We’ve received another donation to share with our club members. Ed Sacks is the person we thank for his thoughtfulness and generosity. He was a club member some years ago and remembers well shopping at Ernie’s. He no longer ties flies so offers us what he had. That includes a fly tying table with vise, light and magnifier. Watch for these on the free giveaway table at an upcoming, in person club meetings.
Posted on January 25th, 2022
mobile scrollable table
| EVENT NAME | EVENT DATE | SPECIES | FISH MASTER |
|---|---|---|---|
| Manresa Beach | Sep 07 | Surf Perch, Stripers | Tommy Polito, Scott Kitayama |
| Mammoth Fishout -Sept. 21-Oct.5 | Sep 21 - Oct 05 | Trout | John Cook fishmaster-- (831)688-1561 or (831)234-6515 |
| Last Surf Fishout of 2024! | Oct 05 | ||
| O’Neill Forebay ‘Stosh’ Memorial Fishout October 17-20th | Oct 17 - Oct 20 | ||
| Trinity River Fishout | Nov 01 - Nov 04 |
Location: Manresa State Beach
Target Species: Surf Perch and Stripers
Gear: 6-8wt. Rods with full sinking lines or shooting heads to match the rod. Polarized glasses (safety),
Mandatory Accessories: Wader Belt & Stripping Basket
(If a basket is needed, some maybe available to borrow or purchase. Please contact the Fishmaster ahead of time. Also there are many DIY Stripping Basket making tutorials online)
Single, double & triple fly rigs
Clousers to sand crabs
Directions: Take RDM Blvd all the way down to the flats (bottom), circle the round-about to the left and exit back along Beach Drive, drive half mile to the State Beach (aka Platform). DO NOT stop up by the round-about, be sure to continue on Beach Drive. Early in the morning the parking lot is closed, but there is plenty of parking outside.
| SURF FISHOUTS 2024 | Meeting Time (AM) | State Beach | Sunrise | Low tide | High tide | Moon | Tide flow | Fishmaster | |||
| MAY | 4th | Saturday | 5:55 | Rio Del Mar | 6:10 | LO 02:14 +1.1 | HI 07:58 AM +4.0 | New Jun 7 | Hi Flood to High Slack | Lance B | |
| JUNE* | 1st | Saturday | 5:35 | Beercan* | 5:50 | LO 01:12 +1.3 | HI 06:39 +3.4 | New Jun 6 | High Slack to Ebb | Sam | |
| JULY | 6th | Saturday | 5:40 | Palm | 5:56 | LO 06:03 -1.1 | HI 1:04 PM +3.7 | New Jul 5 | Low slack to Flood | Lance B | |
| AUGUST | 3rd | Saturday | 6:00 | Rio Del Mar | 6:15 | LO 05:05 -0.7 | HI 11:54 AM +3.8 | New Aug 4 | Low slack to Flood | Sam | |
| SEPT | 7th | Saturday | 6:25 | Manresa | 6:44 | LO 07:04 +1.8 | HI 1:26 PM +4.6 | New Sep 2 | Low slack to low Flood | Sam | |
| OCT | 5th | Saturday | 6:50 | Palm | 7:06 | LO 05:50 + 2.1 | HI Noon +5.0 | New Oct 2 | Low Flood | Sam | |
| Notes:
Meet up times are scheduled 15 – 20 minutes before official sunrise. Locations/dates/times/Fishmasters might change, notifications on Google Groups. June 1st* Mike Lovejoy’s for breakfast after fishing: 115 Driftwood Ct., Aptos |
Contacts:
Sam Bishop sambishop@totlcom.com, 831-274-4024 Lance Boling <clboling@gmail.com> |
||||||||||
|
Locations |
Rio Del Mar State Beach – Google Map location for “Platform Beach” | ||||||||||
| Beercan Beach* – Enter 1191 Via Palo Alto, Aptos. Path & Stairs between Houses (See Notes) | |||||||||||
| Palm Beach – Pajaro Dunes, end of West Beach St. | |||||||||||
| Manresa State Beach – Google it, but parking may be on Ocean View Dr, 500 yards down the road | |||||||||||
UPDATED – 7/20/2024 – Only two spots open first week, second week is full.
