Tail Fly Fishing Magazine - Issue #54 July/Aug 2021

FLY FISHING MAGAZINE

The Voice of Saltwater Fly Fishing

West Coast Issue SPONSORED BY

54

JULY/AUGUST 2021

• Spotfin Croaker • Calico Bass • Striper in the Surf • Air Show • Corbina • Island Yellowtail

JULY/AUGUST 2021

TAIL FLY FISHING MAGAZINE 1

Sharks are efficient predators that haven’t changed much in millions of years.

The earliest fossil records of sharks are more than 400 million years old, and the species we know today started appearing between 66 million and 145 million years ago. Built for speed and power, they provide huge thrills for intrepid fly anglers.

Photo: Toucanet 2 TAIL FLY FISHING MAGAZINE

TAIL FLY FISHING MAGAZINE 3

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Imperial Beach, California is the southernmost place on the US West Coast to cast a fly into the Pacific Ocean.

Photo: Apalacian View TAIL FLY FISHING MAGAZINE 5

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the next generation

T&T Ambassadors Jose and Parker Ucan spending time together in their home waters of the Yucatan Peninsula. Legendary guide Jose is patiently imparting his love of fishing to 8 year old son Parker who at such a young age has already landed a Permit on Fly. Handing down our knowledge and passion for the outdoors to the next generation is key to the survival and growth of flyfishing. At T&T we see a world of possibilities out there and believe the next generation should too.

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TAIL FLY FISHING MAGAZINE 7

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TM

GUIDE TESTED.

GUIDE TRUSTED. On the Cover: Photo by Al Quattrocchi

Editor-In-Chief: Joseph Ballarini

Managing Editor: Trey Reid

Acquisitions Editor: George V. Roberts Jr. West Coast Issue

Creative Director: Scott Morrison

Food Editor: Kelli Prescott

Travel Editor: Peter McLeod

West Coast Editor: Al Quattrocchi 54

Consulting Editor: Chico Fernandez C •C B S •A S

Contributing Editors: Andy Mill, Nicky Mill •I Y

Historians: Pete Barrett, Ed Mitchell

Editors-at-Large: Joe Doggett, Mark B. Hatter, Tom Keer, James P. Spica Jr.

Copy Editor: Leila Beasley FLY FISHING MAGAZINE

The Voice of Saltwater Fly Fishing

SPONSORED BY

JULY/AUGUST 2021

• Spotfin roaker alico ass • Striper in the urf ir how • Corbina sland ellowtail

JULY/AUGUST 2021

Creative Contributors: Apalacian View Joseph Ballarini Nicholas Blixt Joe Brennan William Chizek Paul Cronin Noah Davis

Kirk Deeter Bronson Fleig Cole Francis Mark Hanrahan Kelli Prescott Al Quattrocchi Trey Reid

George V. Roberts Jr. Davd Schonzeit John Sherman Ralph Smith Toucanet Elizabeth Wallace, Ph.D. John Wendt

About Tail Fly Fishing Magazine is the voice of saltwater fly fishing in a bimonthly print and digital publication. We focus on delivering high-quality content, the very best photography, destination travel, reputable commentary, and technical features from the saltwater fly fishing culture. Tail Fly Fishing Magazine began as a digital publication in 2012 and debuted as a print magazine in 2016. Combined, the digital and print versions reach readers in more than 45 countries.

In many places throughout the world, fly fishing has become important to both people and the environment. As a method of fishing imbued with values of stewardship and conservation, it connects people with the marine world in significant and positive ways. We, the anglers, are the last line of defense for our outdoor spaces.

Tail Fly Fishing Magazine supports the arts and creativity, conservation, and organizations that trumpet this message. We’re grateful for your support and we welcome photographic and written contributions.

TFFM is published six times annually, and your print subscription includes the digital version. Subscriptions are available through our website. International subscriptions are also available for most countries. Please contact our general mailbox, admin@tailflyfishing.com, with any advertising, subscription, or submission questions.

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TAIL FLY FISHING MAGAZINE 11

CONTENTS 18 22 28 36

INSIDE THE BOX - TFFM Staff Fishing the waters off Southern California, you usually can’t go wrong with Clousers and Deceivers that imitate baitfish like mackerel, sardines, and anchovies. But you’ll also need squid patterns for seasonal action on yellowtail and white sea bass, and chunky sculpins for calico bass around kelp and rocks.

CALIFORNIA CORBINA: SIGHT FISHING THE SURF - Paul Cronin There’s a mysterious fish that eats pink flies in skinny water off SoCal beaches. Looking like the curious offspring of a redfish and bonefish, the corbina prowls shallow breaks for prey, providing sight fishing thrills in the surf. Paul Cronin explains how it’s done.

STRIPERS IN THE SUDS - John Sherman Furious surf. Howling wind. Challenging tides and rips. If surf fishing for striped bass sounds tough, that’s because it is. But the reward is line-stripping fish, a highly stimulating environment, far less fishing pressure—and maybe one of the San Fransisco Bay Area’s most underrated fisheries.

TFFM HOSTED TRAVEL TO BELIZE We took the connection with our readers to the next level with our first hosted trip to Belize.

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40 44 48

THE SURFIN’ MERKIN - Al Quattrocchi and Paul Cronin Q and Cronin are widely considered to be pioneers of corbina fishing on the fly in Southern California.

Cronin developed this fly several years ago, and Q literally wrote the book on corbina. They team up for instructions on this simple but effective surf fly. (We hear it also works on Bahamian bonefish.)

GEAR GUIDE - TFFM Staff It’s all about quality items that will enhance your fishing experience, and this issue’s selections measure up to that standard. We’ve got you covered from the soles of your feet to your ears, plus some highly recommended tackle and accessories.

ORIGIN STORIES AND THE ANGLER’S DILEMMA - Elizabeth Wallace, Ph.D. Dr. Wallace’s third and final installment related to her genetics research for the Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission. She details the origins of superorder Elopomorpha, which includes tarpon, ladyfish, and bonefish, and also delves into bonefish dietary habits.

The pale twilight bathes San Diego Bay in lush golden hues.

Photo: William Chizek

52 58 66 70

THINGS THAT GO BUMP IN THE NIGHT Nicholas Blixt Forget blitzing swirls of fish and the need for visual acuity.

When nighttime fishing for calico (kelp) bass in Southern California, it’s all about feel—or as Nicholas Blixt puts it, “tactile visualization.” Grab a headlamp, a sinking line, and some sculpin flies—and hold on tight.

ON THE PLATE - Kelli Prescott We’re covering the bases with three great summertime meals—shrimp and andouille pasta, steak and frites, and homemade coconut shrimp—so you’re sure to hit a culinary grand slam.

THE NEW LIGHT BEERS - TFFM Staff Is there anything more refreshing than a cold beer on a hot summer day? Of course not. And thanks to the craft brewing juggernaut and more attention on session beers, you no longer have to sacrifice taste for a beer that’s lower in carbs and calories.

GOLD RUSH - Al Quattrocchi Migratory yellowtail kingfish begin to appear in Southern California from late spring through the fall. These are the same fish caught tailing in New Zealand; they’re considered among the strongest fighting fish targeted on the fly.

76 82 84 92

SPOT ON: TRIALS AND TRIBULATIONS OF SPOTFIN CROAKER - Dave Schonzeit The spotfin croaker is a less-popular relative of the corbina. Despite showing up in big schools and feeding in the shallows, they can be a finicky adversary, but also one with a powerful, bull-headed determination.

POEM - Noah Davis This issue’s poetry selection reveals there’s more to a tarpon mouth than meets the eye.

AIRSHOW - Kirk Deeter What possesses ostensibly sane anglers to try to attach themselves via fly line to a quarter-ton shark, half as long as the boat, as the theme from Jaws plays inside their heads? Kirk Deeter explains the fascination and fixation of fly fishing for makos.

UNDERTOW - Joseph Ballarini We only get to choose two of these three things when making the choice to go fishing: time investment, low cost, high quality. Hiring a guide is an expense, but have you ever bought a boat? Here’s a take on both.

TAIL FLY FISHING MAGAZINE 13

— from the editor

With a Little Help from My Friends WHEN GEORGE ROBERTS informed me that he was stepping down as managing editor of Tail Fly Fishing Magazine, I was very concerned about the publication’s future. Covid had all but put us out of business, and now George, who elevated TFFM during his tenure, was leaving.

Things were looking grim. For the first time since starting the magazine, I considered shutting it down.

GEORGE’S VAST EXPERIENCE, his lifelong connections, and his work ethic are irreplaceable. But ironically, as George was preparing to leave, the TFFM team grew stronger than ever.

TREY REID, who had been a contributor, assumed the role of managing editor—with George’s endorsement and encouragement. Trey is no stranger to fly fishing or media in general, but he still remained an unknown commodity besides his great contributions.

DURING THIS TIME another veteran angler and fly tier from New Jersey contacted me via email to set up a phone conversation. He’d been a TFFM fan for many years, he said, and expressed his desire to become a contributor. Al Quattrocchi went on to tell me about his new book and a few of his fly fishing accomplishments. Q, as he’s affectionately known among friends, now resides in Los Angeles and calls the waters of Southern California home. He joined TFFM as West Coast editor in November 2020, adding another veteran voice with decades of experience.

support and proud of what this team is able to accomplish together.

THIS ISSUE is the first example of what this enhanced team can do. Southern California is home to some spectacular fisheries, including some relatively obscure species that many of us have never thought to target on a fly. There are striped bass in northern waters near San Francisco, leopard sharks off the beaches of Malibu, roosters and billfish off the Baja Peninsula.

GEORGE AND I had often discussed West Coast content, but with both of us in the East, we lacked personal connections to make it happen. Q changed that, hopefully forever. This issue offers a first glimpse of fly fishing “over there.” It’s full of stories and photos about fly fishing for species you won’t believe. Even accomplished anglers with diverse experience will discover new options for upcoming trips.

WE WELCOME notable new contributors like Kirk Deeter (editor of Angling Trade, editor-in-chief of TROUT magazine), Paul Cronin, Nicholas Blixt (Patagonia Fly Fishing), and John G. Sherman, and welcome back previous contributors.

WE WILL CONTINUE mixing in content from the West Coast as well as Mexico, Hawaii, the South Pacific, and wherever else the fish lead us. I personally invite West Coast anglers to subscribe, share your stories, and join the thousands of fly anglers who look to Tail Fly Fishing Magazine as the voice of saltwater fly fishing.

TREY TURNED OUT to be not only a solid editor, but also a major influence in many aspects of the publication, including cohosting TFFM trips. And fortunately, George never actually left. He’s now acquisitions editor, and in addition to seeking out great new material, he still lends his discerning eyes and unmatched language and style expertise to the betterment of this magazine.

AS WE SAY with each issue, this one is better than the last.

OUR CORE EDITORIAL TEAM actually grew during a scary period of uncertainty. I’m honored to have such great

Joseph Ballarini Editor-In-Chief

14 TAIL FLY FISHING MAGAZINE

AND LIKE RINGO SINGS, I’m gonna try with a little help from my friends.

TAIL FLY FISHING MAGAZINE 15

R E T A I L E R S C A R R Y T A I L

ALASKA Mossy’s Fly Shop 750 W. Diamond Blvd, Suite 114 Anchorage, AK 99515 907-770-2666 mossysflyshop.com CALIFORNIA Bob Marriott’s Fly Fishing Store 2700 W. Orangethorpe Ave Fullerton, CA 92833 714-525-1827 bobmarriottsflyfishingstore. com

The Angling Company 333 Simonton St Key West, FL 33040 305-292-6306 anglingcompany.com The Tide 26 Grouper Hole Drive Boca Grande, FL 33921 941-964-2417 GEORGIA

COLORADO

ORVIS Atlanta Buckhead Square 3255 Peachtree Rd NE Atlanta, GA 30305 404-841-0093 Orvis.com

Front Range Anglers 2344 Pearl Street Boulder, CO 80302 303-494-1375 frontrangeanglers.com

The Fish Hawk 764 Miami Cir NE #126 Atlanta, GA 30305 404-237-3473 thefishhawk.com

CONNECTICUT

LOUISIANA

The Compleat Angler 541 Boston Post Road Darien, CT 06820 203-655-9400 compleatangleronline.com

Marsh & Bayou Outfitters 2600 Florida St Suite 3 Mandeville, LA 70448 985-869-7335 marshandbayououtfitters.com

FLORIDA

ORVIS Baton Rouge Perkins Rowe, Bldg. H 7601 Bluebonnet Blvd., Ste. 140 Baton Rouge LA 70810 225-757-7286 Orvis.com

239 Flies 3431 Bonita Beach Rd SW Unit #205 Bonita Springs, FL 34134 (239) 908-3513 239flies.com

MARYLAND

Florida Keys Outfitters 81219 Overseas Highway Islamorada, FL 33036 305-664-5432 floridakeysoutfitters.com

Alltackle 2062 Somerville Rd Annapolis, MD 21401 888-810-7283 alltackle.com

Mangrove Outfitters 4111 Tamiami Trail E Naples, FL 34112 239-793-3370 mangroveoutfitters.com

MASSACHUSETTS

Ole Florida Fly Shop 6353 N. Federal Hwy Boca Raton, FL 33487 561-995-1929 olefloridaflyshop.com

The Bear’s Den 34 Robert W. Boyden Rd Taunton, MA 02780 508-977-0700 bearsden.com Kismet Outfitters 204 UPPER MAIN STREET Edgartown, MA 02539 860-944-5225 kismetoutfitters.com

