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I am a born again fly fisher. I have dabbled with the fly for almost my entire fishing career but with little real sincerity because, let's face it, here in southern California it is a low percentage pursuit. Lot's of expensive tackle, lot's of effort and work, and small fish...! But, in 1994 while working in Casper Wyoming I was born again on the Miracle Mile of the North Platte River and have not looked back since. (20" trout ALL DAY LONG!!!) Don't get me wrong, my background is based deep in conventional fishing methods and that is why I feel I am as successful a fly fisherman, as I am. I AM A FISHERMAN FIRST, A FLY FISHERMAN AS A CONSEQUENCE!
That being said let me share with you my single most favorite fly fishing pursuit. The Boilers of Castaic and Pyramid Lakes.!!
Here is, in my mind THE best opportunity to catch a BIG Game fish in an inland water environment, on the fly, in Southern California. ( it used to be the Salton Sea Corvina but thats another story)
I recently wrote an article regarding the yearly striper bonanza that occurs at both Castaic and Pyramid, so I am assuming you know from whence i speak. Now let's discuss applying the Fly to this annual opportunity.
First, I must admit the best way to apply the fly is from a boat. It provides the correct platform by which you can approach the fish closely and in a timely fashion, and the means to make a LONG and accurate cast. Bass Boats are by far the best platform. We, (my colleagues and I) would typically take turns guiding the boat, and casting. We also used to employ teasing techniques, (hookless topwater lures ) to entice the fish into within casting range. ( PS. being the teaser is a blast!) Six (light), to ten (heavy), weight rods with a 30 ft., camo, light to intermediate, sinking, shooting head, with cold water level line and 80 lb. backing, is my basic tackle of choice. As far as flies , anything SHAD !!!!, that is easiest to cast 50 to 100 feet.
If you must be in a tube than you are going to lower your incidents rate dramatically, as well as shortening your approach. But if you become skilled at predicting where the fish will rise you can still be VERY affective. You simply go to where you predict the fish will break and wait! Later I will try and explain how to recognize these locations.
One of the great advantages to fishing from a tube or toon is STEALTH! Stripers, when boiling on bait are usually completely distracted and do not react normally to stimulus that would usually spook them, accept SOUND!!!
Things I know for positive about stripers (but don"t know why,)
1) stripers hate electric trolling motors
2) stripers hate electronic meters
3) stripers could care less about gas motors
4) stripers do not like rattling lures (which is why I go to great lengths to remove the rattles from my striper lures)
Hmmm,... notice a common thread here? HIGH FREQUENCY VIBRATION!!! ( that includes your bait tank pump!!! )
One of the great things about this time of year is that your opportunity for a blind strike is greatly enhanced. the fish are eager eaters and always looking for an easy meal . Make long casts retrieve in short quick pulls. Sometimes even two handed stripping is the way.
Here are some quick tips:
1) Be prepared!!! line management is crucial here. Be aware of your stripped line! Concentrate on how you strip and the coils you make in your stripping basket! When the strike comes, it is always violent and powerful (I love that part) So be prepared to clear line on the first run.
2) when you get bit or boiled on DO NOT SWING!!! Strip as fast as you can until you feel hard pressure and then a short, quick sideways set is the best! (super sharp hooks!)
3) Stripers are notorious "slash" biters and will miss the hook and rebite repeatedly in a single cast. They typically will pursue your fly right to the rod tip. (especially in a tube). Be prepared for the rod tip bite!!! Again line management is crucial!
4) Be quiet and stealthy. The quieter you are the better chance you have for multiple casts in a rise.
As I have said before, this is one of the truly great moments you will experience in your fishing career. The sight , the sound, the incredible adrenaline rush! To accomplish a catch in these moments is truly a life affecting moment. But to do it with fly is, THE REAL PRIZE!!!
bodfish
