NorCal Kayak Anglers

Kayak Fishing Zone => Kayak Fly Fishing => Topic started by: surf12foot on August 14, 2015, 09:09:31 AM

Title: Rock and Bottom Fish on the fly
Post by: surf12foot on August 14, 2015, 09:09:31 AM
Thought I would share some Oregon salt fly fishing .Got out yesterday in the salt mostly to test out the fly line that I spliced together. Fishing was OK  lots of small blacks (10"-12") a few in the large size and then I hit Cabby City. Caught 8 Cabbies in a row, from the same spot(16"-18") and 1 green rock fish. Fly line held up but I think more testing is required so I'll be testing it out on salmon later on today.
Title: Re: Rock and Bottom Fish on the fly
Post by: Rock Hopper on August 14, 2015, 09:13:21 AM
Thanks for the OR report!

The green RF is beautiful! Grass RF?
Title: Re: Rock and Bottom Fish on the fly
Post by: & on August 14, 2015, 11:20:59 AM
Is flyfishing from a seated position difficult? 
Title: Re: Rock and Bottom Fish on the fly
Post by: surf12foot on August 14, 2015, 12:06:11 PM
Yes Rock Hopper the green rockfish real name is grass rockfish but the people in my neck of the woods call them green and the blacks are known as black snapper. I use to correct people but it didn't get anywhere except for people getting mad and saying that I don't know my fish species.                                                                             As for casting sitting down no problem at all but in saying that I used a float tube for a little over 42yrs.
Title: Re: Rock and Bottom Fish on the fly
Post by: FisHunter on August 14, 2015, 03:02:20 PM
on the fly....EVERYTHING must feel like a pig!
Them cabbies must have been tugging that line hard! 
Congrats!!
Title: Re: Rock and Bottom Fish on the fly
Post by: Tote on August 14, 2015, 03:18:25 PM
That's awesome.
Next time I fish the salt I will bring a fly rod.
Title: Re: Rock and Bottom Fish on the fly
Post by: Alcim11 on August 14, 2015, 09:39:12 PM
What weight rod and what kind of fly line are you using?  Do you cast out, count down a sink, and strip or jig before the line is straight down? Weighted flies?  I have fished river salmon on a swing using an all lead core shooting head, but it was no fun to cast after a couple of hours.
Thanks

Title: Re: Rock and Bottom Fish on the fly
Post by: surf12foot on August 15, 2015, 07:59:51 AM
The rod is a Beulah 11' 9/10 wt. surf fly rod, the line which I testing out is a sinking running line spliced to 15' of T-20 with 15lb. straight leader of about 3 ft..Most of my flies are weighted(with this set up I get a sink rate of 9"-10" per second). The T-20 at 15ft. =600grs. Just cast out count down strip back in and hold on!
Title: Re: Rock and Bottom Fish on the fly
Post by: Alcim11 on August 15, 2015, 08:38:43 AM
Thanks for the info.  I have fished on the Mendocino coast where the blacks were so thick you could not get your line down without getting hooked up.  I thought that would be a good spot to try fly fishing from my yak for the first time. My 11wt is only 9'. I will try to get used to casting it sitting on the ground.
Bob
Title: Re: Rock and Bottom Fish on the fly
Post by: FishingIsFun on August 15, 2015, 12:37:09 PM
Wow, that is inspirational!  What flies did you use?  Did you make them or buy them?
Title: Re: Rock and Bottom Fish on the fly
Post by: surf12foot on August 15, 2015, 03:31:04 PM
The killer fly of the day was the Trix Jetty Worm Jig(Tomaso's Jetty fly) size 4.
Title: Re: Rock and Bottom Fish on the fly
Post by: surf12foot on August 15, 2015, 03:48:35 PM
Here are a few others that get abused by the fish. They range from #8's up to 6/0
Title: Re: Rock and Bottom Fish on the fly
Post by: Mienboy on August 16, 2015, 04:32:22 PM
Too cool! Thanks for the report and info
Title: Re: Rock and Bottom Fish on the fly
Post by: ScottV on August 20, 2015, 12:43:47 PM
Great post, thanks!!!
Title: Re: Rock and Bottom Fish on the fly
Post by: Fish_ON on September 15, 2015, 05:57:10 PM
So I am a little late to the thread...new to the board.  First off, gorgeous fish and flies...thanks for sharing!  I have been fly fishing for 20 years...never salt though.  Tying for the last few years like crazy.  I had no idea you could bottom fish with a fly rod.  What depth of water were you fishing?  I mean these boys are telling me I need 3-6+ ounces of weight to fish for these fish with conventional rod/reel setup...due to depth, drift, wind and current.  I read your technique and even with 9-10"/sec. sink rate...it would take forever to get to the bottom unless you are fishing shallow right?  Thinking maybe this would only work for suspended schools or shallow reefs/kelp forest?  Any and all help would be appreciated.  PM would be great too.  Thanks either way for your consideration and again for sharing!!!  I am excited at the prospects.

Fish_ON
Title: Re: Rock and Bottom Fish on the fly
Post by: scottymeboy on September 15, 2015, 09:56:15 PM
Good job Man
8 cabs in a row, Wow, now that would be fun :smt007
I've been using some light tackle lately, but fly's ...