RHODE ISLAND

UTAH

The Saltwater Edge 1037 Aquidneck Ave Middletown, RI 02842 866-793-6733 saltwateredge.com

Fishwest 47 West 10600 South Sandy, UT 84070 fishwest.com 801-617-1225

SOUTH CAROLINA

WASHINGTON

Bay Street Outfitters 825 Bay Street Beaufort, SC 29902 843-524-5250 baystreetoutfitters.com

Peninsula Outfitters 19740 7th Ave NE, Suite 110 Poulsbo, WA 98370 360-394-1599 peninsulaoutfitters.com

ORVIS Charleston 535 King St. Charleston, SC 29403 (854) 999-4985 Orvis.com

The Avid Angler 17171 Bothell Way NE #A272 Lake Forest Park, WA 98155 206-362-4030 avidangler.com

Southern Drawl Outfitters 1533 Fording Island Rd Hilton Head Island, SC 29926 843-705-6010 southerndrawloutfitters.com

WYOMING

TEXAS Bayou City Angler 3641 Westheimer Rd Suite A Houston, TX 77027 832-831-3104 bayoucityangler.com Gordy & Sons Outfitters 22 Waugh Drive Houston, TX 77007 713-333-3474 gordyandsons.com ORVIS Austin 10000 Research Blvd - B04B Austin TX 78759 512-795-8004 Orvis.com ORVIS Houston 5727 Westheimer - Suite A Houston TX 77057 713-783-2111 Orvis.com ORVIS Plano Preston Towne Crossing 2412 Preston Road Suite 200 Plano, TX 75093 972-596-7529 Orvis.com

Lander Fly Shop 305 Main Street Lander, WY 82520 307-438-3439 landerflyshop.com Retail Chains: Barnes & Noble—630 retail locations in the USA Books-A-Million—260 stores in 32 states Bass Pro Shops—95 locations in the USA Dick’s Sporting Goods (select locations)—over 700 stores in the USA Field & Stream Stores—35 locations in the USA Indigo Books—over 200 stores under various banners BAHAMAS Blackfly Lodge Schooner Bay Abaco, Bahamas 904-997-2220 blackflylodge.com CANADA

ORVIS San Antonio 7427 San Pedro Ave. Suite 104 San Antonio, TX 78216 210-812-3017 Orvis.com

Drift Outfitters & Fly Shop 199 Queen St. East Toronto Ontario M5A-1S2 647-347-7370 Driftoutfitters.com

NEW YORK

Sportsman’s Finest 12434 Bee Cave Road Austin, TX 78738 512-263-1888 sportsmansfinest.com

Fish Tales Fly Shop Ltd. #626, 12100 Macleod Trail SE Calgary AB T2J 7G9 Canada 866-640-1273 fishtalesflyshop.com

ORVIS Sandestin 625 Grand Boulevard Ste 101 Sandestin, FL 32550 850-650-2174 Orvis.com

River Bay Outfitters 980 Church St Baldwin, NY 11510 516-415-7748 riverbayoutfitters.com

Swan Point Landing 1723 Cherry Street Suite 4 Rockport, TX 78382 361-729-7926 swanpointlandingflyshop.net

Seven Mile Fly Shop 1638 Overseas Highway Marathon, FL 33050 (305) 440-3406 sevenmileflyshop.com

NORTH CAROLINA

Tailwaters Fly Fishing Co. 1933 E. Levee St Dallas, TX 75207 888-824-5420 tailwatersflyfishing.com

Orlando Outfitters 2814 Corrine Dr Orlando, FL 32803 407-896-8220 orlandooutfitters.com ORVIS Ocean Reef 1 Fishing Village Drive Key Largo FL 33037 305-367-2227 Orvis.com

16 TAIL FLY FISHING MAGAZINE

MONTANA Frontier Anglers 680 N. Montana St Dillion, MT 59725 406-683-5276 frontieranglers.com

OBX on the Fly 107 Sir Walter Raleigh St Manteo, NC 27954 obxonthefly.com

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PELAGIC PATTERNS FOR ISLAND FISHING

by Al Quattrocchi California has several beautiful neighboring offshore islands—like the Coronados off of San Diego, Catalina and Clemente off of Los Angeles, and the Channel Islands off of Santa Barbara—that hold many opportunities for the adventurous fly angler willing to step outside the box. You may need a boat and guide to take you there, but such island adventures are well worth the effort.

Check the tides and try to find good tidal movements off full and new moons for best conditions.

The most predominant baits inhabiting our California shores are mackerel, sardines, anchovies, and squid. Sometimes during the warmer El Niño conditions, red pelagic crabs will float the warm currents of Mexico by the thousands—becoming a very important food source, especially because they are at the mercy of the tidal currents. Casting your flies up-current and letting them swing naturally before adding an occasional twitch will provoke heart-pounding takes by resident calico bass, bonito, and yellowtail.

TAIL FLY FISHING MAGAZINE 19

Another bait we like to fish around

never know what I’ll encounter on

for the islands. I always have at least

rocks and kelp is the sculpin fly. We

the water. I once landed a 36-pound

half a dozen sardine flies with me; big

want these flies to fall, so adding

white sea bass on a Shady Lady Squid

yellowtail eat them like candy. I like

a Fish-Skull sculpin head or heavy

using a clear intermediate fly line

to weight my sardine flies with about

dumbbell eyes tied Clouser-style with

after locating schools of surface-

12 turns of lead wire so they sink.

a rabbit tail, rubber legs, and brush

circling, spawning fish. It was unusual

The bigger yellowtail and calicos will

for the body will do the trick. Because

to witness these large, finicky schools

sheepishly hover under the bait for

they’re fished in nasty places for

of breezing white sea bass, but

easy pickings. Getting the fly to sink

calico bass, use heavy weed guards on

having the squid fly in the box got

naturally and then stripping them

these flies and carry a few in brown

the job done.

back as fast as you can will trigger

and orange, olive and white, and olive and orange.

the larger fish into chasing down the Most of the time in the islands you

fly and killing it.

can’t go wrong by throwing fin bait Other baits are seasonal, like squid,

imitations such as weighted and

Live anchovies are the perfect fly

which prefer the cooler waters of

unweighted mackerel, sardines, and

rod bait to chum with. We prefer

early spring. When the yellowtail

anchovies. Deceiver-style and Clouser-

anchovies when fly fishing because

and white sea bass find these

style flies that match the bait

they are smaller and easier to throw

large schools of squid, they’ll gorge

coloration all work well: Blue-over-

on the fly and you can get more in

themselves and shy away from any

white, olive-over-white, and mint-

a scoop. These days, however, many

other offerings. So when squid show

green-over-white flies will cover most

of the large anchovy schools have

up along the coast it’s a good idea

situations. When the barracuda or

moved offshore, so they aren’t as

to carry some live squid onboard for

bonito show up you may go through

available as they once were. I like to

chumming. You can buy a scoop from

more than a few flies, so use cheap

tie a deep anchovy fly Clouser-style,

the local bait barges or jig some at

synthetic materials like wig hair that

but with the lead dumbbell fastened

night under the lights to fill the bait

won’t dent your pocket and will hold

under the shank. I then tie all of my

well.

up against these toothy species.

materials on top of the shank about

Soaking your squid flies and casting

The sardine is one of the most

hook. I finish with epoxied decal eyes

them with sinking lines is the best

common fin baits you can buy live

on top. This fly pattern sinks like a

way to get them down into the

off the local bait barges. Sardines

rock and has been very effective.

feeding zone. I always carry a couple

are likely what your guide will load

of squid flies in my box because I

into his bait well before you depart

a quarter-inch from the eye of the

20 TAIL FLY FISHING MAGAZINE

PHOTOGRAPHY: MATT HARRIS

“DROP IN ON MILL HOUSE PODCAST AND CATCH HISTORY IN THE MAKING.” - FLIP PALLOT -

WATCH LISTEN AND LEARN AT MILLHOUSEPODCAST.COM / @MILLHOUSEPODCAST TAIL FLY FISHING MAGAZINE 21

CALIFORNIA

by Paul Cronin I’m wandering the beaches again

at an angle and slightly past them.

the bouncing fly, and eventually one

on an early April morning, looking

I’m fishing a fly I developed for sight

lunges ahead of the other to eat.

for California corbina. I walk three

fishing, a bright pink Surfin’ Merkin.

I watch both fish and fly to judge

beaches for about 7 miles, looking

I can see the bug in front of the fish.

when to set the hook. As soon as I

at structure and looking for fish.

A couple of quick strips puts the fly

see the fish lunge and arch its back

The third beach doesn’t show much

right in the distant pair’s path, and

and the pink fly disappear, I know it’s

promise until I’m about to leave. I

I let it sit. My type-6 line is on the

on.

look down and see two corbina sitting

bottom, the bug is anchored, and I

right at my feet like a pair of silver

have a good position.

ghosts. They immediately blow up and run for deeper water.

Immediately both fish blow up and flee to deeper water. The head of

As soon as the fish near the fly

the hooked fish is shaking all the

I start bumping it to look like a

way into the backing. Montana-

Okay. We have some fish here, and

burrowing sand crab, which causes

based Sweetgrass Rods designed

it’s the early season. Soon I see a pair

the fly to kick out puffs of sand, its

this bamboo rod for me, specifically

of fish, then a triple, and finally a

legs simulating the paddle legs on the

for this fish—and it’s a great stick.

pair in the distance. I line up a cast

real thing. Both fish begin to follow

The click-and-pawl reel is screaming

22 TAIL FLY FISHING MAGAZINE

CORBINA SIGHT FISHING THE SURF now, and the bamboo is bouncing

Corbina, which run from California’s

with each shake of the fish’s head

Point Conception down through

us only count fish hooked in the lip.

as I clear the backing. Eventually I

the west coast of Mexico, tend to

A lot of factors need to line up for a

surf the corbina in on the waves and

show up with the mole crab beds in

good shot at sight fishing: good sun

slide it onto the wet sand for release.

the spring as the sand pushes into

overhead, no fog, good structure,

The overhead light brightens the

the beaches. Although the season

low wind, and solid sand crab beds to

purple iridescence of its back and

generally runs from April to August,

hold the fish for a while. But great

the chrome sides. The bright pink fly

the unique and challenging corbina

conditions aren’t guaranteed, so you

looks like a wad of bubble gum stuck

are really only available for surf sight

have to work with what you have;

to the fish’s lip.

casting in the summer. You can fish

when the stars do align, however,

for corbina blind. You can also cast to

sight fishing for corbina can be

This is the season’s first fair-hooked,

suspicious swirls or short sightings—

awesome.

sight-caught corbina—a fish to which

what we call vicinity casting. But the

I’ve been addicted for a very long

real deal is sight casting and actually

I’m always scouting locations, looking

time.

watching corbina eat your bug.

for beaches that are cut up with

Corbina are easy to snag, so most of

structure like buckets or troughs,

TAIL FLY FISHING MAGAZINE 23

which will fill up at different tidal

presentations. My favorite is a trough

that water in with their backs up out

cycles. As corbina push in looking for

that dumps into a bucket and turns

of the water, feed, and then leave

a meal, they’ll pile up in some of this

90 degrees out to the ocean with a

with the tidal recess. Swirls, backs,

structure, which gives the angler a

flat right next to it. The fish will pile

and wagging tails clue anglers to the

better opportunity to present a fly.

up at that corner and hop onto the

presence of fish. Without structure

Scouting multiple beaches at low tide

flat to feed before rolling back to the

like buckets and troughs, you may

can pay off when I find one that is

deeper corner water.

have a short window to present

set up better than others.

before the fish has fed and left.

Some sections of beach will be

Troughs will have lateral current, and

structured more like a flat, and water

Most of us sight fishing for corbina

corbina typically feed into it. Anglers

will push in a sort of sheet. In this

use rods from 4-weight to a 7-weight

can follow a fish and get multiple

situation, fish will sometimes ride

with a variety of lines: 30-foot

24 TAIL FLY FISHING MAGAZINE

For many years we used to fish a spot we shared with an older spin fisherman named Matt. Initially he was a bit grumpy when we took to fly fishing in his area of operation. He fished live sand crabs and wore a hat right out of the Crocodile Dundee movies, so we nicknamed him “Corbina Dundee.” sinking head integrated lines for most situations, intermediate heads for calm days, and in rare instances floating lines.

The fish will swim right over the sunken head. You can use a largertest leader and pull on the fish harder to get them in quick. If you are fishing a sinking line, give it a test cast and see how much the line swings in the current before anchoring in the sand. This will give you a rough idea of how much to lead the fish to avoid presenting the fly on top of them or behind them.

My go-to sight-casting fly is a pink Surfin’ Merkin, which is based on the Merkin permit fly. The Surfin’ Merkin

rods because most of this game is

developed around this fishery over

has been tweaked to make the fly

in close—as in 5-to-30-feet close. No

the years. Initially there were just a

look and act more like a burrowing

kidding. A corbina will sometimes

few of us nuts out there; now there

sand crab. It is also pink (rather than

follow my fly until its head is out of

are more. Those interested in giving

Merkin gray) for improved angler

the water at the sand’s edge before

corbina a try might enjoy my friend

visibility, which doesn’t seem to

eating. So I often have to cast with

Al Quattrocchi’s book The Corbina

bother the fish. You’ll see that bright

part of the fly line’s head still inside

Diaries, which covers the history and

salmon pink at a distance and at

the rod. I’m not casting to the fences

techniques of this game.

some depth in structure. Being able

here, so a slower, more accurate rod

to see the fly and the fish greatly

works better for the close game.

