RE: {Tidal Potomac Fly Rodders} Re: Fly line for surf fishing?

I didn’t get to chime in here.  Considering I’ve spent a lot of my time in NY surf fishing, there are a few things you should know:

-          The type of surf you’re fishing will dictate the lines.  If it’s a heavier surf or with enough wave action to affect your fly line, you’ll need a fast sinking fly line.  As the waves kick back along the shoreline, you want the sinking portion to cut THROUGH the waves as you strip your fly back to shore.  A floating line or even an intermediate line will be affected by wave action and will pile it all back on your feet as you try to strip.

-          Bring a stripping basket.  This is a must.  If you can’t find one, make one with a wash tub and 2 tie-down bungee cords – you can get these cheaply from the hardware store.

-          Depending on how and where you’re fishing, know the tides.  Most stripers and bluefish bite well (and hard) on a moving tide, but if you show up on a tidal grass flat somewhere to fish shrimp patterns to stripers patrolling during a flood tide and the tide is going out, you’ll have to wait another 12 hours until it’s high again.  This is also important so you don’t walk out on a rock jetty or island during low tide and get stuck as the tide comes back in.

-          Know the area, and know your limitations.  Safety first!  If you’re fishing at night, bring a flashlight or headlamp!

-          Wearing studded bottoms.  Whether it’s studded rubber, or studded felt, or even big jetty cleats, make sure you have them.  Surf and shoreline rocks are slippery.

-          Bring a pair of good pliers instead of a cheap pair of nippers.  Trying to get a popper out of the mouth of a 10lb. Mr. Yelloweyes (bluefish) is not a task made for your fingers unless you want to lose one.  It also serves as a nipper, debarber, fly trimmer and won’t rust after 1 trip.

-          Bug dope & sunblock (or Buffs and sun-protective clothing and sunblock combined) – wear them.

-          Sunglasses – obvious, but people forget.

 

 

Gotta run – if I forget anything I’ll write more.

 

 

R

 

 

Richard Farino

Urban Angler VA | 108 N. Washington Street  2nd Floor | Alexandria, VA 22314

(703) 527-2524 | fax: (703) 527-3313 | richard@urbanangler.com

 

From: tidal-potomac-fly-rodders@googlegroups.com [mailto:tidal-potomac-fly-rodders@googlegroups.com] On Behalf Of Mike Diakiwsky
Sent: Friday, June 01, 2012 10:31 AM
To: tidal-potomac-fly-rodders@googlegroups.com
Subject: {Tidal Potomac Fly Rodders} Re: Fly line for surf fishing?

 

Thanks for the feedback, guys.  I'm heading to the shore later this month, and I can't wait to wet the line.  Your opinions are a huge help.

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