My father-in-law gave me a bamboo fly rod that was gift to him in the sixties, on cardboard tube it is in says it was from Frank W. Rickard, new Brunswick Canada

I found this info on Frank L. Rickard?

http://www.flyfishingnb.com/franklawrencerickard.htm

My father-in-law is avid fly fishermen and ties his own fly's but never used this rod because Frank Rickard was supposedly a famous rod maker, especially in Europe.

Wondering if anyone knows anything about bamboo fly rods, I see they can be valuable but how do you know?

Launched at ARW about 1100 today, went out to the "L", went around to the inlet, caught this monster first cast of 2014, got the January fish out of the way.

Third time I dropped a pile worm down caught this nice split tail, 12" nose to split. After getting the first fish of the year out of the way, headed out to try for sturgeon the rest of the day, no luck with that.

Talked to a lot of people along the wall as I floated by, perch fishing has been the best in years guess the limited season is helping, talked to a couple guys in a boat they caught 5 sharks and a "banjo fish" (halibut?).

There was also lots of people buzzing because word was out a guy caught too sturgeon off the wall the morning, one too long and one a keeper.

Another local I see often out there caught a nice cabezon and a couple perch.

Curious to know what kayak fishing tournament is largest on west coast. Lived on east coast until 18 months ago, fished Jamaica Bay in NY, just south of JFK runways,  three days, around 325 participants.

Perch fishing was very good today, low, low tide. One foot of water at the launch, paddled out about 30 feet from end of ramp before I could slide pedals in.

Went to my favorite perch hole this afternoon with pileworms, very nice 11-12" fish. Tide was just starting to come in, fish were active. Fished for about 90 minutes, no one else on the water.

Have never kept any bay perch before, was going to bring home these three but at last minute decided to let them go, all swam away.

Question is, would you eat perch from the bay especially around the old Alameda naval station?

Fished the rockwall again this morning, out at the first opening, there were at least 100 birds working the water and my fishfinder was full of baitfish, what I am used to seeing back on the Chesapeake Bay.

Caught a lot of fish all small, not having fished here for very long looked like a couple different type perch and possibly very small jack smelt or anchovies? I did try live lining but think there was so much bait fish big fish didn't find my bait.

Anyway fun morning, headed out again tomorrow.

Headed out early tomorrow morning 7:00 - 7:30, winds should be light, max flood at Golden Gate is 0900.

Should mention yesterday a 52" leopard and 20 lb halibut were caught in the area, be good to meet some more Alameda kayakers or anyone else if you get a chance to join

After three months of trying finally caught a halibut, even though it was undersized I am still counting it. Actually caught it while perch fishing entrance to Balena Bay, light weight rod, 4 lb test, just brought him up to take a look maybe 15". Lots of small perch around, used pileworms.

I also headed west up the rock walk looking for sharks or halibut. Drifted down from the first opening in rockwall when I hit the 40 ft hole (even with stern of gray ships) something hit my line hard, I let him run for a while, as soon as I tightened up the drag to try take a turn he pulled harder and snapped the 40 lb line. probably a big ray or shark, fun while it lasted, turned the kayak side ways.

Beautiful on the water, rare summer SF Bay day, light breeze, blue sky, in coming tide.  Caught a glimpse of the America's Cup boats while I was out there.