For many years we used to fish a spot we shared with an older spin

improves your odds of getting a grab Sight fishing for corbina in the

fisherman named Matt. Initially he

California surf is by nature a tricky

was a bit grumpy when we took to

I mentioned a bamboo rod earlier;

and local endeavor—and for these

fly fishing in his area of operation.

over the years I’ve migrated to slower

reasons a like-minded community has

He fished live sand crabs and wore

and setting the hook.

TAIL FLY FISHING MAGAZINE 25

a hat right out of the Crocodile

was ping-ponging between a group

presentation. My only option was to

Dundee movies, so we nicknamed

of swimmers on its right and left.

lob out a cast perpendicular to the

him “Corbina Dundee.” One day I

Matt, who had finished fishing, was

fish’s travel—and sure enough, the

was sight fishing a single fish that

busy watching. I couldn’t get a good

fish turned 90 degrees and followed the fly. I kept slowly bumping it all the way to the edge of the waterline, and my fish ate the fly with part of its head out of the water before screaming off to the deep. Laughing, I looked to Matt, who had observed the entire incredible show.

Sight fishing corbina in the surf isn’t easy, but the cool people and the crazy fish keep me coming back. And even if you strike out, you get a nice walk on the beach out of the deal.

Paul Cronin has been fishing local California beaches for 20 years.

When he isn’t fishing, he designs and builds robots in his workshop.

26 TAIL FLY FISHING MAGAZINE

A fly fisherman’s obsession, sight-fishing Southern California’s shallow surf for the elusive corbina.

by Al Quattrocchi

This long-anticipated, 116 page, full color book on one of California’s most misunderstood shallow surf species is now available. Corbina inhabit the shallow surf in the early summer months along California’s most pristine beaches. They can be one of California’s most difficult species to catch on fly and most highly-prized saltwater trophy for any saltwater fly angler.

Order your copy online at:

love2flyfishmedia.com Only $24.95 / softbound.

Published by Love2FlyFish Media, 2020 TAIL FLY FISHING MAGAZINE 27

Stripers in the

s d Su

by John G. Sherman

I open heavy eyes to the persistent sound of my iPhone alarm. The

phone reads 2:30 a.m. What the hell am I doing? After all, I have stripers in my backyard on the California Delta; why am I driving two hours to go chase them? But as I come to, it all starts to make sense again.

It’s August, and it’s going to be 104 degrees at home today. The beach is expecting a high of 58 degrees.

The smell of the salt spray, the cool, damp fog, and most important, the chance to hook a big striper—I’m moving again.

28 TAIL FLY FISHING MAGAZINE

TAIL FLY FISHING MAGAZINE 29

30 TAIL FLY FISHING MAGAZINE

I’m headed to meet my buddy Loren Elliot, who has been consistently on the bite. I arrive at 5:15 a.m. on a turnout on the side of US Highway 101. It’s still pitch dark as we rig up our switch and two-handed rods, step into our boot-foot waders, and slide on our surf jackets. With headlamps we rappel down a steep bank with a rope that is moored to the mountainside. We arrive on the beach as daylight is breaking.

The surf is small for Northern California—just 3 to 5 feet—but still much more formidable than the waters of Southern California. This area is home to Mavericks, one of the biggest surf breaks in the world.

Here the Pacific Ocean still has some bite even in the more docile summer months.

California surf fishing hasn’t been a huge draw for me, mainly because its primary target, the barred surf perch, found up and down the state’s beaches, is basically a saltwater bluegill. Tossing around an 8-weight for a fish that rarely reaches 2 pounds doesn’t exactly pull me to the beach. Stripers in the surf, however, are different. These East Coast transplants can grow to more than 50 pounds, and hunting them in the California surf is similar in catch rate and challenge to steelhead, one of my favorite targets. You must earn every one of them. Factor in the salt water running through their gills, the violence of the surf zone, and the backing you often see when hooked up, and you have a world-class game.

Loren scans the beach looking for troughs and rips—likely areas for ambushing stripers. We hike our way down the beach and begin casting into holding water. Our plan for the

TAIL FLY FISHING MAGAZINE 31

morning incoming tide is sticking

game. Each wave has the potential

parallel to the dry sand; Loren wades

and moving, trying to locate a pod

to knock your fly line out of the

deep, casting long into the Pacific.

or school. The water is rising and

stripping basket; with just one loop

Now I’m wading in ankle-deep water

changing by the minute, and a good

of line sliding out, within seconds

and only casting 40 feet, effectively

trough that begins to appear at a

your entire fly line is behind you on

fishing the trough. The newly formed

creek mouth draws my attention.

its way up the beach. The basket is

river of current sweeps right to left

Loren bombs casts over the crashing

a necessary evil: It influences your

in front of me. Midway through my

waves, aided by the additional length

natural striper strip, but without it

second cast as the fly is swinging

of the two-hander, searching a hole

you are hosed because the churning

across the current, my fly stops. I pull

that sits on the back side of the

waves would tangle your line after

the trigger and set hard, knowing

waves.

every cast.

that my 20-pound test can absorb the swing. Within seconds the fish is gone,

Fly line management is one of the

I wade back to the beach, eyeing

most challenging aspects of this

the newly forming trough running

32 TAIL FLY FISHING MAGAZINE

plowing its way through the churning

surf. I watch approximately 40 feet

surge. I lock my thumbs on the jaw of

of backing leave my reel. After about

Loren’s best beach fish to date, and

a ten-minute battle I begin shuffling

the fist pumps ensue.

up the beach, lurching the striper toward the bank. Loren arrives to

As the tide tops off, we know our

help me land it. It’s a 10-pounder

window has closed. It’s been an

that pulled as hard as any striper

awesome session. From the early

that size ever has for me. Something

morning wake-up to the roar of the

about that ice-cold Pacific salt water,

surf to the ever-changing water

I think. We snap a few pictures, and

to the wave jumping, a Northern

the striper swims back into the surf.

California surf session leaves us

Now the pain of the 2:30 a.m. alarm

overstimulated. So we head to a local

is a distant memory.

restaurant where we can grab some clam chowder and recap our good

About an hour later Loren’s deep

fortune.

wading pays off: He’s tight to a really good fish. This one is a different

Despite the densely populated prime

animal, staying much farther out and

beach spots 50 miles north and

proving a much greater challenge

south of the Golden Gate Bridge,

to turn. After two deep runs and a

California’s surf stripers get relatively

15-minute battle, we see the fish:

light pressure compared with the

He’s pushing 20 pounds—a true surf

more popular striper fisheries of the

trophy. Loren carefully gauges each

California Delta, San Luis Reservoir,

pressing wave and finally gets the big

and Sacramento River. Why? One

fish to slide in with one final wave

reason is the sheer fury of the surf.

TAIL FLY FISHING MAGAZINE 33

This game isn’t easy and can be

role, especially in the afternoons as

dangerous. So it’s always a good idea

the marine layer burns off. And it

to fish with a buddy. George Revel,

can be quite cold year-round on the

owner of San Francisco’s Lost Coast

beach, even in the preferred summer

Outfitters, has even gone as far as

months. Finally, when it comes to

wet wading in the surf—complete

reading the water and understanding

with guard socks and wool base layer

the tides, this fishery has a steep

bottoms and rain jacket—as a safety

learning curve. And yet not one of

measure to avoid swimming with

these hurdles is insurmountable.

waders. Anglers can mitigate some

In the final analysis, this fishery is

of the danger by fishing inside the

simply underrated.

Golden Gate, where they’ll find more protected water. Note, however, that

John G. Sherman is the West Coast

the opportunity to hook a big fish

Sales Representative for Simms, St.

seems to diminish inside the Bay.

Croix, Hatch, Waterworks-Lamson, and Solitude Flies. He’s also a

Lighter pressure might also result

globetrotting angler, freelance

from the fact that fly angling for

photographer, and writer whose

California surf stripers isn’t a big

work can be found on Instagram: @

numbers game, unlike the state’s

johngsherman.

other, more popular striper fisheries.

The wind also plays a significant

34 TAIL FLY FISHING MAGAZINE

PHOTO: WILL STEPHENS

THE NEW ICONIC FLY REEL AMERICAN MADE EXCELLENCE

PROUDLY MADE IN SOUTHERN CALIFORNIA

HATCHOUTDOORS.COM TAIL FLY FISHING MAGAZINE 35

TFFM hosted travel

to Belize

One of the best things about publishing a saltwater fly fishing magazine is sharing our passion with readers. If you’re a TFFM subscriber, you probably also subscribe to our belief that there’s something special about salt water and the creatures that inhabit it, and that using a fly rod and feathered steel to catch fish in this environment provides both challenge and pleasure. This magazine is where our passions intersect—most of the time.

The first Tail Fly Fishing Magazine hosted trip took our shared passion to the next level. It started April 17 on Ambergris Cay, Belize, when we met at El Pescador Lodge in San Pedro. Participants came from Arkansas, California, Florida, Pennsylvania, South Carolina and Texas. Excitement and anticipation bubbled over in all of us.

36 TAIL FLY FISHING MAGAZINE

TAIL FLY FISHING MAGAZINE 37

38 TAIL FLY FISHING MAGAZINE

We fished four days in a tropical paradise, searching for bonefish, tarpon, and permit throughout 400 square miles of breathtakingly beautiful water. Mark Hanrahan put a permit in the books on the first day, John Wendt brought a nice tarpon to the boat on Day Two, and David Fleig capped the trip with a grand slam on the final day.

We also covered a billiards table in fly boxes, put a good dent in the bar’s supply of rum and Belikin, ate delicious food, told wild stories, and made new friends who share our love for fly fishing the salt. It was a singular experience, another intersection of our passions with those of our readers—this time, beyond TFFM’s pages.

We’re all looking forward to our next hosted trip. Stay tuned!

TAIL FLY FISHING MAGAZINE 39

By Al Quattrocchi and Paul Cronin

40 TAIL FLY FISHING MAGAZINE

| The Surfin’ Merkin changed the game for sight fishing corbina in shallow water. It was developed by my friend Paul Cronin of Thousand Oaks, California. It’s based on the popular permit fly developed by legendary guide Steve Huff and the late Del Brown. The Surfin’ Merkin’s main difference is a simplified crisscross tie using thinner EP fibers instead of Aunt Lydia’s Rug Yarn. The fly has no rear hackles. The rubber legs are tied in at the rear of the fly, forming a V when stripped through the soft sand to imitate a fleeing sand crab— as opposed to on top of the fly as in the original pattern. Its greatest attribute is that it lands softly when tied with small bead chain or Dazl-Eyes, and it can be trimmed on the water to accommodate for changing depths and sink rate. I use a loop knot with this fly so it swings naturally and sinks faster. This pattern and similar versions have caught more corbina than any other fly. It’s one you need in your box.

|

—Al Quattrocchi

TAIL FLY FISHING MAGAZINE 41

MATERIALS Hook: Gamakatsu SL11-3H, size 6.

Body: EP Fibers, silver gray or salmon

Step 1: Starting at the hook eye, take

Orange.

Head: Six strands of a hot orange

a base, and then tie in the dumbbell

flash such as Electra Flash.

eyes with tight figure-eight wraps.

Epoxy: Tuffleye Core, then a final

I cinch those down tighter to the

Thread: UTC 140 Fluorescent Fire Eyes: Black-Dazl Eyes 5/32”.

Legs: Gray or silver Sili Legs or

equivalent; three or four strands of tan UV Krystal Flash.

42 TAIL FLY FISHING MAGAZINE

pink.

coat of Hard as Nails.

five or so wraps of thread to create

hook shank by wrapping the thread parallel to the shank at the base of

Step 3: Rotate the hook and tie in

Step 4: With the first bundle locked

coat this with head cement to really

rear of the fly with a single figure-

bundles to fill the rest of the hook

lock things down.

eight wrap. I usually use a bundle of

shank up to the eyes. To avoid having

Step 2: Wrap the thread back to the

material that, when pulled taut, is a

to fight with the prior bundle, I’ll

bend of the hook. Tie in your legs of

bit smaller in diameter than a pencil.

loosely figure-eight wrap the bundle

choice and wrap successive wraps

Cinch the bundle into place with a

farther ahead and then stack it next

tighter while positioning the legs to

couple of tight wraps in front. Don’t

to the prior bundle, locking the fibers

splay out into a V shape. Add four

worry about shape—you’re going to

down with a couple of tight wraps in

strands of tan UV Krystal Flash in the

trim this to size later.

front. When you reach the dumbbell

the eyes. This will help to keep the eyes from spinning over time. I then

the first bundle of EP Fibers at the

center, slightly longer than the legs.

into place, you’ll fasten successive

eyes you’ll have something that looks

1

2

3

4

5

6

like a pink muppet. Trim it to an oval

egg sac at the head.) Tie the flash

and dumbbell eyes liberally with

profile that’s roughly the size of a

off in front of the eyes and trim the

Tuffleye Core (or your UV epoxy of

quarter. You can always trim down

excess. Next, whip finish the fly and

choice). Some epoxy will wick into the

more at the beach.

cut your thread.

base of the EP fibers and further lock

Step 5: Tie in the strands of orange

Step 6: Rotate the fly again so you

Tuffleye curing light to set it. I then

can access the exposed hook shank

wipe the thread wraps down with

and move your thread to in front of

on the other side of the fibers. Now

a cotton swab dipped in isopropyl

the eyes. Figure-eight wrap the flash

pull the fibers down with one hand

alcohol to remove the tacky layer.

over the eyes to cover everything.

to further expose the area. Coat the

To finish off the fly, I coat along the

(This suggests the sand crab’s orange

thread wraps along the hook shank

thread wraps with Hard as Nails.

them in place. Hit the epoxy with the Electra Flash just behind the eyes

TAIL FLY FISHING MAGAZINE 43

GEAR Under Armor Fat Tire T Sandals

Being on or near the water means quality flip flops are a necessity. The Fat Tire T Sandals excel in the three most important categories: durability, comfort, and traction. The sole consists of a rubber Michelin tire tread, which offers grip without slip and superior comfort. Unlike foam flip flops, it feels like you’re wearing an actual sneaker. The 100 percent synthetic construction means they don’t change shape or fit when they’re wet. These are hands down our new favorite flip flops. (underarmour.com) $65

Turtlebox Speaker Much as Yeti turned the cooler world upside down years ago, Texas-based TurtleBox is revolutionizing what it means to listen to music outdoors.