Thanks for the Report
Title: Re: Rock and Bottom Fish on the fly
Post by: Lingbo on September 23, 2015, 06:24:31 PM
I bet that's fun!
Title: Re: Rock and Bottom Fish on the fly
Post by: Tinker on December 29, 2015, 01:06:08 AM
Don't let him get started!  I did, and now I'm sitting in a kayak on the front lawn trying to work out an effective cast with a 9wt, fast sinking line and heavy flies (that his flies inspired me to start tying for myself).

suf12foot, I didn't know your Beulah kayak rod was 11 feet long.  Maybe that's why my piddly 9'6" seems to be a PITA to toss more than 40' from the kayak...  I like to blame gear, not my own failings.

Good day out there and nice fish.

Title: Re: Rock and Bottom Fish on the fly
Post by: ScottV on December 29, 2015, 10:49:55 AM
Tinker, your line might not match your rod. I use 9' rods and can throw 60'+ easily in my kayak.
Title: Re: Rock and Bottom Fish on the fly
Post by: Tinker on December 29, 2015, 12:04:36 PM
Tinker, your line might not match your rod. I use 9' rods and can throw 60'+ easily in my kayak.

I'd bet you know what you're doing, whereas I, on the other hand, am dumb, and I may not yet be smart enough to be called dumb.

I can fling a fly 60 feet out the kayak with a 6wt.  The 9wt is new to me, and so too are using a heavy-tipped sinking line and jumbo-sized heavy flies.  At the moment, while I can get a fly out 60 feet or more, only the Lords of Fishing know where the fly is going to land on casts longer than 30-feet.

In fact, a couple of days ago, I dragged the kayak into the front yard to practice and hooked a trophy-sized yucca tree that was holding 30 feet to the right of where I intended the fly to land...

I think that, right now, with this rod, it's a question of leverage when I'm sitting down and balance when I'm in the kayak.  Neither one feels natural to me on its own, and when combined, it's a whole different ball game.

So how are you casting?  I've been trying a Belgian cast, but I have no idea if that's the most effective cast to use from a kayak.
Title: Re: Rock and Bottom Fish on the fly
Post by: FishingForTheCure on December 29, 2015, 12:09:33 PM
Sounds like all my fly experience  :smt044
Title: Re: Rock and Bottom Fish on the fly
Post by: novofish on December 29, 2015, 01:07:41 PM
LoL I pretty much suck at throwing fly lines gracefully, but sometimes the fish just don't care and hammer the offering anyway. :smt003
If you are looking to fill the freezer or exclusively catch huge specimens fly fishing may not be the end-all.
When you do hook up it will be memorable :smt001
Title: Re: Rock and Bottom Fish on the fly
Post by: ScottV on December 29, 2015, 09:28:47 PM

Tinker, your line might not match your rod. I use 9' rods and can throw 60'+ easily in my kayak.

I'd bet you know what you're doing, whereas I, on the other hand, am dumb, and I may not yet be smart enough to be called dumb.

I can fling a fly 60 feet out the kayak with a 6wt.  The 9wt is new to me, and so too are using a heavy-tipped sinking line and jumbo-sized heavy flies.  At the moment, while I can get a fly out 60 feet or more, only the Lords of Fishing know where the fly is going to land on casts longer than 30-feet.

In fact, a couple of days ago, I dragged the kayak into the front yard to practice and hooked a trophy-sized yucca tree that was holding 30 feet to the right of where I intended the fly to land...

I think that, right now, with this rod, it's a question of leverage when I'm sitting down and balance when I'm in the kayak.  Neither one feels natural to me on its own, and when combined, it's a whole different ball game.

So how are you casting?  I've been trying a Belgian cast, but I have no idea if that's the most effective cast to use from a kayak.

I use a standard double haul for casting.

Are you using shooting heads?  I love shooting heads. Maybe we could get together and I can watch you cast. Maybe I can help you out.

I pretty much fish every weekend somewhere. Just let me know if you want to hook up.
Title: Re: Rock and Bottom Fish on the fly
Post by: Tinker on December 30, 2015, 02:37:31 AM
No, I'm not using shooting heads on the 9wt.  I'm using an integrated sinking line - for the first time, ever.

To me, it feels like I have a (relatively) massive amount of weight zipping much too fast way too close to my head, and if I dragged my camera out to get a video of what I'm doing, I'd bet that I'm casting like I'm afraid of the fly (or fond of my ears).  Because I am concerned.  On my very first cast with yarn and split shot, I gave it a heroic heave and bounced the "fly" off the back of my head.

I'd welcome an opportunity for a day on the water with you.  We'll try to connect sometime this year as long as you promise to stay at a safe distance.    :smt004
Title: Re: Rock and Bottom Fish on the fly
Post by: Scurvy on July 23, 2016, 12:46:10 AM
No, I'm not using shooting heads on the 9wt.  I'm using an integrated sinking line - for the first time, ever.


Try using a shooting head style line w/ thin running line.  It's pretty much required for our windy conditions and for distance.  You can make your own shooting heads, but either way it's key to get the head tuned to your rod, and this involves some practice casts to properly locate the line's hinge-point.