Sign Ups: As a reminder, it is important to sign up early or this Fishout.
Call John Cook letting him know which week, both or private room. Payment is required to secure our spot we need people to sign up as soon as possible. Should you need to cancel, you can find someone to take your place and get your money back.
Contact Ph # (831) 234-6515
Fishmasters: John & Elaine Cook
Dates: This Fishout will take place over two consecutive one-week periods. You may sign up for one or both weeks. Week 1: Sept 21 – Sept 28 . Week 2: Sept 28 – Oct 5.
Location: The town of Mammoth Lakes is located on the eastern side of the Sierra, 6 or 7 hours drive from Santa Cruz. There are many lakes and streams in the area to fish.
General: We will be staying in condominiums in the town of Mammoth Lakes. Condo has a lovely hot tub, so bring your suit. Two people per bedroom. Most people bring a sleeping bag to share queen size bed or a pad and sleeping bag to sleep on floor. A private room option is possible at an increased fee.
Cost: Shared single: $450/wk, $900/2 wks, Private room: $800/wk, $1,600/2 wks. Dinner guests: $20/meal
Food Preparation: Breakfast and lunch items will be purchased by the Fishmaster ahead of time. Each person will be assigned a Kitchen Day. On that day, tasks will include setting out breakfast and lunch items, store unused food, and preparing the evening meal and clean up afterwards. Each person will be assigned a dinner that you will need to purchase and prepare. You will then be reimbursed for the cost for the dinner.
Location: Palm Beach
Target Species: Surf Perch and Stripers
Gear: 6-8wt. Rods with full sinking lines or shooting heads to match the rod. Polarized glasses (safety),
Mandatory Accessories: Wader Belt & Stripping Basket
(If a basket is needed, some maybe available to borrow or purchase. Please contact the Fishmaster ahead of time. Also there are many DIY Stripping Basket making tutorials online)
Single, double & triple fly rigs
Clousers to sand crabs
Directions: Take RDM Blvd all the way down to the flats (bottom), circle the round-about to the left and exit back along Beach Drive, drive half mile to the State Beach (aka Platform). DO NOT stop up by the round-about, be sure to continue on Beach Drive. Early in the morning the parking lot is closed, but there is plenty of parking outside.
| SURF FISHOUTS 2024 | Meeting Time (AM) | State Beach | Sunrise | Low tide | High tide | Moon | Tide flow | Fishmaster | |||
| MAY | 4th | Saturday | 5:55 | Rio Del Mar | 6:10 | LO 02:14 +1.1 | HI 07:58 AM +4.0 | New Jun 7 | Hi Flood to High Slack | Lance B | |
| JUNE* | 1st | Saturday | 5:35 | Beercan* | 5:50 | LO 01:12 +1.3 | HI 06:39 +3.4 | New Jun 6 | High Slack to Ebb | Sam | |
| JULY | 6th | Saturday | 5:40 | Palm | 5:56 | LO 06:03 -1.1 | HI 1:04 PM +3.7 | New Jul 5 | Low slack to Flood | Lance B | |
| AUGUST | 3rd | Saturday | 6:00 | Rio Del Mar | 6:15 | LO 05:05 -0.7 | HI 11:54 AM +3.8 | New Aug 4 | Low slack to Flood | Sam | |
| SEPT | 7th | Saturday | 6:25 | Manresa | 6:44 | LO 07:04 +1.8 | HI 1:26 PM +4.6 | New Sep 2 | Low slack to low Flood | Sam | |
| OCT | 5th | Saturday | 6:50 | Palm | 7:06 | LO 05:50 + 2.1 | HI Noon +5.0 | New Oct 2 | Low Flood | Sam | |
| Notes:
Meet up times are scheduled 15 – 20 minutes before official sunrise. Locations/dates/times/Fishmasters might change, notifications on Google Groups. June 1st* Mike Lovejoy’s for breakfast after fishing: 115 Driftwood Ct., Aptos |
Contacts:
Sam Bishop sambishop@totlcom.com, 831-274-4024 Lance Boling <clboling@gmail.com> |
||||||||||
|
Locations |
Rio Del Mar State Beach – Google Map location for “Platform Beach” | ||||||||||
| Beercan Beach* – Enter 1191 Via Palo Alto, Aptos. Path & Stairs between Houses (See Notes) | |||||||||||
| Palm Beach – Pajaro Dunes, end of West Beach St. | |||||||||||
| Manresa State Beach – Google it, but parking may be on Ocean View Dr, 500 yards down the road | |||||||||||
Event: O’Neill Forebay ‘Stosh’ Memorial Fishout
Date: October 17th – 20th
(I will be looking for a weekend with a ‘skinny’ moon, less night feeding for the fish)
Target Gamefish: Striped Bass
Location: Medeiros Campground located on the Southern Shoreline of the O’Neill Forebay, access off of Santa Nella Blvd. (Highway 33)
Hosts: Kevin Murdock troutdock89@gmail.com
These are primitive campsites so bring your own water. There are tables, sun pavilions, and chemical toilets, or outhouses and fire rings. No open fires are allowed outside of the rings.