Their fully waterproof, dust-proof, rechargeable, impact-resistant speakers allow you to take your favorite tunes wherever you go. New for 2021, their updated speakers feature a larger amplifier and driver, a five-step battery level indicator, USB-C input and output for charging devices, and a beefed-up internal battery that lasts for more than 50 hours of play time.

You can also pair two TurtleBox speakers for stereo sound. We lived with this thing, playing tunes in the garage, tossing it in the skiff, and using its tie-down anchors to strap it to the ATV while checking trails. It’s awesome. (turtleboxaudio.com) $349

44 TAIL FLY FISHING MAGAZINE

GUIDE Duck Camp Signature Fishing Shirt - Biscayne Bay Plaid

How could we not like this shirt? It’s named after our home waters. It’s also one of the best button-up fishing shirts available. It has some thoughtful details, like a magnetic pocket on the left chest, a sewn-in loop for sunglasses, and a microfiber eyewear cloth sewn into the bottom hem. It’s obvious that the Duck Camp crew listened to anglers and ended up with a great fishing shirt. (duckcamp.com) $89

Thomas & Thomas Sextant The new Sextant from Thomas & Thomas might be their best rod yet.

The fast action makes quick shots almost effortless. It lacks the typical rigidity associated with fast-action rods. The tip is fairly supple, allowing increased sensitivity that helps when loading the rod and stripping.

Compared with some of T&T’s previous sticks, this one has a lot more backbone for fighting fish. We’ve been critical of many fly rods and heaped praise on those we’ve found worthy of accolades. Count this one in the latter category. Great job, T&T. (thomasandthomas.com) $900

TAIL FLY FISHING MAGAZINE 45

GEAR High Camp Firelight Flasks

High Camp’s Firelight Flasks are no ordinary travel-worthy spirits containers. In addition to solid construction and a stylish aesthetic, the Firelight features doublewalled vacuum insulation, so it’s essentially a flask and a Thermos in one nifty package. Whether you’re filling it with cold Mojitos or hot Kahlua-spiked coffee, it keeps your favorite beverages at the right temperature for hours. Crafted from stainless steel, the Firelight series flasks are built to withstand the rigors of an outdoor lifestyle. The “Six Shooter” tumbler has grooves styled like a revolver’s chamber that make it easy to hold, and magnets secure the tumbler to the flask for easy storage. The wide mouth makes it easy to fill, and a no-drip lip makes it easy to pour. There’s also a silicone seal on the cap to prevent leaking. The Firelight 375 holds 12.7 ounces, exactly half a bottle of wine or spirits, while the Firelight 750 holds a whole bottle. The 750 comes with two magnetic flasks—so you can share a tipple with a friend—that attach at each end of the vessel. The 375 measures 7.375 by 3.25 inches and weighs 1 pound. The 750 is 11.75 by 3.25 inches and weighs 29 ounces. Both models are available in silver, copper, and gunmetal colors; the 375 also comes in rose gold. Cool accessories are available. (highcampflasks.com) $85-$125

RIO Products DirectCore Tropical Series Tarpon Line Some anglers will only fish a clear line for tarpon, but RIO has made a big leap forward with its new DirectCore lines. This floating line features a powerful front taper that allows you to throw large flies easily. It’s made of traditional materials, but it has surprisingly low stretch and low memory, and it straightens easily. It also maintains its shape and pliability in tropical heat.

Available in WF9F to WF12F. (rioproducts.com) $120

46 TAIL FLY FISHING MAGAZINE

GUIDE Vedavoo Rod Quivers

If you travel, the Vedavoo Rod Quiver is a must. The padded-vinyl quiver holds four four-piece rods; rod sections slide into pockets on either side of the central leaf. You can then roll the quiver up like a burrito—the 16 rod sections all support one another, so you cannot break them. You also have the option of folding the quiver flat, which allows it to lie on top of carry-on luggage in the overhead bin—no worries that your rods won’t make the connecting flight.

If your rods do have to be checked for some reason, the padding is more than thick enough to protect them. Includes a shoulder strap so you can carry it easily through the airport or down to the dock. All materials sourced in the USA and reclaimed whenever possible. All products are built by hand to order in Central Massachusetts. Vedavoo also makes quivers for glass and Spey rods, with lots of custom color options. (vedavoo.com) $199.95 - $239.95

Marsh Wear Wetland Crew While there are dozens of long-sleeve crews on the market, some of them stand out. The Wetland Crew is one of them. It’s made of an incredibly lightweight fabric and has subtle ventilated underarms, making it comfortable and breathable. It also has rolled seams for comfort, and the thumb loops come in handy for keeping your sleeves down and preventing burned hands from casting all day. (marshwearclothing.com) $45

TAIL FLY FISHING MAGAZINE 47

Origin Stories and the Angler’s Dilemma Everyone loves a great origin story. For bonefishes, it’s a long, fascinating, and somewhat convoluted tale. Earlier in this series, I mentioned bonefishes are related to tarpon, ladyfish, and eels.

This group of fishes, considered a superorder, is Elopomorpha.

by Elizabeth Wallace, Ph.D. When did Elopomorpha first appear?

robust, consensus has finally been

Australia. Laurasia consisted of North

This question has been hotly debated

reached: Elopomorpha is the oldest

America, Europe, Indonesia, and

among ichthyologists. All living bony

group of teleosts. Other groups, such

parts of Asia. Large areas of land we

fishes belong to one of three groups:

as cartilaginous fishes (sharks and

recognize today were under water.

Elopomorpha, Osteoglossomorpha

rays, for example) are older still.

The Tethys Ocean covered northern

(arawana, arapaima, and their

Africa, the Middle East, and southern

kin), or Clupeocephala. For decades

Most estimates date the origin of

Europe—opening as Gondwana and

researchers argued which group of

Elopomorpha from the Late Triassic

Laurasia drifted apart.

teleosts (bony fishes) evolved first.

to the Middle Jurassic epochs, roughly

Early studies based on morphology

237 to 163.5 million years ago. This

How do we determine geologic ages?

suggested Osteoglossomorpha

is obviously a long time ago, and

Time estimates for the origins of

was the oldest. Later genetic

the world looked very different than

a group of organisms are based on

studies consisted of various types

it does today. In fact, during the

two types of data: genetic and the

(mitochondrial or nuclear DNA) and

Jurassic most of the world was the

fossil record. Genetic data is used

amounts of data (number of genes).

Pacific Ocean. The supercontinent

to determine relationships among

These studies proposed all possible

Pangea had broken apart into

members of the group living today,

combinations of relationships among

Gondwana and Laurasia. Gondwana

essentially building a family tree. This

the three groups. As techniques

contained present-day South

allows us to determine which are

improved and datasets became more

America, Africa, Antarctica, India, and

closest relatives (sister species) and

48 TAIL FLY FISHING MAGAZINE

Albula virgata Albula argentea Albula oligolepis Albula koreana Albula goreensis ATL Albula glossodonta

BPP = 1.0

1

Albula vulpes ATL Albula sp. cf. vulpes ATL

BPP 0.95 – 0.99

Albula esuncula

Albuliformes

BPP 0.75 - 0.94

Albula gilberti Albula pacifica

1

Albula nemoptera ATL Histiobranchus bathybius

Anguilliformes

Sy naphobranchus affinis

Albuliformes Sy naphobranchus kaupii

2

Scolecenchely s macroptera Echidna nebulosa Eury phary nx pelecanoides Anguilla rostrata

Anguilliformes Notacanthiformes

Protoanguilla palau Poly acanthonotus challengeri

2

3

Notacanthus chemnitzii Halosauropsis macrochir Pterothrissus gissu

Elopiformes

Megalops atlanticus Megalops cy prinoides Elops smithi

Notacanthiformes

Elops hawaiensis Elops saurus

3

Triassic

Jurassic

Cr etaceous

Elopiformes

Paleogene

Hiodon tergisus

Neo

A time-calibrated bonefish family tree displaying hypothesized relationships among 29 members of Elopomorpha. This reconstruction is based on genetic data and three fossils (identified by the upside-down numbered triangles). Illustration by Elizabeth Wallace, Ph.D.

which are more distant relatives. Some

Examples include Phosphonatator

Atlantic and Indian oceans. Likewise,

fossils can be accurately assigned to a

oxyrhynchus from Morocco and

the Central American Seaway allowed

genus (for example, bonefish, ladyfish,

Albula oweni in England and

fish passage between the Pacific and

or tarpon), and some can be assigned to a reasonably accurate time period

Arkansas.

Jurassic TriassicThese specimens were dated to the Early Paleocene epoch,

Caribbean. It followed stepwise Craetaceous

(based on geographic location, geologic

66 to 56 million years ago. By this

Isthmus of Panama, with final closure

formation, carbon dating, etc.). When

time, land masses as we know them

occurring around 3 million years

combined, genetic and fossil data allow

today were more recognizable. But

ago. Dispersal around the southern

researchers to create a time-calibrated

waterways existed during this time

tip of Africa was even possible until

family tree in which the branches are

that allowed dispersal of marine fish

about 2.5 million years ago, when the

scaled to geologic time. This allows us

between the Pacific, Atlantic, and

coldwater Benguela Current closed

to estimate the time periods in which

Indian oceans that no longer exist

this route to tropical marine species.

certain members first evolved.

today. The Tethys Ocean allowed

The closures of these passages had

closure process with the rise of the

fish passage between the Indian and

profound impacts on the evolution

What do we know about bonefish

Atlantic oceans. It had at least two

of marine species on either side,

from the fossil record? Fossil

periods of closure; the final occurred

essentially sending them on separate

bonefishes have been identified

about 50 million years ago, creating

evolutionary paths—the effects of

in present-day North America, the

the Mediterranean Sea and cutting

which we can still observe today.

Middle East, and Western Europe.

off migration between the tropical

TAIL FLY FISHING MAGAZINE 49

P

What does the bonefish family

species arrived at a different time

to expand our understanding of

tree look like, and what can it

within roughly the past 25 million

Elopomorpha diversity. In 2018,

tell us? This was the focus of

years.

Khalloufi et al. described a new

my dissertation research, and I

early tarpon from the fossil record.

discovered some interesting things.

Beyond identifying dates of

Designated Protarpon boulii sp.

One of the accompanying images

origin, once we have reasonable

nov. (a precursor to Megalops living

is a time-calibrated tree displaying

estimates for a group of organisms,

today), the fossils were discovered

hypothesized relationships among

that knowledge can be applied to

in Morocco and dated between 66

29 members of Elopomorpha. It’s

evaluate potential dispersal routes.

and 61 million years ago. This was

based on genetic data and three fossils (identified by the upside-down, numbered triangles) and includes the mooneye Hiodon tergisus as an outgroup. All 12 known species of living bonefish (genus Albula) were included in this analysis. Branching points indicate the evolution of new species from a

Image source: www.google.com. Map representing land mass and oceanic arrangement during the Late Jurassic epoch (163- 145 Ma). The supercontinents Gondwana and Laurasia are separating.

common ancestor.

Purple error bars reflect uncertainty

For instance, the origin for the

the earliest (Danian) age of the

around the precise dates of these

Atlantic A. nemoptera and its sister

Paleocene epoch and began with

branching points. (Geologic times are

species, A. pacifica (Pacific Ocean),

the Cretaceous-Paleocene extinction

discussed as ranges, because we can’t

suggests migration through the

event. Tarpon are relatively rare

go back in time to know for sure.)

Central American Seaway before its

in the fossil record, with only two

closure around 3 million years ago.

genera: Protarpon and Promegalops.

