sharing the pictures and tips. You've motivated me enough to consider fly fishing for lings this year. Even if it is basically trolling with lead core line attached to a fly rod.  :smt006
Title: Re: Fly fishing for lingcod
Post by: pindo124 on March 26, 2017, 02:14:41 PM
I couldn't really disagree more than flies are for shallow water only. I typically use T14 also. One thing I often use in the ocean: I cut a piece of T14 6' long, then double it over so it's 3' in length, with a loop on each end. I then loop-to-loop connect to the business end of my 28' T14 head, which is looped to Airflow Ridge intermediate running line. Then loop on 6' of 20 lb flouro (I use 20 lb because I want the leader to break in case of a snag, not the fly line).

Bill, I get the concentrated weight part of how you rig the sink tips, but I'm not quite understanding the "doubled-over with a loop on each end" part.  How are you making the loops in a doubled-over piece of T-14?

I use a series of nail knots, which I usually tie with a fly tying bobbin & 15 lb mono. At the end with the fold, I simply tie a nail knot a couple inches from the loop formed by doubling the piece over. then at the other end I double over one cut end of the 6' piece & make a loop, using 2 nail knots about 1/2" apart, and capturing the other cut end in the 2nd knot. I then add 2 more nail knots, at 1' from each end, to keep the 2 halves together when I'm fishing.

Hope that all makes sense!
Bill
Title: Re: Fly fishing for lingcod
Post by: Tinker on March 26, 2017, 04:13:13 PM
Hope that all makes sense!
Bill

It does, Bill.  Thanks!
- Kevin
Title: Re: Fly fishing for lingcod
Post by: FISHADOW on March 26, 2017, 06:14:12 PM
Pretty cool stuff. Good luck to all the guys goin after it.
Title: Re: Fly fishing for lingcod
Post by: Pushjerk on January 08, 2021, 11:55:05 AM
May I kindly revive this thread?!

New kayak fisherman here, but an avid fly fisherman.

In a recent Central Coast Fly Fishing (Carmel) monthly email newsletter, there was a short article about fishing for Lings on the fly from the rocks at low tide. I was kinda taken aback, didn’t even know that was a thing!

So since recently getting my 2015 Outback, and looking ahead toward rockfish season 2021, much brainstorming has been done! 

I’ve found some great videos on YT by Jay Nicholas out of OR. Some other good stuff around the web. And there are some Great tips so far on this thread.

And I think it was a sign, in today’s daily Trident Fly Fishing fly tying email, a gorgeous squid pattern was featured.
 
Anyway, can’t wait to give this a go come spring in the Monterey area. In the meantime I’ll be at the vise!
Title: Re: Fly fishing for lingcod
Post by: Herefishy on January 08, 2021, 10:37:33 PM
I have caught several ling cod on fly rods 7-10wt at the farralons and in Kodiak. Pretty exciting. Sinking line with streamers.
Title: Re: Fly fishing for lingcod
Post by: FLYAKER65 on January 17, 2021, 08:58:39 PM
May I kindly revive this thread?!

New kayak fisherman here, but an avid fly fisherman.

In a recent Central Coast Fly Fishing (Carmel) monthly email newsletter, there was a short article about fishing for Lings on the fly from the rocks at low tide. I was kinda taken aback, didn’t even know that was a thing!

So since recently getting my 2015 Outback, and looking ahead toward rockfish season 2021, much brainstorming has been done! 

I’ve found some great videos on YT by Jay Nicholas out of OR. Some other good stuff around the web. And there are some Great tips so far on this thread.

And I think it was a sign, in today’s daily Trident Fly Fishing fly tying email, a gorgeous squid pattern was featured.
 
Anyway, can’t wait to give this a go come spring in the Monterey area. In the meantime I’ll be at the vise!

Funny I’m more new to fly fishing but kayak fishing circa 2000...good luck this season and with kayak adventures ahead targeting lings.
I live no where close to the amazing fishery you guys enjoy but have fished on occasion around Big Sur. Anyway, I just wanted to second Pushjerk’s appreciation of this thread. I love to target rock fish and ling as well as Stripers. My distance makes me feel like a lurker amongst you locals but believe me that I really appreciate learning what I can keep up with. Sincere thanks for sharing your
experience and tips for targeting fish with a deep water fly. Sincere thanks and good bit of envy ;)
Great season to all.

IMHO-Fly fishing in general is complete blast and off a kayak it’s easier than I imagined but torturous to command. With all the new gear and skill to develop Im psyched to be hooked. I hope I can contribute in the future.
Cheers