Typically we will be camping as close to site 29 as we can get. This is a first come, first serve campground, so no reservations are accepted. Float tubes can be launched near the campsites, but boats must be first inspected, then launched from the
San Luis Creek Boat launch. Boats may not be left on the lake overnight. Boaters would be wise to exit prior to the closing of the entry kiosk. The ranger can place a seal on your trailer, allowing you to bypass the inspection process the next morning.
The rangers at the kiosk by the Medeiros entrance may insist that your float tubes need inspection. make sure they’re clean & dry.
Equipment: 8wt rods with fast sinking lines. Some anglers will occasionally use a floating line with a ‘gurgler’ type fly
Flies: Lee Haskins San Luis smelt, ‘Deceiver’ type patterns in red, white, chartreuse, the aforementioned gurglers and poppers.
Float tubes (may require inspection for quagga mussels)
Fins, sunscreen, polarized glasses, life vest
Links:
https://mengsyn.com/ A fly-fishing addict who fishes San Luis Reservoir and the Forebay.
http://www.danblanton.com/ Long time local fishing guide.
https://cdec.water.ca.gov/dynamicapp/QueryDaily?s=Onf
There will be a signup sheet at our September meeting. We’ll also create a list for those hoping to participate in a pot luck in honor of Steve ‘Stosh’ Rudzinski.
Weather conditions can vary dramatically, so it would behoove members to check prior to departure. You could email me or just get conditions on-line. High winds can cause the lake to be closed to all vessels.
This is one of our nearest Fishouts, with the possible payoff of a double digit fish! Don’t miss out!
NOTE: Contact Alex Ferber if you are interested in going on the trip. After knowing how many people are interested, it will be easier to plan logistics (camping? motel?). You can text Alex at (831) 419-0564 or alex.ferber74@gmail.com. If you want to go on this trip, it is highly recommended to attend the Spey Classes.
Posted on January 25th, 2022
2021 John Steele Award Winner
In 2021, 12 club Members were nominated to receive the coveted John Steele Award. The reasons were as varied as they could be.
Sam Bishop was nominated for hosting the Beach Fish outs, described by one member as “The most important SCFF activity during Covid”.
Dan Eaton was nominated for hosting the Los Banos Creek fish out and giving largemouth bass fishing advice, and for hosting a fly tying class.
Robert Eberly apparently adopted a novice surf fisherman and schooled him throughout the day, eventually convincing our neophyte angler to join the SCFF club!
Jeff Goyert (Yog) helped a member get acquainted with the O-Neil Fore bay striper fishing techniques.
Scott Kitayama (Last year’s Steele award recipient) was nominated for helping a member while perch fishing, and again for just being friendly and helpful.
Phil Kowal has been helpful in e-mail and text for equipment questions and has also introduced club members to San Lois reservoir.
Jerry McKeon was nominated for his prodigious work on our Instagram account, which has grown both our membership, and our club’s reputation in the Fly Fishing hierarchy. He also received a nod for pitching in and helping set up Zoom Fly-tying.
Lord knows why Kevin Murdock was nominated; I suspect graft…
Steve Rudzinski (Stosh) was remembered for his work on the Jade St Park casting classes, and helping members with Pyramid and San Louis fishing techniques.