A lot of information is packed

Though this migration seems to have

In addition to the Morocco site, fossil

into this tree; focus on just the

occurred well before 3 million years

tarpon discovered in England were

bonefishes, however, and one curious

ago, the fossil record documents

dated to between 56 and 49 million

point pops out. The four species

partial closures prior to that date

years ago. Other potential early

of Atlantic bonefish (indicated by

that affected the ability of marine

tarpon fossils from the same time

“ATL” in bold after their names) are

species to use this marine corridor.

period identified in Italy, Denmark,

scattered, rather than all sharing

Other species may have followed

and New Zealand await formal

one branch of the tree. This indicates

different dispersal routes to reach

descriptions.

that they are not each other’s

the Atlantic Ocean. The common

closest relatives. For example, Albula

ancestor of the Atlantic A. vulpes and

The Angler’s Dilemma

vulpes is most closely related to

Indo-Pacific A. glossodonta may have

Now let’s jump forward in time to

A. glossodonta—from the Pacific.

migrated around southern Africa

more practical matters: What flies

In fact, these results indicate four

(about 11 million years ago).

do I need to pursue bonefish? The

different arrival waves of bonefish into the Caribbean/Atlantic; each new

50 TAIL FLY FISHING MAGAZINE

honest answer: It depends. We can Fascinating discoveries continue

establish some practical guidelines,

however, on the basis of our

consists of crustaceans, mollusks,

(including mantis and snapping

understanding of their habitats and

and other benthic fauna; specialized

shrimps and sea cucumbers). These

diets. Many of these guidelines apply

molar-like tooth patches allow them

results suggest diets will vary

to other types of fly fishing, just

to grind up shelled prey. Although

between species in areas where they

as concepts from freshwater trout

these generalities apply to bonefishes

co-occur. In most places, shrimp

fishing like “matching the hatch”

globally, their diets vary among

and crab flies will work well. You’ll

may be applied to saltwater fly

species and will even shift within

likely need a variety of sizes—larger

fishing. In any location, bonefish will

species seasonally and according to

flies for targeting larger fish, for

be feeding on what’s abundant.

local prey availability. This is the main

example—and a range of colors and

First, let’s consider how bonefish habitat can impact fishing. Bonefishes inhabit coastal flats, which can be highly variable: sand, grass, mangroves, hard bottom, and reefs. They have high site fidelity to a home range but forage nomadically within that general area and according to tidal conditions, water temperature,

Image source: www.google.com. Map representing land mass and oceanic arrangement during the Early Paleocene epoch (66-56 Ma). Continents and oceans as we know them today are more recognizable.

predators, and more. No matter

driver of the sometimes-dramatic

patterns to blend in with the natural

where you are fishing, the specific

differences in growth rates and

prey and habitat in each fishing spot.

habitat will vary from site to site—so

maximum sizes that occur among

it’s always good to have options. For

locations for a particular species

It pays to do your homework before

fishing in heavy seagrass, you’ll likely

of bonefish. Feeding also shifts as

heading out fishing. Especially if, in

want weed guards and darker-colored

a fish grows, with older, larger fish

a post-pandemic world, you have big

flies; lighter shades may work better

consuming larger prey items. Young

plans to splurge on a destination

in sandy areas. Other conditions

bonefish feed on smaller prey items,

trip. Local guides have a wealth of

such as water depth, clarity, and

such as polychaetes, amphipods, and

knowledge on the best gear for their

wind will also impact gear selection.

copepods.

waters; rely on their guidance and

To effectively target fish in deeper

bring options for varied conditions.

water, larger and heavier flies will

Although diet studies haven’t been

And the next time you’re out on the

work best. In some areas such as

conducted on every bonefish species,

flats, let your mind wander back in

Hawaii, where fishing is generally

research has been conducted in

time to ponder what life was like for

in deeper water even on the flats,

the Caribbean and Bahamas (on A.

all of those ancestral bonefish.

a sinking fly line may be helpful in

vulpes) and Hawaii (A. glossodonta

addition to sinking flies.

and A. virgata). Donovan et al. (2015) noted that crabs were the most

Bonefishes are benthic predators,

common prey item for A. glossodonta

meaning they feed on things in and

and A. virgata in Hawaii, though

around the sediment. Their diet

A. virgata had a more varied diet

TAIL FLY FISHING MAGAZINE 51

THINGS THAT GO BUMP SOUTHERN CALIFORNIA’S CALICO BASS ON THE FLY

by Nicholas Blixt The calico bass (Paralabrax

the difficulty of catching them

fix among the rocks of SoCal’s inshore

clathratus, also known as kelp bass)

without a boat all but ensures it will

waters, where mottled bronze fish

is a southern California species with

stay that way. I often wonder how

several pounds in size suck down

a range that extends just south to

anglers would rank calicos if the

big sculpin flies and try to bulldog

Mexico and just north to central

species were more widely distributed.

their way to freedom. There’s just

California. Unlike the more familiar

something about targeting bass on

striper, this saltwater bass does not

But forget the details: At the end of

a fly rod: It’s almost never the most

migrate and has not been introduced

the day, the calico is a bass, and if

efficient tool for the trade—far from

anywhere beyond its native waters.

you like chasing bass on the fly, you

it—but it’s so damn fun. I’m not picky

Relatively few fly anglers know of

don’t need to know much more. Many

about the particular species, and

calicos, let alone target them, and

smallmouth junkies have found a new

my world has only gotten larger as

52 TAIL FLY FISHING MAGAZINE

IN THE

NIGHT

I’ve learned of more types of bass in

you cast, you land your fly as close

improve your game. It’s a mindful,

more places. Calicos just happened to

as possible to that structure, barely

deliberate, and often painstakingly

be my gateway drug.

seeing the splash of the fly in the

controlled retrieve, far from the

dark as it hits the water. You feel

absent strip-strip-strip that you

Tactile Visualization

and visualize it descending along

might employ while beating the

You’re on a boat or maybe a standup

the rocks or kelp through a series

banks with a streamer.

paddleboard. It’s nighttime—maybe

of ticks in the finger. This is not

just after dark or just before light.

sight fishing. This is “feel-fishing.” If

The feel changes with the conditions,

You might be in a harbor or along

you’re a proficient enough caster to

but certain characteristics remain

an inshore artificial reef; either way,

land your fly in the right place, this

the same and yet are difficult to

you’re tight to structure. And when

feel becomes what you hone as you

articulate. There are no visual blitzes

TAIL FLY FISHING MAGAZINE 53

of fish crashing bait or slamming

strip or two. Even a fish of a few

during the day. But especially for fly

the surface, but the anticipation

pounds will send a healthy shot of

anglers, these smart, large fish need

while feeling the retrieve makes up

adrenaline through your body as you

to come out of their rocky hideaways

for the lack of visual fireworks. I’ll

grapple with the unknown size in the

and into proximity of our casts and

catch flak for saying it, but I might

depths. Fish farther down will feel

sinking lines. As the sun goes down,

describe it as similar to feeling a jig

larger; aggressive fish will leave you

the odds improve that your fly and

ticking the bottom while tightline

wondering if your fly even managed

those larger fish will meet. With night

nymphing. You feel rocks, drop-offs,

to sink at all before being ambushed

come fewer anglers, fewer boats, less

and eventually a fish. Feel-fishing is

from below.

distraction, and less noise. The wind

tactile visualization.

often seems to subside, and for a We fish at night because we find

few brief hours, you can feel entirely

There is no mistaking it when a fish

larger fish in the dark. Don’t get me

alone in one of the most densely

hits your fly. You almost always think

wrong: People catch large calicos

populated regions of the country.

you have a monster for the first My largest fish to date and most of the large fish caught by others on

54 TAIL FLY FISHING MAGAZINE

my boat have all come in the wee

experience of fighting a large fish

hours of the night. I remember just

almost blindly.

how astounding the pull on that fish felt at first—the sudden, violent

As with most inshore species, we fish

take and the rod bent over into the

tides. The more water movement,

black water. I’m sure that fish would have felt just as special during the daytime, but it’s hard to beat the

YOU FEEL ROCKS, DROPOFFS, AND EVENTUALLY A FISH. FEEL-FISHING IS TACTILE VISUALIZATION. TAIL FLY FISHING MAGAZINE 55

56 TAIL FLY FISHING MAGAZINE

THE FLY NEEDS TO SINK QUICKLY AND CARRY ENOUGH OF A PROFILE TO CATCH THE ATTENTION OF LARGER FISH. BUT DON’T BE SURPRISED WHEN AN 8-INCH FISH STILL MANAGES TO DEVOUR YOUR 6-INCH FLY. Conserving the Calico

the better. Fish will feed actively for

I use integrated sinking lines with

long windows only to get lockjaw

Kevlar loops and 6-foot leaders

as the tide shifts. Moon phases,

tapered down to 20-pound test. I

a species that will try to eat prey

water temperatures, atmospheric

find that any heavier tippet will just

almost as large as itself. The pursuit

pressure—they all matter, until

make flies harder to break off when

of these fish, though, is only as

the pattern breaks and you’re left

stuck, causing either the boat to

viable as the long-term health of

wondering why on this perfect night

spin toward the rocks or the core of

the species. They grow slowly, and

you can’t so much as buy a quarter-

the fly line to give way. As a rule, I

their flaky, mild meat makes them

pound fish. Calicos at least have that

fish weedless flies only. A 100-pound

prime table fare. Keep in mind that

in common with other gamefish:

weed guard does wonders keeping a

an 8-pound fish might be anywhere

You might think you have cracked

fly free from rocks and kelp. The flies

from 20 to 30 years old. Now take a

the code, but you eventually realize

are mostly sculpin patterns, Clousers,

peek at social media: Even for those

there’s still plenty left to mystery.

and various forms of crabs. Orange,

fish that are caught and released,

red, brown, purple, and black tend

you will see angled lip grips, which

Tools of the Trade

to all do the trick—but then again,

create pressure on the lower jaw;

I fish for calicos with everything from

so do chartreuse and hot pink. The

dropped fish; and long exposure to

8- to 12-weight rods—as time goes

fly needs to sink quickly and carry

air. All of these factors increase the

on, though, I find myself reaching

enough of a profile to catch the

mortality rate. I’ve stowed away

more often for the heavier sticks,

attention of larger fish. But don’t be

many an adult fish in my live well

with my 10-weight the favored

surprised when an 8-inch fish still

until predatory sea lions have grown

child of the bunch. We throw heavy

manages to devour your 6-inch fly.

bored and wandered away from my

sinking lines with big, thick flies, and

There’s something special about

boat. Keep calicos in water whenever

a more substantial rod just makes

Even in the dark, I always wear

possible, and make sure they are

this easier, especially when it comes

safety glasses or transparent lens

released close to protective structure.

to chucking flies with sculpin heads.

sunglasses. The flies and lines are

And finally, don’t be afraid of a little

The reel is irrelevant; anyone who

unwieldy, and eventually you will

bass thumb. These guys leave a mark,

takes the time to try and put a large

hit yourself. Better to be prepared.

in more ways than one.

bass on the reel will find that said

It’s also useful to wear a headlamp

bass quickly made its way into its

to aid in fish handling and knot

Nicholas Blixt is a licensed captain

rocky abode and will not come out

tying—bearing in mind that you will

and certified fly casting instructor

willingly. You strip these fish in and

want to keep lights off while fishing

living in Santa Monica, California. He

worry about your mess of line after

to acclimate your eyes as much as

works in marketing on the Patagonia

the fact.

possible to the fly’s target area.

Fish team.

TAIL FLY FISHING MAGAZINE 57

by Kelli Prescott

We’re covering the bases with three great summertime meals, so you’re sure to hit a culinary grand slam when you step in the kitchen.

The menu includes a southern Louisiana-style pasta with shrimp and andouille, steak and frites, and homemade coconut shrimp with a tangy marmalade. Don’t miss the tip for working ahead to make the crispiest—and easiest—golden shoestring fries.

58 TAIL FLY FISHING MAGAZINE

TAIL FLY FISHING MAGAZINE 59

CAJUN PASTA Ingredients

Peel and clean the shrimp and save

on each side, only cooking them

1 lb fettuccine

the shells. Slice andouille and bacon.

halfway through, then set aside with

1 1/2 cups heavy cream

Set aside proteins.

sausage and bacon.

1 stick butter, divided use

In a medium-large saucepan combine

At this point, it’s a good time to get

3 tbsp flour

reserved shrimp shells, milk and

a large pot of salted water boiling for

1/2 cup fresh Parmesan, grated

heavy cream. Simmer on low heat

the pasta.

1 small to medium yellow onion,

for 20 minutes, then strain and set

sliced thin

aside. This is the creamy base for

Using the same pan you used for the

1 red bell pepper, julienned

our pasta sauce. (You can add any

proteins, add sliced yellow onion, bell

3 serrano chiles, deseeded and

leftover shellfish shells you have on

pepper, garlic, and serranos. Sprinkle

julienned

hand. I typically freeze lobster and

on a generous amount of the spice

3 Roma tomatoes, deseeded and

crab shells and use them when I’m

blend and add half a stick of butter.

julienned

making stocks and sauces like this.)

Cook on medium heat for a few

1 cup whole milk

4 green onions, trimmed and roughly

minutes until the vegetables are soft.

chopped

While the cream is infusing, chop and

6 cloves fresh garlic, finely chopped

prep the veggies.

8 oz andouille sausage, sliced (about

Add tomatoes and green onions, the remaining half stick of butter, and

half a link)

Next, mix the ingredients together

4 strips thick cut bacon, roughly

for the spice blend. (The spice blend

chopped

is used to taste, so there may be

When the butter is melted, stir in

1 1/2 lbs jumbo shrimp, peeled and

extra, but that’s okay, you’ll have a

flour and cook for one minute.

deveined (save shells)

great seasoning blend ready to spice up almost anything.)

Spice blend

another pinch of seasoning.

Next, stir in infused cream. Stir so that no clumps of flour remain.

1 tsp cajun spice

Heat a very large skillet over

Cook over medium-low heat until

1 tsp paprika

medium-high. At this point we’re

thickened, then turn the heat off and

1 tsp kosher salt

going to sauté the proteins in

stir in grated parmesan.

1 tsp cracked pepper

batches. First, add the sliced

1 tsp onion powder

andouille, and cook for a couple

Return all of the protein into your

1 tsp dried parsley

minutes on each side until nice color

sauce. The residual heat will finish

1/2 tsp garlic powder

is achieved, then remove and set

cooking the shrimp. At this point,

1/4 tsp cayenne pepper

aside. Next, add the chopped bacon,

taste the sauce and add more

cook until crispy, and remove from

seasoning blend to taste.

pan. (You can put all of the cooked proteins in a bowl together).

When the noodles are cooked, drain them and return to the large pot.

