From Aug 2003

Fly Fishing the Surf

Date: May 05, 2006 at 22:39:23
From: ken, [pool-70-109-217-38.prvdri.east.verizon.net]
Subject: From Aug 2003

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Date: August 14, 2003 at 22:25:04
From: Al P., [159.135.252.64.snet.net]
Subject: Its Better to Give than Retrieve

I find fishing the currents in the surf a constant challenge especially when there are big rocks around. And this year lots of bass have set up shop in these areas. Part of the difficulty in getting these fish is that the flow changes direction several times with each wave. The cresting white water heads downward while the back of the wave heads up. The crash of the wave drives water forward then moments later it is receeding on a different path. And the waves come in one after another. The cacophony of currents takes fly presentation to levels beyond that faced by the best dry fly fisherman. A technique that has brought success this past year is to watch the water's action and pick out a location where the boulders and wave breaks focus the outgoing or receeding current. This current is often fleeting occuring at a spot only during a few waves in a set. Like the rip currents on a sandy beach, a foam line may tip off the path of the receeding water. But three temptations must be resisted for success. First, I resist heading directly for the spot but instead position off to the side of it. This allows for a cast accross the current so the fly can be swung to the fish. Second, I have to restrain my enthusiasm to cast too soon. I try to hold my fire until I see the first signs of the white current's flow. Its this little pause that oftem makes all the difference. When I get it right the fly swims nicely away from me and shore following the water through the boulders. Third, I try to avoid retrieving the fly. Loose line is collected, and a mend may be needed but the fly should be allowed to move seaward. Many bass are tuned into this receeding current and will rise right to the surface to take the drifted fly. This is a situation where its better to give than retrieve.

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