Bill Seamoa was able to facilitate transportation for one of our favorite couples to San Lois Reservoir when they were having difficulty driving in the dark.
Cecilia Stipes effervescent personality, and her willingness to share knowledge, as well as her efforts as one of our fish masters has made her a nominee again this year.
And finally, Mark Tragout was nominated for his casting classes in boulder creek, and for towing a tuber out of the weeds, and finally, for gifting the book “Home Waters” by John Mclean, to a member, which indirectly led to the marriage of a pair of our club members.
As you can see, Steele Award nominations can be for literally anything. We have numerous fish outs through the year where 20 or 30 of our members are present for up to a week. You can’t tell me that you can fish for a week without a club member sharing a tip, a fly, a spot, netting a monster, an incredible meal, emotional support or just plain good fellowship.
I should be getting 20 or 30 nominations after each fish out. The easiest way to make a nomination in this time of zoom and distance is to just e-mail me at troutdock89@gmail.com. That way I can just move the e-mail into my John Steele folder and count em up at the beginning of next year.
This year’s winner of the 2021 John Steele award is Mark Tragout.
Congratulations Mark. We are grateful to you and all our nominees.
Respectfully submitted 01/10/22
K Murdock
Posted on January 10th, 2022
Reservations can be made for national forest campgrounds and for other national recreational lands through recreation.gov. However, a much simpler way is to call on the phone ( 877-444-6777 ). You will actually get a live person. The website is extremely confusing as far as I’m concerned and many others I have talked to as well. The phone line is open from 9 AM till midnight (eastern time), every day including weekends. Give it a try, you’ll love it. Just a word to the wise, since Covid began there are way more people out there recreating, so make your reservations well ahead.
Posted on January 17th, 2022
If you were game enough to attempt to solve this riddle, I applaud you. Just remember if you solved it you’re fishing this year will be fantastic. You’ll find the solution below. I hope this was fun for you as it was for me. Do let me know if you were successful.
Posted on January 13th, 2022
No upcoming events scheduled - check back soon!
Future Speakers. Dates and speakers may change, please go to URL to see the current information.
| Monthly Speaker | Date | Excerpt |
|---|---|---|
 | Feb 02 | Steelhead research and the impact of the CZU fire with Katie Kobayashi |
 | Mar 02 | Fisheries of the Central Coast & Iceland with Dagur Guðmundsson |
Posted on December 26th, 2021
Date: Jan. 5th
Time: 3:30
Place: Sheriff Posse Lodge
Posted on
The estate of our dear friend Doug Severin and club member of many years, has donated his fly fishing belongings to our club. As Doug desired, his belongings will be made available at raffles and club events. The first opportunity to acquire something will be at our Jan. meeting and BBQ. The picture shows some of the items that will be available which will include fly tying materials. Beat the crowds, come early ! (Editor’s note: There is a lot more stuff than this and will be available at the next three meetings.)
Posted on December 22nd, 2021
Wow! Merry Christmas and Happy New Year to everyone and all you hold dear. I hope you got all those fly fishing, fly-tying, casting, wading and outdoorsy things you wanted for the holiday.
I first want to thank each and every one of you for your extraordinary support and participation in Santa Cruz Fly Fishing. I’m sure our founders, way back in 1977, would never have envisioned the fullness of our mission – “To Promote, Educate and Enjoy the sport of Fly-Fishing”. It might surprise you that many of our original founders are still members of this club. Yes, over 45 years. So if you’re new – think of the possibilities!!
As I begin my 5th year as President, this is unprecedented to say the least. But we’ve been dealing a lot with that word these last couple of years. When I first joined the club in 1992, I was a young enthusiastic, infected person. I had the bug badly. I’d take my fly-rod to work with me and practice casting in the park near my work more than a few days a week. I was tying the ugliest most unproportioned flies, but they were catching some fish, and I was getting better. All of this long before the internet, YouTube, cell phones, … Crazy to think of that. When I was Conservation Chair from 93-96, I typed letters and faxed them to hundreds of people, as I began my stead to change the mindset of in our anadromous fisheries because, even as fly-anglers, we were all still hurting too many fish and we needed to show the world that the anglers were going to be the people who saved the Coho and Steelhead. (Side note: – Keep your fish wet! In the water. With today’s cameras and our insatiable desire to get good photos of fish, it is clear that we are all keeping fish out of the water way too long – for that photo or video clip of a lifetime which is likely the next reason fish mortality could be on the rise. True! Keep the fish in the water.)