Pat the shrimp dry with paper towels,

Pour the sauce over the noodles and

and season them to your liking with

mix well to combine.

the spice blend. Remove all but about a tablespoon of the bacon grease

Finish with more grated Parmesan

from the skillet, and turn the heat to

and fresh chopped parsley.

high. Sauté the shrimp for a minute

60 TAIL FLY FISHING MAGAZINE

TAIL TAIL FLY FISHING MAGAZINE 61

62 TAIL FLY FISHING MAGAZINE

steak and frites Ingredients

2 1-inch thick ribeyes, well marbled

matchsticks. I sometimes go even

Get a cast iron skillet smoking hot

with large cap section (best to get a

thinner on the cuts; the smaller the

over medium-high heat, then add

steak with 3 sections; see attached

matchstick size, the crispier the end

your steaks. Ribeyes have plenty of

photo)

result. Place the cut potatoes in a

fat, so no extra oil is necessary.

2 tbsp Rufus Teague Steak Rub

large bowl and cover with cold water.

1/2 stick butter

Rinse well and drain. Then cover with

Once a good crust is achieved, flip

3 large russet potatoes

water again and let them soak at

the steaks. Continue cooking until

Vegetable oil for frying

least an hour, preferably 2 to 3 hours,

both sides have a nice crust, then

2 tbsp fresh parsley, finely chopped

and as long as overnight. After the

turn down the heat to medium low,

1/2 cup fresh Parmesan, grated

soak is complete, drain the potatoes

flipping often until the internal temp

3 tbsp white truffle oil

and pat dry with paper towels.

reaches 125 degrees F, then turn the heat off and add half a stick of

1 tsp fine sea salt 1 tsp fresh cracked black pepper

In a large pot, heat oil to 325 degrees

butter cut into small pieces. As the

Fahrenheit, and fry the potatoes in

butter melts, continue flipping the

Horseradish sauce

batches for about 2 to 4 minutes

steaks in the melted better until the

2/3 cup Duke’s mayo

per batch. The goal is to cook the

internal temperature reaches 128

1/4 cup fresh prepared horseradish

fries until tender; the skin will start

to 130 degrees F, then remove the

(in refrigerated section)

to bubble, but no color is achieved.

steaks from pan and let rest.

1 tsp lemon zest

Once the initial fry is complete, drain

1/2 tsp fresh cracked pepper

on paper towels and transfer to the

When the oil for the fries reaches 375

freezer. (I sometimes dedicate a day

degrees F, drop in the frozen prepped

Mix all ingredients together for the

to prepping fries, and make a huge

French fries and cook until golden

horseradish sauce and refrigerate.

batch. Once they freeze, I transfer

brown and crispy.

them into large zip-top bags, so I’ll Cover the steaks and set them on

have frozen prepped French fries

Drain the fries on paper towels, then

the counter while working. We want

ready to go for any occasion.)

transfer to a large bowl and toss with truffle oil, salt, pepper, parsley, and

the steaks up to room temperature to lessen contraction while cooking,

Now it’s time to cook. Season your

resulting in the most tender, flavorful

room temperature steaks liberally

final product.

on both sides with Rufus Teague

Plate the steak and fries and serve

Steak Rub. Heat the oil again to 375

with horseradish sauce.

Next, we’ll prep the French fries.

degrees for the French fries. A big

Don’t worry about cleaning the

pot of oil takes a long time to reach

outside of the potatoes because

cooking temperature, so while it

they’ll be soaked in water. Slice

heats, we’ll cook the steaks.

Parmesan.

russet potatoes first into 1/4-inch discs lengthwise, then into 1/4-inch

TAIL FLY FISHING MAGAZINE 63

coconut shrimp Ingredients

vegetable oil for frying

Combine ingredients for marmalade.

a plate or parchment-lined sheet pan,

20 jumbo Gulf shrimp, butterflied

Add more lime juice or diced serrano

and then place in freezer, uncovered,

with tail left on

to taste. Set aside in refrigerator.

for at least 20 minutes before frying.

Any shrimp not used immediately

1 cup all-purpose flour 1 cup panko breadcrumbs

Set up a breading station for the

can be stored in a sealed bag for two

1 1/2 cups sweetened coconut flakes

shrimp. Place cleaned butterflied

weeks.

1 tsp kosher salt

shrimp in a large bowl with a splash

1 tsp paprika

of water, a good pinch of kosher salt

When ready to fry the shrimp, pour

1/2 tsp cracked black pepper

and crack of black pepper. Arrange

vegetable oil into a medium-large

1/2 tsp onion powder

three more large bowls (I like to use

saucepan until it’s about half full.

1/2 tsp garlic powder

shallow bowls or pie tins, anything

Heat oil to 350 degrees F and fry

1/4 tsp cayenne

with a large surface area). In one

coconut shrimp until golden brown;

1 egg

bowl add flour. In another bowl

it only takes 2 to 3 minutes from

1/2 cup coconut milk (optional)

whisk to combine egg, coconut milk,

partially frozen. While frying, skim

1 cup water

and water (use 1 1/2 cups water if

the oil’s surface with a slotted metal

omitting coconut milk). In the last

spoon to pick up any loose coconut

Marmalade

bowl combine sweetened coconut

that falls off of the shrimp.

3/4 cup orange marmalade

flakes, panko breadcrumbs, and

1/4 cup lime juice (about 2 medium

spices.

towels and serve with marmalade.

limes) 2 tbsp cilantro, finely chopped

Coat each shrimp, starting with

1 serrano chile, deseeded and finely

flour, then into the egg wash, then

chopped

pressingly firmly into the coconut-

1/2 tsp cracked pepper

panko mixture on both sides. Make

1/4 tsp kosher salt

sure it sticks. Put breaded shrimp on

64 TAIL FLY FISHING MAGAZINE

Drain coconut shrimp on paper

PHOTO: JOHN SHERMAN

THE NEW ICONIC FLY REEL AMERICAN MADE EXCELLENCE

PROUDLY MADE IN SOUTHERN CALIFORNIA

HATCHOUTDOORS.COM TAIL FLY FISHING MAGAZINE 65

The New BEERS

TFFM Staff

The dog days of summer are here,

writing, the three biggest-selling

describes a beer that is less than 4

and on a sultry afternoon there are

beers in the US are Bud Light, Coors

or 5 percent alcohol by volume (ABV).

few things more refreshing than a

Light, and Miller Lite, respectively).

Take a trip to Europe and you’ll find

cold brew. As delightful as that may

Even Europe’s best-known low-cal

that beers lighter in alcohol and

be, however, beer is nutritionally

export, Amstel Light, which has been

calories are the rule rather than the

akin to liquid bread: a maltose sugar

available in the States since 1980,

exception. At 4.2 percent ABV and

bomb. Time was when opting for

offers little in the way of flavor.

125 calories, Guinness Stout meets

a beer lower in alcohol, calories, or

the definition and is all the proof

carbs meant settling for a pilsner

Fast forward 40 years, and America’s

anyone needs that beer lighter in

spritzer—heavy on the spritzer—from

craft beer movement is at full

alcohol and calories doesn’t have to

one of the Three Goliath Breweries.

throttle. The backyard-brewers-

be tasteless. Session beers are for

These malt-water milquetoasts

turned-industrial-park-brewers have

people who like to drink beer rather

might let you crush ‘em like Quint,

spent the better part of the last

than stumble around on their patio.

but no serious beer lover would

decade bombarding us with double,

stoop to imbibe in any brew whose

triple, and imperial booze grenades,

Some of the session beers that follow

recommended pairings include

but the pendulum has finally swung.

enjoy a fairly broad distribution,

yard work and field sobriety tests—

but you’re likely to find excellent

regardless of how popular they might

Enter the session. Session beer isn’t

examples of the various styles being

be with the great unwashed (at this

actually a style unto itself; it simply

produced by your local craft brewers.

Notch Session Pils - Notch Brewing Launched in 2010 in Salem, Massachusetts, Notch Brewing bills itself as the first US brewery to focus exclusively on session beers. As they explain, “Session beer has been enjoyed in every great beer brewing nation for centuries, yet in the US it was overlooked. So we set out to brew the world’s classic session styles….” Notch’s Session Pils pays homage to the pale lagers of the Czech Republic, the most popular of which is a 4 percent version known as Desítka. Notch’s rendition is brewed with Pilsner malt, lager yeast, and Saaz hops. The result is crisp, herbal, and hoppy. Notch also brews a couple of great low-impact IPAs. (notchbrewing.com)

66 TAIL FLY FISHING MAGAZINE

Loretta - Oxbow Brewing The beer style known as grisette is the industrial cousin to the Belgian saison. While saison is a type of farmhouse ale traditionally served to agricultural laborers, grisette was the ale that quenched the thirst of Belgian miners. Phillip Markowski, in his book Farmhouse Ales, writes, “Oral accounts of those who remember the old grisettes say they were low-alcohol, light-bodied, saison-like golden ales of no great distinction.”

Although all of the original grisettes have gone the way of the canary cage, a new generation of small breweries is reimagining this rustic golden ale—with great distinction. Among these is Oxbow Brewing of Newcastle, Maine. Oxbow’s rendition of the classic grisette, Loretta (4 percent ABV), is a melange of smells and flavors—tart lemon, spicy wheat, mild straw, funky Belgian yeast—but it’s also a light, crisp, eminently drinkable ale with a dry finish. To enjoy grisette you no longer have to work in a coal mine. (oxbowbeer.com)

Reissdorf Kolsch Privatbrauerei Heinrich Reissdorf Kölsch is a style of beer originating in the Cologne (Köln) area of Germany.

An ale that drinks like a pilsner, kölsch undergoes the same period of cold conditioning that is used to produce lagers. The result is a brilliantly clear, crisp ale that is light on hops bitterness with barely a hint of noble hops fragrance. While a number of US breweries do justice to the style, it pays to sample the genuine article (if for no other reason than comparison).

The Reissdorf Brewery has been brewing its kölsch since 1894, and as a testament to its success, it produces almost nothing else. Reissdorf is also one of the most widely distributed German kölsches in the US and is available in both 12-ounce bottles and 16-ounce cans. At 4.8 percent ABV, this might just be the original lawnmower beer. Best enjoyed in a traditional stange glass. Once you drink Reissdorf, you’ll never go Beck’s. (reissdorf.de)

TAIL FLY FISHING MAGAZINE 67

Wolf Pup Session IPA Golden Road Brewing Craft beer snobs might look down their noses at Los Angeles’ Golden Road Brewing because it’s a subsidiary of Anheuser-Busch. Keep in mind, however, that without a substantial distribution system, all beer is confined to local consumption only. Thanks to AB InBev, you can enjoy Golden Road brews in all 50 states, including their enormously popular Wolf Pup Session IPA. Mich Ultra this ain’t! Complex hop aromas—Simcoe, Chinook, Mosaic, Ekuanot, and Galaxy—emanate from the thick white head capping a slightly hazy gold body.

A clean citrus bitterness complements the bread notes of the grain bill. Rated 94/100 by beerandbrewing.com. With only 100 calories per 12-ounce can, 4 grams of carbs, and 4.5 percent ABV, you can sip on this well into the sultry summer evening. (goldenroad.la)

WellBeing Victory Wheat Sports Brew with Electrolytes WellBeing Brewing Company Nonalcoholic (NA) beers have been around since anyone on staff can remember, and for as long as anyone can remember, they’ve always tasted like crap. The WellBeing Brewing Company is the country’s first brewery dedicated solely to brewing nonalcoholic craft beers. Its standout offering is the Victory Wheat. A 16-ounce can contains only 85 calories and 16 grams of carbs, as well as potassium, sodium, chloride, calcium, and vitamins B1, B5, and B6—with a hint of orange zest. Not since the Puritans has beer been considered a health elixir. And why, you might ask, would anyone want to drink a nonalcoholic beer? How about, for instance, you have to get up at dark-thirty to go fishing. (wellbeingbrewing.com)

Slightly Mighty Lo-Cal IPA Dogfish Head Brewing Slight in calories and mighty in hops, Slightly Mighty IPA uses monk fruit extract—ounce per ounce, sweeter than sugar but with zero calories—to reduce the malt bill and decrease the amount of unfermentable sugars in the wort. The result is a fruity, tropical IPA that’s light-bodied and balanced—with only 95 calories and 3.6 grams of carbs per 12-ounce serving. (dogfish.com)

68 TAIL FLY FISHING MAGAZINE

TAIL FLY FISHING MAGAZINE 69

Q

Gold Rush Q 70 TAIL FLY FISHING FISHING MAGAZINE MAGAZINE

by Al Quattrocchi I grew up in Brooklyn, where we enjoyed fishing for many inshore seasonal species like bluefish, weakfish, blackfish, fluke, and false albacore. But first and foremost, I was a striper guy.

Why are stripers so revered? They are beautiful fish, with dark purplegreen fins and iridescent silver bodies contrasted with dark dotted horizontal lines. When they’re left alone in their natural environment, stripers can grow to enormous proportions. Cow bass will exceed 30 pounds and eat everything in sight.

Smaller bass are great table fare and may be found on the menus of many fine restaurants across the country.

Sure, other species like tuna or big “gator” bluefish may fight harder; but striped bass in the 30-pound-plus class will always be the prize catch of the sane salty fly rodder.