Sent from my iPhone using Tapatalk
Title: Re: Rock and Bottom Fish on the fly
Post by: Tinker on July 25, 2016, 05:40:12 AM
Saw the problem right away the other day - I've been using 10-12 foot leaders and there's no loop or turnover with sinking line and T-18 using leaders that long - the fly just drags behind the line...
Title: Re: Rock and Bottom Fish on the fly
Post by: ScottV on August 01, 2016, 09:57:11 AM
Saw the problem right away the other day - I've been using 10-12 foot leaders and there's no loop or turnover with sinking line and T-18 using leaders that long - the fly just drags behind the line...

for saltwater and heavy fly throwing I use short 3'-4' 20 pound mono leaders with maybe a 2 foot butt section of 30.
Title: Re: Rock and Bottom Fish on the fly
Post by: Tinker on August 02, 2016, 03:29:48 AM
I changed to a short 30# leader and short 15# tippet and don't have to duck my head for safety anywhere near as often.

Had a chance to go out with surf12foot and he put me on a decent black rockfish.  And yes, there isn't a lot that compares with taking a rockfish on the fly.  I think my half of the conversation went from "I'm hung in the kelp" to "Fish!" to "I think it's a lingcod!" - but it was only an 18 inch rockfish.  Felt twice that size on a fly rod.

surf12foot does mostly C&R, but that guy could fill two freezers after a day on the water.  Fascinating to watch him.
Title: Re: Rock and Bottom Fish on the fly
Post by: Tinker on March 26, 2017, 04:49:27 PM
Just a follow-up on all the great advice I've received.

I've dialed things in.  I've switched to an intermediate running line with 18' of T-14 (T-18 when needed).  From the sink tip, I'm using a 12" length of 30# Maxima attached with a nail knot, and about 9' of 15# level mono leader to the fly.

The hinges are mostly eliminated and I can pitch a Clouser 50-feet, without hauling, all day without wearing out my shoulder now that suf12foot has taught me to slow down and stop worrying about tight loops.  Thank you, Scott.

This rigging can be a butt-pain when I break off a leader, but the difference in casting is worth it.  I'll work with a loop-to-loop connection from the sink tip to the leader this year.
 
It wasn't a simple transition from fishing for trout with dry flies to fishing for bottom fish, but it's definitely worth the effort.

Thanks to Scurvy and ScottV and surf12foot, I'm addicted...  Thanks, guys.
   
Title: Re: Rock and Bottom Fish on the fly
Post by: ScottV on March 27, 2017, 02:58:10 PM
Good going Tinker.

Isn't it nice to cast a fly rod when the line matches!!  Now go catch some fish and post some pics.
Title: Re: Rock and Bottom Fish on the fly
Post by: golfish on March 27, 2017, 03:23:03 PM
Just a follow-up on all the great advice I've received.

I've dialed things in.  I've switched to an intermediate running line with 18' of T-14 (T-18 when needed).  From the sink tip, I'm using a 12" length of 30# Maxima attached with a nail knot, and about 9' of 15# level mono leader to the fly.

The hinges are mostly eliminated and I can pitch a Clouser 50-feet, without hauling, all day without wearing out my shoulder now that suf12foot has taught me to slow down and stop worrying about tight loops.  Thank you, Scott.

This rigging can be a butt-pain when I break off a leader, but the difference in casting is worth it.  I'll work with a loop-to-loop connection from the sink tip to the leader this year.
 
It wasn't a simple transition from fishing for trout with dry flies to fishing for bottom fish, but it's definitely worth the effort.

Thanks to Scurvy and ScottV and surf12foot, I'm addicted...  Thanks, guys.
   

Port Orford? Was on the dry dock last week, picked up some killer smoked albacore and salmon on the way back from a steelheading trip. Do you launch there? Looks like some killer water on the other side from the picture, there were some whales out there when we were chillin'
Title: Re: Rock and Bottom Fish on the fly
Post by: Tinker on March 27, 2017, 04:16:02 PM
Yeah, I launch from Dock Beach and take advantage of the shelter from the dock.  The coves on the opposite side of the dock can produce lingcod and rockfish, but it can be tough fishing.  The area was totally fished-out - practically a desert - and is just starting to recover, but it should be great in a couple of years.

But I prefer to fish out of Sunset Beach.  Fewer pesky whales...
Title: Re: Rock and Bottom Fish on the fly
Post by: golfish on March 27, 2017, 09:27:12 PM
Yeah, I launch from Dock Beach and take advantage of the shelter from the dock.  The coves on the opposite side of the dock can produce lingcod and rockfish, but it can be tough fishing.  The area was totally fished-out - practically a desert - and is just starting to recover, but it should be great in a couple of years.

But I prefer to fish out of Sunset Beach.  Fewer pesky whales...

cool thanks for info. I stayed at a spot south of GB with a killer little beach launch... someday
Title: Re: Rock and Bottom Fish on the fly
Post by: Tinker on March 27, 2017, 11:05:52 PM
If you get a chance to launch out of Port Orford, drop me a PM.