In ’96 I accepted my first run at being President and loved it. I suppose this is because, like today, I wasn’t alone. I had the most awesome support from the membership and most importantly, the board, who today, also do more to support these efforts than I could ever imagine.
When I was President the first time, I took on the mantra that every idea was a good idea. While we might not take on everyone of them, considering every idea gave birth to even more ideas that we put to work. It let you share your own thoughts and wishes and enabled us to take that which you felt as a good thing, mold it, refine it, give you ownership and make it happen. Like recently when Steve and Kevin did that pre-Christmas camping trip at New Brighton. Turns out that was a blast and will be something we do again – and might be something we can do in combination with a surfperch fish-out in the Spring or Summer! Or some of us who are looking for someone to resurrect the Pack Fish-out – where you get on a horse for a few hours, ride to remote mountain lakes and/or streams, stay a few days and pack out later.
I wasn’t always a member. After those first 12 years, my children, my job and building my home took over. Emily was competing all over the world and Tommy liked bikes, so we started riding together and I started racing. Yep – went from fly-fishing president to mountain bike racer. Then Tommy started racing and I was helping coach the team – which in mountain bike racing, means you ride as hard, or harder than these teenagers. Some of you remember when Tommy and Emily were tiny little tots running around the Grange during club meetings!!
All too soon, Emily was on her own and Tommy was now focusing on cars. Mona would always ask me if I’d heard from anyone at the “fly club”, or if I was going to a meeting. I’d always say that was a good idea, or that I was bummed because I just missed the meeting. I would still get Christmas cards from John and Elaine, John and Pat, and Kathy Powers – every year. Those tugged at my heart strings. Oh – I was still fly fishing every year – still going to Kennedy Meadows, but my mountain bike took me on the San Lorenzo trails more than my fly-rod did.
Finally, that September 2017 meeting came around and all the stars aligned. I was back.
I could not be more grateful for all of you. Many of you know exactly who you are and how we pulled together so much fun around fly-fishing, teaching, conservation, and more. Some of you have just joined and haven’t yet experienced the activities we do in the community and with other agencies such as the Coastal Watershed Council, Monterey Bay Salmon & Trout Project, the Kids Day at the Fair Grounds, our Public Day at Quail Hollow Ranch; Confab, fun with the Patagonia Store… Hang in there. We’ll be back to doing all of this and you’re not going to believe how much fun and how rewarding it is to share what you love with someone else.
As things get back to normal, and they will, our club meetings will be even more special, and we’ll still be able to engage those around the world – yes – really? Yes, Santa Cruz Fly Fishing club members who live in other places in our world, but support the work we do to – what? “Promote, Educate and Enjoy the Sport of Fly-Fishing”.
Our January meeting will be taking place at the Santa Cruz Sherriff’s Posse Hall on Ocean Street Extension the 5th of this month. It is our annual club slide show, where your photos are the show for this month. We will be having a Barbeque, with snacks and beverages, a super nice raffle, AND a swap meet. Many of us will be there early, so if you want to help in any way, please reach out to Kevin Murdock or myself between now and the end of this week!! Please RSVP through the form in the meeting article or email to scottkitayama@gmail.com
Happy New Year Santa Cruz Fly Fishing Club!!