TAIL FLY FISHING MAGAZINE 71

Here on the West Coast, the Pacific

sashimi, there’s nothing sweeter

fly anglers by dogging them deep into

also offers many great inshore

than the fatty belly of hamachi or

underwater rock piles or through the

species to target on the fly rod,

California yellowtail.

corn maze of heavy kelp stringers

including yellowfin and bluefin tuna,

that dot the coastal shoreline.

calico bass, bonito, barracuda, and

Pound for pound, the California

halibut. We even enjoy sight fishing

yellowtail is one of the hardest-

Yellowtail come equipped with hard

skinny water along the beach for

fighting species you will encounter

mouths, and like the striped bass

spotfin croaker, leopard sharks, and

on the fly rod. Once they feel the

they can grow well over 50 pounds.

corbina. But one local species enjoys

steel, yellowtail will instantly peel

Local yellows exceeding 30 pounds

a mystique similar to that of the

line off the reel and bend the fly rod

are commonly called mossbacks,

East Coast’s famed striped bass and

to the butt section. Members of the

and smaller fish under 10 pounds

a reputation as one of California’s

amberjack family, yellowtail are as

we affectionately dub firecrackers.

great gamefish. It is one of the

streamlined as pinstriped hot rods.

The standing all-tackle yellowtail

prettiest, bad-to-the-bone pelagics

They have a top bluish tint over a

world record is 109 pounds caught

patrolling our local inshore kelp beds,

thick gold lateral line, bright yellow

in Japan. The largest current IGFA

underwater pinnacles, and the deep

fins, and a powerful forked tail that

yellowtail on a fly is a 39.8-pound

dropoffs along California’s offshore

will motor off the line like a street

specimen landed at Guadalupe Island

coastal islands. It’s as tough as Mike

dragster. When you hook a yellowtail,

off the west coast of Baja Mexico. It

Tyson, as shiny as a bar of gold, and

pray you are not near underwater

was caught on 16-pound tippet—a

as delicious as the world’s best table

structure—they will run for it

remarkable feat.

fare. Freshly caught and filleted as

instantly. They have wrecked many

72 TAIL FLY FISHING MAGAZINE

I consider any fly-caught yellow over 15 pounds a true trophy. Although yellowtail do inhabit our inshore coastal waters and are commonly caught during the summer months, your best shot at getting that fly rod trophy is grabbing a guide and running across the pond to Catalina Island. Catalina’s beautiful cobalt waters are only 45 minutes by boat from Long Beach harbor across the channel. The island was the playground of legendary angling author Zane Grey, who battled giant marlin and black sea bass on linen lines as flying fish skipped across virgin waters. In fact, Catalina Island holds many trophy species from May through September.

Although there are always a few year-round home guards or local yellowtail during the winter months, as the waters warm off the coast of California we get a migratory push of fish from Mexico; typically these migratory yellowtail will become active around the islands from early April through November.

This migration is related to water temperature and movement of bait.

Every few years California will get a weather pattern called El Niño, which occurs when southern trade winds weaken, creating less cold water upwelling along the Equator. El Niños will push warmer water east toward the California coast. In the past these warmer currents have brought tropical species like yellowtail, tuna, dorado, and even wahoo in droves to California waters and neighboring islands. When we are not in an El Niño pattern, we are usually in La Niña, which produces cooler water.

Both patterns will fish well, but the baits may change: Yellowtail will eat pelagic red crabs and fin baits during

TAIL FLY FISHING MAGAZINE 73

El Niño, and sardines, anchovies,

when the seas are calm, anglers

over productive water or defined

mackerel, and squid during La Niña.

may be able to sight cast to schools

structure. Throwing anchor is not

This is why having a guide with a

of yellows breezing the surface.

an option, so that GPS trolling motor

finger on the pulse of the fishery is

When the water temperatures hit

is a game changer that keeps you

important.

the upper 60s to low 70s, the fish

over deep structure. To create a fish

become very active, schooling and

ladder, throw live baits to bring the

We target these fish with 10-weight

patrolling the steep-water pinnacles

fish up from deeper water. We use

rods and 400-grain sinking shooting

and deep canyons hundreds of yards

sardines to start the ladder. Usually

heads. Tippets are usually 6 to 7

off the island searching for schools

mackerel, bonito, and calicos will

feet with 20- to 30-pound straight

of bait.

find the baits first. Sometimes the

fluorocarbon to the fly. You will be

yellows will sandbag and lie low under

fishing depths from 60 to 120 feet.

To locate fish, look for birds over

the other species. When the yellows

A captain with a GPS-locking trolling

bait—or in very calm conditions, you

decide to come up, they blow up the

motor can hold you over structure

might see breezing fish nervously

surface like lead balls dropped from

and keep you in the game when the

swimming under the surface. It’s

the sky, which will raise your heart

island tidal currents begin to flow.

important to cover water to find the

rate instantly. Sometimes throwing

Deep-soaking flies is a common

most promising real estate. That’s

crease flies with intermediate lines

practice, although in the late spring

when you lock the boat into position

can get the job done. The visual

74 TAIL FLY FISHING MAGAZINE

aspect makes this an exciting way to

cast and let it soak before stripping

some serious side pressure and hard

hook larger fish.

like an orangutan on caffeine.

pulling, she showed color and was

About halfway back to the boat my

landed. It was a fitting end to a long

line stopped like it had hit a rock;

day at the island.

WHEN THE YELLOWS DECIDE TO COME UP, THEY BLOW UP THE SURFACE LIKE LEAD BALLS DROPPED FROM THE SKY

But that’s yellowtail fishing.

On an outing with my friend Vaughn Podmore of SaltyFly Guide Service, we had caught multiple species on the fly by the end of the day, but the prized yellowtail had evaded us.

On the last stop of the afternoon, Captain Vaughn looked over his shoulder and spotted a school of yellows breezing the surface and heading straight for us. “Get ready,” he yelled, throwing a handful of live

Sometimes you find them—and sometimes they find you.

Al Quattrocchi is the West Coast editor for Tail Fly Fishing Magazine.

He has popularized many fun fly fishing events in Southern California, including the One Surf Fly and Carp

sardines overboard. I asked him to

I instantly hit the fish hard with a

Throwdown. He lives in Los Angeles,

switch out my rod for one with a big

sideways strip set and then managed

where he promotes saltwater fly

sardine fly. Yellowtail were blowing

my line and watched my backing

fishing to the general public and

up all around the boat. I threw a long

being dispensed. After 10 minutes of

through local fly fishing clubs.

TAIL FLY FISHING MAGAZINE 75

SPOT TRIALS AND TRIBULATIONS OF SPOTFIN CROAKER

by Dave Schonzeit

It was 8:10 a.m., five hours before

collapses. Your rod straightens. It’s

the day’s high tide. I was sipping

over. There you stand, head down,

coffee on my couch, hopelessly lost

shoulders slumped, struggling to pick

in thought. Like a skipping record,

up the pieces.

my brain was reliving that one fish I donkied the day before, an experience

By 10:15 a.m., the anticipation was

four hours in the making. There were

too much. They wouldn’t be thick for

so many fruitless casts, yielding one

another two hours, but I could scratch

unsuccessful presentation after

a few early opportunities as fish began

another. It’s easy to become lost in

to fill in with the tide. I rigged up my

the monotony of what eventually

rod, loaded my truck, and got on the

feels like an impossible task. But then

road. In a desperate attempt to waste

in the blink of an eye, everything

more time, I hit a drive-thru and got

changes. You get a committed follow.

a machaca burrito. Chewing food

There is that subtle flash of the lips.

thoroughly is a lost art—my attempt

Your line draws taut. Your rod bows

at slow eating failed miserably. With

over. And in that moment, you’re

no reason to continue fighting the

finally connected to something

urge, I grabbed my gear and headed

alive. Neurotransmitters flood your

down to the beach.

brain, and you glory in the ethereal gratification.

High pressure had moved in, forcing out the cloud cover that had persisted

What you don’t know is that it’s all in

the past couple of days. A bright,

vain, and your euphoria is destined

radiant sun beamed down into the

to be pissed on. Just as fast as it

gin-clear water, providing a window

happened, your line falls slack and

into everything transpiring beneath.

76 TAIL FLY FISHING MAGAZINE

T ON TAIL FLY FISHING MAGAZINE 77

78 TAIL FLY FISHING MAGAZINE

WHEN HOOKED, SPOTFIN WILL OFTEN SHAKE THEIR

HEADS IN STERN OPPOSITION. THESE ARE POWERFUL

ADVERSARIES; ON NUMEROUS OCCASIONS I’VE FOUND MYSELF WELL INTO MY BACKING.

Seagulls conversed loudly on the

throbbing head-shakes preceded a

With hordes of feeding fish within

sand, while kamikaze pelicans

blistering run. Finally winning over

a given area, one might assume an

obnoxiously dive-bombed the ocean,

his defiance, I eventually put the

easy conquest. I must admit that I

enveloping mouthfuls of baitfish like

impressive specimen at my feet. I

have taken these croaker incidentally

breaching whales, but in reverse.

was healed.

while blind casting larger, clunkier

Walking parallel to the shore, I

Spotfin croaker (Roncador stearnsii)

this assumption couldn’t be farther

soon got my first shot: Two rotund

are the broad-shouldered, less-

from the truth. Spotfin regularly

spotfin were feeding, not 15 feet

popular cousins of the famed

exercise high levels of scrutiny when

away. I made a good cast but—as

California corbina. Anatomically, their

presented with a fly, humbling even

expected—got totally shined. A

bodies are elongated but stout and

the most patient, seasoned angler.

few more sporadic opportunities

front-heavy. A large black spot covers

You’ll burn through patterns and

arose, but nothing materialized.

the pectoral fin insertion, making

multiple shots at numerous fish

Slowly but surely, the tide continued

them easy to identify. They look the

and not be favored with so much as

waxing, filling the beach’s nooks and

part: a cumbersome creature that

a courteous batting of an eyelash.

crannies. Then, like ghosts out of

will be stubborn and tough to move.

I’ve spent plenty of time on the

nowhere, large numbers of spotfin

Spotfin are perennial in California,

losing end of this learning curve, but

began to appear on the flat. Herds

existing from Mazatlan, Mexico,

perseverance has helped me crack

of fish collectively head-stood to

to Point Conception. They will

the code. Occasionally.

passively graze, while wolf packs

spend their 10- to 15-year lifespans

of aggressors infiltrated the skinny

navigating the coastal beaches, bays,

During these warm summer months,

water. The croaker voraciously gorged

and estuaries.

ample opportunity helps subsidize

patterns. In most cases, however,

themselves, like so many long-haul

the difficulty level. Once you locate

truckers at a wing-eating contest.

When out scouting, typical fish-

fish, shots will be plentiful. The herd

More casts, more rejections: My

holding beach structure is always the

will slowly migrate in a unified ball,

frustration was mounting.

best starting point. Croaker often

bubble-gumming sand to unearth

accumulate in rips, channels, holes,

subterranean mole crabs, worms,

Continuing south, I spotted a pod of

and buckets, showing preference for

and bean clams. You may also see

five or six fish delicately exhuming

higher tide cycles. Spawning season

aggressive fish working the beach’s

some shellfish tapas. Making a short

(June to September) will push large,

ledges and rifts, advancing with

cast, I plopped my fly 5 feet ahead

consolidated schools into the clear

the tidal surge. Just as you would

of them. As they closed in, I began

and tepid food-rich shallows. These

sight fish to any species, lead them

some short, quick strips. Immediately

annual periods mark the zenith of

accordingly. Look to intercept

the lead fish turned and began to

what’s considered the rawest, most

their feeding trajectory without

purposefully track my scurrying

visceral fish-pursuing method, in

breaking their comfortable, relaxed

morsel. In predatory fashion, he nosed

which the fly angler can literally

homeostasis. Here is where you’ll

down and inhaled my bug. I felt an

watch every aspect of the experience

get eats, in the absence of the fish’s

abrupt stop before coming tight. Big,

unfold in real time: sight fishing.

conscience.

TAIL FLY FISHING MAGAZINE 79

When hooked, spotfin will often shake their heads in stern opposition.

These are powerful adversaries; on numerous occasions I’ve found myself well into my backing. Slow, steady pressure will win you the battle, but not before your opponent has blatantly expressed its bullheaded disapproval of you and the overall situation. Congratulations: You now belong to an exclusive club; sometimes it’s better to be disliked.

A 5-weight or 6-weight rod with full-sink fly lines are appropriate, with standard leader lengths and 10-pound fluorocarbon tippets. I tend to gravitate to small, inconspicuous patterns (sizes 4 to 8) that don’t move a ton of water or require high levels of commitment to eat. Most imitate small invertebrates, so swim your bugs accordingly.

Flats-dwelling, fly-caught spotfin don’t typically come easy, but the sweetest fruit grows atop the tallest trees. Things conveniently placed in our laps have a way of quickly losing their allure. Keen fish require passionate pursuers. We are fulfilled through overcoming rejection and conquering adversity, all for the purpose of tapping an ancient, primitive extension of ourselves.

Something innate, our fishing is just a means of employment. We’re all searching, but there is a meeting of minds amongst those who’ve found it collectively in the wetting of our toes and the tugging of a fish.

Dave Schonzeit is a new West Coast contributor to Tail Fly Fishing Magazine. He’s an avid surf angler along San Diego’s beaches and cohosts the Beer, Fly Fishing & Food podcast.

80 TAIL FLY FISHING MAGAZINE

IT’S ABOUT TIME . . .

