Lost fly rod, San Quentin Report

On 9/28 I had a fly rod/reel yanked into the water by a fish (presumably
a striper) on the Home Depot Side of Bay Front Park (other side
from the Marin Rod/Gun).  The rod is a 3 piece 9wt I built myself,
but what I'd really like to get back is the reel,  an 30 year old
Plfeuger Medalist 1494.5 that has a lot of sentimental value.  The
reel was setup with a blue shooting head, and flat mono running line.

On the fishing front, I got one at the SQ retaining wall, another one
while handflossing a Clouser/leadcore trying to find my rod.

Mike Chin
510-486-5143

How'd this happen?  Did the fish hit a fly dragging in the wake?  
I'm guessing it happened a an inopportune moment.   Would this have been avoided with a rod leash?  Sorry to hear that it happened.

you are the guy with the unique fiberglass boat, right? i have not seen you in a year[i am the guy in san leandro], how has the fishing been?

I found the lost rod/reel at the dawn low tide today, the flats weren't dry, but it was sticking up at a slight angle so I could see the tip above the water. I don't think it was a big fish, it had only pulled it maybe 50yds up the shoreline. Maybe a barbless fly helped the fish shake off.

When I lost the rod, I was trolling my way to the next spot, and I was only holding onto the running line which is slippery flat mono. When the fish hit, the line slipped out of my fingers, and because I neglected to loosen the drag, the whole rig went overboard.

Despite two days under saltwater, after I got the mud and weeds off the reel, it seems to be fine. I'm going to dismantle it and lube everything.

Yes, next time I think I'll use a leash.

Hi Chris, life's been busy, but I've been getting a few stripers. Still looking for my first WFO bait buster for this year, tho...

Mike

What great news, Mike.  I know how those sentimental things give meaning.........
Pat

Wow, I'm glad to hear you actually found it!  What a sense of relief that must have been to see something familiar poking out of the water!
Again, glad all turned out well!

Mike, I also met you before at the San Leandro Marina the same day that Chris CPkayak was there.

Are you still fishing from your Tsunami X15 Surf Ski?  That's still the coolest kayak I've ever seen.

-Chuck

Hey Chuck,

I still paddle the X-1. It's an old design, and don't think it's being made anymore,  and unless you need/enjoy a speedy boat for rough conditions you give up the comforts of the newer plastic kayaks designed for fishing. But someone from my kayak club is selling a used X-1 for $1K if you're interested...

The X-15 is a newer design and probably a better fishing boat, a bit beamier and shorter, and nearly as fast. But they are very hard to find used.


Mike

There is a surfski for sale on craig's list right now.

http://www.craigslist.com/eby/spo/101289090.html
http://www.haydensurf.com

I'm assuming this thing is solid foam, covered in glass. like a giant surfboard. not hollow. unsinkable. but breakable.

I'm real curious, but not $1200 curious.

It's interesting they have skegs.  That is the only way you could stay straight like on that molokai video. otherwise you are going to pearl and
flip for sure.