Posted on December 27th, 2021
Here is a great one for you beginners. So get out that new vise and tools that you got at Christmas and join in. You can also borrow those as well as thread if needed. The thread this month is black 6/0. You may ask, after looking at the photo, “Where is the red bead?” When the fly gets wet it glows through the dubbing. You may have noticed a couple bass club Fishouts pop up on the fishout schedule for spring. Dan Eaton will be fishmastering them and he highly recommends this fly and the Fly Of The Month to target these fish subsurface. Give me a call to sign up and I’ll prepare a bag of materials for you and put it by my door. NO CHARGE FOR THE CLASS as usual. (831)688-1561
Future tying classes. Dates and subject may change, please go to URL to see the current information.
| Image | Date | Fly Name |
|---|---|---|
 | Feb 09 | Surf Percher |
 | Mar 12 | & March 13 Class |
 | Apr 13 | Green Drake |
Posted on December 26th, 2021
As of last month, the California Department of Fish and Game has released 1.1 million juvenile fall run Chinook salmon into the Klamath River. The goal is to release 2 million fish. These fish were hatched at the Iron Gate Hatchery on the Klamath River and were originally scheduled to be released last spring. However, due to drought conditions and a disease outbreak, the fish were relocated to three other locations over the summer. This is good news for a river that has seen its once-storied Chinook salmon runs decimated for a variety of reasons—including low flows and dams. The other positive news is the planned removal of four dams on the Klamath that will allow fish more access to spawning waters.
Posted on December 22nd, 2021
We are on schedule to meet our membership dues budget and are hoping for additional donations in order to offset the loss from our annual fundraiser dinner. At the end of December 150 members have renewed their 2022 dues membership. In addition donations of $2,000 have exceeded the prior year by 50% and continues to grow with members support.
In February, we will have final 2021 revenue and expense figures and update our 2022 Budget. We still have 25 members who have not renewed and we will accept renewals at the January BBQ and for the balance of January. Email reminders will be sent in early January.
For those that have already renewed and donated online, THANK YOU
Posted on December 22nd, 2021
The club has had a great variety of Fishouts over the years. It’s planning time for 2022 and I’m encouraging you to think about planning one. It can be very simple or involved. And as fishmaster chairman, I’m here to help you with the decision to do one, choosing a plan, and guide you on how to organize the outing.
If you are hesitant, I would encourage something very simple. For example: making an announcement in the newsletter that includes, place, date and time, your name and contact info as fishmaster, type of fishing and equipment needed. Make it so sign ups are not needed, everyone is on their own for food and any fees required.
There is no need for you to be an expert in fishing that area and it is understood that you are not guaranteeing how good the fishing will be. It’s important to acquire basic information ahead of time, such as, how to get there, approximate driving time, any entrance fees, equipment inspections, PDF requirements, etc.
Please consider stepping up this year and help provide the opportunity for us to get together, have fun, find out about a new place to fish and the fishery, and learn from others. I’m waiting for your phone call. Please do call.
John Cook — fishmaster chairman. (831)688-1561. (831)234-6515
Posted on December 22nd, 2021
mobile scrollable table
| EVENT NAME | EVENT DATE | SPECIES | FISH MASTER |
|---|---|---|---|
| Manresa Beach | Sep 07 | Surf Perch, Stripers | Tommy Polito, Scott Kitayama |
| Mammoth Fishout -Sept. 21-Oct.5 | Sep 21 - Oct 05 | Trout | John Cook fishmaster-- (831)688-1561 or (831)234-6515 |
| Last Surf Fishout of 2024! | Oct 05 | ||
| O’Neill Forebay ‘Stosh’ Memorial Fishout October 17-20th | Oct 17 - Oct 20 | ||
| Trinity River Fishout | Nov 01 - Nov 04 |
Location: Manresa State Beach
Target Species: Surf Perch and Stripers
Gear: 6-8wt. Rods with full sinking lines or shooting heads to match the rod. Polarized glasses (safety),
Mandatory Accessories: Wader Belt & Stripping Basket
(If a basket is needed, some maybe available to borrow or purchase. Please contact the Fishmaster ahead of time. Also there are many DIY Stripping Basket making tutorials online)
Single, double & triple fly rigs
Clousers to sand crabs
Directions: Take RDM Blvd all the way down to the flats (bottom), circle the round-about to the left and exit back along Beach Drive, drive half mile to the State Beach (aka Platform). DO NOT stop up by the round-about, be sure to continue on Beach Drive. Early in the morning the parking lot is closed, but there is plenty of parking outside.
