Re: Salmon on the fly SF CA Coast

Posted by Dave Sellers on 2012-03-19 19:30:40 in reply to Salmon on the fly SF CA Coast posted by Paul on 2012-03-19 13:24:55

Many know this story so sorry for the "old timer" retelling. Back in 2000 when I just purchased my boat I was out fishing near Capitola for whatever would eat. I eventually gave up on anything significant and opted for a few tugs from the always abundant jack smelt. I learned that a big fly would attract smelt and a small fly would hook them. I caught about a dozen on my big fly (deceiver) and small fly (prince nymph) rig. Then, after retrieving all the way to the boat, I saw a group of jack smelt darting around my two fly rig with a sudden appearance of what I thought was some sort of leopard shark like thing (lots of spots).............it ate the prince nymph and took off. I saw the eat and will never forget watching the fish slide under the port stern and then head out to sea with my reel soon screaming. 10 or so minutes later, I saw chrome and eventually landed a beautiful 18 pound king with a little prince nymph in his mouth. I have often wondered if this two fly idea was a lark or if it might have something to it. I think a large fly, akin to a flasher, might attract and a small krill like fly may be the thing that gets eaten. I have caught exactly one other chinook on the fly in California and one in Washington, both on pink over white Clousers. As others have said, they are not as keen to eat a fly as silvers but they will eat. Also, gear fishers have used jigs and buzz bombs for them with great success so there is no reason why the fly shouldn't work. And finally, you don't need a circle hook with artificials. Single barbless is all that you need to be legal. Dave

Follow ups:

• Re: Salmon on the fly SF CA Coast - BobV - 2012-03-20 10:52:58 (1)
  • Re: Salmon on the fly SF CA Coast - Dave Sellers - 2012-03-20 11:34:05 (0)