Barracuda on the Fly (non-yak)

I had to be in southern California last week for a business trip but managed to get out into the harbor near LAX to toss flies from a friends canoe between meetings.   Had a fish on pretty quickly but lost it due to poor line control.  The next one slammed the fly so hard it nearly jerked the rod out of my hand.  The fish went berzerk, running left, then right, diving deep, putting a deep bend in my brand new 6 weight rod.   It was quite a battle, but eventually i landed the 18" barracuda.   The fish were eager for the fly, but kept biting through my leader.   I lost 4 flies to cut leaders, and lost 3 more on long distance releases. 

 I was tired of losing flies and wanted to give my new baitcasting reel and rod a chance.  First cast resulted in a backlash and birdsnest.    I had no idea bait casting rods can be so mean spirited.  I think teh baitcasting rod was jealous of all the action my fly rod was getting.   As i launched my lure for the horizon, the baitcaster reached out and grabbed the tip of my fly rod, which was just barely peeking up above teh canoe's gunwhales.   I was sickened by that quick, soft snapping sound that signals a breaking rod tip. 

That fly rod had a very short, but beautiful life.   

Soon after, the wind kicked up and started splashing waves over the side of our canoe.   The bite had ended and it was time to go. 

The bait caster never got to play.    But, it was a great couple hours on the water.   I am looking forward already for my next trip down to Socal.

Nice fish.  Catching Barracuda on fly rod is quite an experience!  Thanks for the report and pictures.

nice job lawrence.  travelin fisherman as always!

wonder if a clouser tied on a circle hook woulda prevented the chew offs?

Nice work Lawrence, lots of great fishing spots down south.  Hope to see you and Oliver again up my way this year.

Norm

have you tried the rubber flie to line tie? it prevents(mostly) those sharp teeth breaks

Nice report MDR is a great Harbor but tough to fish if you dont know it excpessialy for the Bass. Guys get Butts all day long in there. Look like a beautiful day on the water.

What a fun report...thanks for sharing...
I have quite a few similar fond memories of 'cudas ripping up my tackle...
You've inspired me to try the fly rod next time I'm out on one of those bays...

Way to go! Glad to see you onto some fish. You are due for some good pole karma soon!

Jeff

Thanks for all the replies and suggestions.

Bassmanben:   I am not familiar with the circle hooks for tying clousers.   Will they protect the leader from sharp teeth?   Have to check it out.

Norm:  That's a definite!   Oliver has been asking when we will see Drew again.  Looking forward to coming up again. 

have you tried the rubber flie to line tie? it prevents(mostly) those sharp teeth breaks

Futhel - I dont think I know what that rubber flie to line tie is, but would sure love to know if it will reduce those cut leaders and lost flies.

Sailfish, Rhyak, STeele Leader,  Jeff - thanks, guys.   IT really was a lot of fun out there, tossing flies, getting grabs so hard the line ripped from my hands, and the beautiful weather - unitl the wind made it too tough.

Lawrence, Conrats on all the hookups,  whats not totally cool about catching a Barracuda!!!! Looks like a great time on the water!!

Badog

lawrence,
i know a few guys who have started tying their streamers with circle hooks because circles generally will get the fish in the corner of the mouth/lips.  it has a shorter shaft so it would be more difficult to tie than a normal J style hook. 

if you get the fish in the corner of the mouth then it should help with the biting through of the leader.  unless their teeth bite through the hook =)

thanks, Dave.  Totally cool. 

Ben - I'll give those circle hooks a try.  Was also thinking shorter shank would prevent the tail feathers on deceiver style flies from fouling on the bend.