Fly Fishing at Crabfest?

I was thinking about going out early on either Saturday the 26th or Sunday the 27th. I understand that there are a lot of jacksmelt around Doran beach and as it turns out you can catch those on a fly rod. Anyone interested?

-Bill

I will be there, but not fishing, would like to hear your results. Best of luck with the hookup.

Hey Bill,
I'm up to toss bugs, gonna bring my 7wt.
What flies are you gonna throw?

There's also perch off the beaches....I'd assume anything that looks like a sand crab would do well.  good luck.

Did someone say Points? I mean Perch?
Thanks Art!

Ya they hit minnow type patterns to or shrimp patterns

I'll be flinging my fly rod looking for perch in the surf.  I love fly fishing the surf.  I'll be there Friday through Monday.

It sounds like smaller is better for jacksmelt. I'll be throwing some small clousers and shrimp patterns. I'd be up for fishing the surf for perch too. How heavy a shooting head do you guys usually use off of the beach for perch?

There's calicos and, very rarely, redtails caught from the surf at Doran.

Historically, the calicos prefer ghostshrimp over grubs. Never seen anyone tossin' flies for 'em, though.

The smelt are almost always around.

For the surf I use either a type 8 or t14 shooting head.  I also fish a 3 fly rig using trout type flies in size 6 - 10.  I prefer shooting heads because I can change them out in a matter of seconds, plus they are easy to throw.  I'll post a pic tonight of my surf flies when I get home.

How long is your shooting head?

How long is your shooting head?

My lengths vary.  When we made mine we made them by weight and not length.  It depends on what weight rod you are going to use and your personal casting style.  What most people do is start with 30' and then cut to their casting preference.  Some people like tungsten and others prefer lead core.  It is a personal choice which way you go.

Understood. I just wanted to check lengths because I know that the length of the shooting head can effect casting distance. I was planning on bringing a two handed fly rod designed for surf casting for the perch. I currently have a Rio Outbound short type 6 head (6-7ips sink rate) for it that is rated at 425grains. I just wanted to make sure that this head will sink fast enough for the conditions we might encounter on the beach. I will be bringing a 6 weight and an 8 weight rod for fishing out of the kayak for jacksmelt.

I'll likely be perching at Doran as well.

Allen