JT VAN ZANDT

BUILT FOR LIFE www.seaholmautomatic.com

TAIL FLY FISHING MAGAZINE 81

At Night, I Dream of Tarpon Mouths

by Noah Davis Because I believe I could disappear down one of their throats if I fell off the boat and spend the rest of my days peering out at the world rimmed by the fish’s lips, which I have only felt once after my fly and line tethered us together in a common fatigue and that meeting did not raise fear in my chest, only my breath that never found a common cadence with the red gills, which is to be expected here in the sea with a fish as big as me and the scales so bright I could hardly bring myself to touch them.

82 TAIL FLY FISHING MAGAZINE

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HATCHOUTDOORS.COM TAIL FLY FISHING MAGAZINE 83

AIR SHOW

By Kirk Deeter

84 TAIL FLY FISHING MAGAZINE

Giant mako sharks will test everything about a fly angler … most important, their sanity.

“We really should know better by

now and then as we rocked on swells

“Nah, you’d better start us off,

now,” I muttered to Conway Bowman.

under bright July skies somewhere

Conway, I need to remember how it’s

“We’re smarter than this, aren’t we?”

near Catalina Island off the Southern

done.”

California coast.

“Yeah … but isn’t she beautiful?” he answered.

“She” was a roughly 600-pound

The truth is, I remembered very “You guys going to cast at that one?”

clearly how it was done. I was just

Al Quattrocchi asked with a chuckle,

too afraid to do it.

camera in hand.

shortfin mako shark—probably “debutante” age for a mako—gliding

I’d caught makos on flies with “Still thinking about it,” I said.

ominously around Jack Vincent’s

Bowman for nearly 15 years off and on. It all started when I was working

boat. Undoubtedly gorgeous with

“Aw, c’mon, K.D., give it a shot,”

on a book, which later evolved into a

shimmering skin, she expended little

Conway prodded, as he tried to press

story for Field & Stream magazine.

effort other than to gnaw on the

a chunky custom fly rod into my

I’d heard about this dude from San

zinc anodes on the outboards every

clenched hands.

Diego who had made a name for

TAIL FLY FISHING MAGAZINE 85

himself catching sharks with flies.

Because the underwater canyons off Mission Bay are prime breeding areas for makos, the sharks tended to be smaller (50 to 200 pounds), even more manageable, if you consider tying into an apex predator that can burst away at 50 miles per hour and catapult itself two or three times its body length above the ocean surface “manageable.” I likened it to latching onto an NFL wide receiver, only the shark swims twice as fast as a pro football player runs, and then jumps over the crossbar a few times after scoring a touchdown.

Those first forays with Bowman ultimately reached a crescendo when he hooked one from a kayak (it seemed like a good idea—at least for the story—at the time) and rode off toward Japan for a half hour or so until the shark mercifully broke the leader with a slash of its tail, and

86 TAIL FLY FISHING MAGAZINE

we all called it good and headed to

Who really knows? It was a custom

puking. Anyone who is even a little

safe harbor for a round of Mai Tais.

mako-weight rod).

bit prone to any form of seasickness

The story worked; it lifted both our

will feel it on a mako charter,

careers a bit, and Conway and I have

At that point, seeing the mako

been fast friends ever since.

game upsized to absurdly giant

guaranteed.

proportions, it became clear that I

Sometimes it takes minutes; other

If it’s true for anglers that the “the

had reached the last exit on the fly

times it takes hours or doesn’t

tug is the drug,” mako shark fishing

fishing highway of reason, the last

happen at all. Sometimes, when it

is a very difficult habit to break. I

whistle-stop on the train tracks of

does happen, you see that stubby

couldn’t stop thinking about it and

intelligence, the end of sanity road.

little fin barreling up the slick from

couldn’t stop replaying the highlight

just enough distance to start the

reels of massive crashes and leaps in

Of course, everything about fly

Jaws music rolling in your head. But

my dreams, over and over. I certainly

fishing for makos on any level has

more often than not, since you’re

wasn’t the first writer to take a shine

an eerie, almost creepy edge. It’s

typically on water several hundred

to makos. Even going back

feet or more deep, the shark

to the legends like Zane

is just suddenly … there. And

Grey, John Steinbeck,

when they’re a quarter-ton

and others, makos have

or more, and half as long as

figured prominently in

the boat you’re on, that’ll

many compelling angling

make the hairs on your arms

narratives. But catching

stand up no matter how

them on a fly rod didn’t

many times you’ve seen that

just twist the plot, it

before.

disfigured it.

Next starts the work of the And, as anglers and fish-

“picador.” With the shark

story tellers are wont to

in the slick and circling the

do, they always go looking

boat, somebody shows it a

for bigger.

dead bait, usually a mackerel slung with a bait caster. As in

Bowman and his captain

a bullfight, the idea is to get

comrades started seeing

the animal all crazy, chasing

larger makos through the years (they

like you have to enjoy horror films

and charging at something it cannot

think at least partly due to warming

to really get into this deal. And that

ultimately grab. When the moment is

currents), and eventually, Conway got

starts with how the creatures show

right, the angler flops the cast (mako

wind of a fairly consistent summer

up in the first place.

fly casts are ugly, utilitarian heaves;

situation off Catalina where 700,

you just want the fly out there

800-plus-pound makos were showing

After a kidney-crunching boat ride

somewhere away from the boat).

up in decent numbers.

for about an hour or so, you kill the

Having made the quintessential bait-

engine and drop the chum (either a

and-switch move, the shark sees the

Which is how I eventually ended up

pre-mixed bucket from the marina

fly it can grab, picks it up, and….

in Captain Jack’s boat, staring at

or a tuna carcass from the dumpster

“Debbie Debutante” with Q pointing

behind the sushi restaurant) over the

a lens over my shoulder, and Bowman

side and start waiting. This is often

getting ready to throw an 18-inch-

a time of jokes and chatter—not so

At this point, it’s important to let

long flesh fly on a piano wire leader

much born out of anticipation as

the shark chew on the fly a bit,

from a shortened, stout fly rod with a

much as it is an exercise to equalize

hopefully swimming away from the

fighting butt (14-weight? 16-weight?

balance in the swells and refrain from

boat. Because makos are known for

Not yet.

TAIL FLY FISHING MAGAZINE 87

But then again, we weren’t chasing any records.

We were chasing jumps. Because that visual spectacle of a mako leaping is worth all the bloody knuckles anyone can stand.

88 TAIL FLY FISHING MAGAZINE

TAIL FLY FISHING MAGAZINE 89

their acrobatics, you must ensure

Because mako sharks are built for

sink into flesh on the first go. That’s

the shark is swimming at an angle

killing other fast-swimming fish

how it happened with Bowman and

that won’t make that first jump

like tuna and billfish, their mouths

that first cast; the shark “spit” the fly.

land on you. Once the track is right,

feature redundant rows of razor-

the angler gives a few hard pulls on

sharp teeth that can deliver a mortal

The good news is that because makos

the fly line, à la tarpon or sailfish

bite at high speeds. Problem is,

are apex predators, and they are

hooksets, and….

those teeth are like a grill guarding

used to sharp, spiny, crunchy things

against the hook and it’s a crapshoot

sticking them in the mouth en route

whether or not the fly will actually

to the hereafter, the mako is usually

That often doesn’t work.

unfazed, and often only angrier.

Conway’s shark indeed came back for another bite, and this time everything lined up and the hookset was true. The reel started purring, low and steady as line peeled toward the bumpy horizon.

“Wait … wait!” Conway said. “She doesn’t even know she’s hooked yet.”

And with those words barely out of his mouth, things started to get interesting.

Like a drag racer shifting gears, we could all hear the intensity heighten as the reel pitched higher … then higher … now screaming … now higher… then …

90 TAIL FLY FISHING MAGAZINE

Boom! A thunderous jump—not

Then we did it again.

where the line pointed, rather a good 50 yards to the side. Then another

And again. And again. All catch and

flamboyant cartwheel landed back

release. For two more days. Trading

in the water like a steel girder

turns, Conway, Q, and I chummed

falling from the sky. We gasped. We

in one behemoth after the other,

shouted. Q’s shutter fired away. We

then proceeded to break every IGFA

counted seven jumps in all.

rule in the book—we cranked up the motor and chased down the fish, we

I could tell you that the air show

handed the rod off from one angler to

went on and on, but that would be a

another, we called the fish “caught”

lie. What really unfolded from that

when the leader got close enough to

point was a grueling, sweaty grind

the boat to cut rather than get inside

that lasted an hour or so, and ended

the top guide on the fly rod.

in stalemate. Like two bullies after a schoolyard fight, all the angler and

But then again, we weren’t chasing

shark seemed to want to do was

any records. We were chasing jumps.

pick up their pride and head off in

Because that visual spectacle of a

separate directions. So we cut the

mako leaping is worth all the bloody

leader. Conway slumped to the deck.

knuckles anyone can stand. That’s all

We sprinkled some cool fresh water

you’re really chasing. The jumps. And

on him.

once you see and experience them,

they get recorded in your memory forever.

Back at the marina at the end of it all, Bowman prodded that there was one more stop for me on the mako continuum to be had: a 1,000-pounder, caught and released, legit, on the fly.

I just smiled and shook my head.

Indeed, I should know better and be smarter by now.

But yeah, sure. Sign me up. I’ll go.

Kirk Deeter is the editor of Angling Trade, and the editor-in-chief of TROUT magazine. He is also an editor-at-large for Field & Stream and the author of seven books.

He’s chased fishing stories on five continents and three oceans.

TAIL FLY FISHING MAGAZINE 91

Wake up at 5 a.m. and check the marine radar and forecast. Grab

by Joseph Ballarini

I recall days of showing up at the

You might think that owning a

boat bag in hand. I didn’t check the

skiff and living in southeast Florida

forecast or tides and didn’t even

would afford you unlimited fishing

bring rain gear most of the time. The

opportunities and the ability

guide will handle everything. They’ll

to watch each sunset seated

have whatever I may have forgotten.

comfortably on the poling platform

After all, that’s what they do.

marina at 7:30ish, well rested and

while sipping a beer. The reality is much different: I spend far less time

Just as carefree upon return, I would

fishing since I purchased my boat.

unload my gear, pay my fee, and drive away thinking about where to stop

After tallying the cost of guides

for a cocktail and snack.

and lodges, I thought the price of admission was too high, so I bought a

What a great day, right?

boat. My calculations didn’t consider everything.

92 TAIL FLY FISHING MAGAZINE

The new reality is more like this:

some coffee and a snack, load the truck, and roll out.

Get to the marina at 5:40 a.m., put the trailer on the truck, and drive to the shitty gas station that always smells like pickles and pork rinds. Fuel up the truck, the boat, and the extra tank of gas. (My skiff doesn’t have a gas gauge, and who would trust a wooden stick?)

Grab a couple bags of ice and drive back to the marina or wherever we’re launching that day. Load the gear onto the boat, put the ice in the cooler. Drop the boat in the water.

Pull the boat out because I can’t

THE UNDERTOW right to stop when the time’s up. How many of you work 12 hour days every Guiding is not all free lunches and

day? See my point?

bourbon at the tiki bar while sharing

remember if I put in the plug.

Now it’s finally in the water.

Park the truck and we’re almost

fish stories. I don’t call myself or

No one likes their efforts, or their

consider myself a guide. I’m a guy

craft, to be minimized. So don’t do

with a boat who knows how to fish.

it. Most guides work really hard for

It’s purely recreational for me. But

the modest income they earn, and

being responsible for my own day

while some can be jerks, demeaning

on the water has given me a new

and belittling anglers, most of them

appreciation for guides.

are there to ensure we have a great

ready to fish, just need to check the tides and wind before launching.

day on the water. The really good I’ve heard a lot of the same

ones even take it very personally if

complaints over the years.

we don’t.

The guide stopped at exactly 4 p.m.

I’ve had both dreadful and amazing

and didn’t want to fish anymore. For

experiences with guides, but so many

Now reverse this routine, but replace

700 bucks he should stay an extra

more of the latter.

fueling up with flushing the motor,

half hour.

It’s now 7:30 a.m. and we’re finally heading out.

washing the boat, and making sure

When the day is over, it’s over. Tip

no bottle caps are left anywhere to

Given the fact that they’re preparing

them well, and relish in the fact

leave rust stains in the gelcoat.

for two to three hours in the

that you had an amazing experience

morning, poling for eight hours,

without the huge effort.

No wonder I’m not on the water

then doing required maintenance

as often as I want to be. It’s a lot

for another two hours before finally

of work and easily a 10- to 12-hour

spending some time with their

venture.

families, I would say they have every

Anyone looking to buy a skiff?

I’m thinking about fishing more.

TAIL FLY FISHING MAGAZINE 93

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804-661-2259 • www.elpescador.com • info@elpescador.com

96 TAIL FLY FISHING MAGAZINE

Aardvark McLeod are international travel specialists. For over 15 years they have been organising holidays for fly fisherman and their families around the world. From Stalking bonefish on The Bahamian white sand or hunting giant trevally on the coral flats of the Seychelles to chasing tailing permit on the Belizean flats and jumping giant Costa Rican tarpon.

T: +44 (0)1980 847389 • E: mail@aardvarkmcleod.com • www.aardvarkmcleod.com

TAIL FLY FISHING MAGAZINE 97

In-Shore Coastal Waters | Bays and Harbors | Catalina | Offshore

Capt. Vaughn Podmore (714) 235-7715 saltyflyhb@yahoo.com U.S. Coast Guard Master 50 ton captain’s license.USCG#04706 DFG#70777

98 TAIL FLY FISHING MAGAZINE

TAIL FLY FISHING MAGAZINE 99

BR I NG ON THE

SALT SHOP F ISH I NG A PPA R E L AT

DUCKCA M P.C O M

100 TAIL FLY FISHING MAGAZINE