| SURF FISHOUTS 2024 | Meeting Time (AM) | State Beach | Sunrise | Low tide | High tide | Moon | Tide flow | Fishmaster | |||
| MAY | 4th | Saturday | 5:55 | Rio Del Mar | 6:10 | LO 02:14 +1.1 | HI 07:58 AM +4.0 | New Jun 7 | Hi Flood to High Slack | Lance B | |
| JUNE* | 1st | Saturday | 5:35 | Beercan* | 5:50 | LO 01:12 +1.3 | HI 06:39 +3.4 | New Jun 6 | High Slack to Ebb | Sam | |
| JULY | 6th | Saturday | 5:40 | Palm | 5:56 | LO 06:03 -1.1 | HI 1:04 PM +3.7 | New Jul 5 | Low slack to Flood | Lance B | |
| AUGUST | 3rd | Saturday | 6:00 | Rio Del Mar | 6:15 | LO 05:05 -0.7 | HI 11:54 AM +3.8 | New Aug 4 | Low slack to Flood | Sam | |
| SEPT | 7th | Saturday | 6:25 | Manresa | 6:44 | LO 07:04 +1.8 | HI 1:26 PM +4.6 | New Sep 2 | Low slack to low Flood | Sam | |
| OCT | 5th | Saturday | 6:50 | Palm | 7:06 | LO 05:50 + 2.1 | HI Noon +5.0 | New Oct 2 | Low Flood | Sam | |
| Notes:
Meet up times are scheduled 15 – 20 minutes before official sunrise. Locations/dates/times/Fishmasters might change, notifications on Google Groups. June 1st* Mike Lovejoy’s for breakfast after fishing: 115 Driftwood Ct., Aptos |
Contacts:
Sam Bishop sambishop@totlcom.com, 831-274-4024 Lance Boling <clboling@gmail.com> |
||||||||||
|
Locations |
Rio Del Mar State Beach – Google Map location for “Platform Beach” | ||||||||||
| Beercan Beach* – Enter 1191 Via Palo Alto, Aptos. Path & Stairs between Houses (See Notes) | |||||||||||
| Palm Beach – Pajaro Dunes, end of West Beach St. | |||||||||||
| Manresa State Beach – Google it, but parking may be on Ocean View Dr, 500 yards down the road | |||||||||||
UPDATED – 7/20/2024 – Only two spots open first week, second week is full.
Sign Ups: As a reminder, it is important to sign up early or this Fishout.
Call John Cook letting him know which week, both or private room. Payment is required to secure our spot we need people to sign up as soon as possible. Should you need to cancel, you can find someone to take your place and get your money back.
Contact Ph # (831) 234-6515
Fishmasters: John & Elaine Cook
Dates: This Fishout will take place over two consecutive one-week periods. You may sign up for one or both weeks. Week 1: Sept 21 – Sept 28 . Week 2: Sept 28 – Oct 5.
Location: The town of Mammoth Lakes is located on the eastern side of the Sierra, 6 or 7 hours drive from Santa Cruz. There are many lakes and streams in the area to fish.
General: We will be staying in condominiums in the town of Mammoth Lakes. Condo has a lovely hot tub, so bring your suit. Two people per bedroom. Most people bring a sleeping bag to share queen size bed or a pad and sleeping bag to sleep on floor. A private room option is possible at an increased fee.
Cost: Shared single: $450/wk, $900/2 wks, Private room: $800/wk, $1,600/2 wks. Dinner guests: $20/meal
Food Preparation: Breakfast and lunch items will be purchased by the Fishmaster ahead of time. Each person will be assigned a Kitchen Day. On that day, tasks will include setting out breakfast and lunch items, store unused food, and preparing the evening meal and clean up afterwards. Each person will be assigned a dinner that you will need to purchase and prepare. You will then be reimbursed for the cost for the dinner.
Location: Palm Beach
Target Species: Surf Perch and Stripers
Gear: 6-8wt. Rods with full sinking lines or shooting heads to match the rod. Polarized glasses (safety),
Mandatory Accessories: Wader Belt & Stripping Basket
(If a basket is needed, some maybe available to borrow or purchase. Please contact the Fishmaster ahead of time. Also there are many DIY Stripping Basket making tutorials online)
Single, double & triple fly rigs
Clousers to sand crabs
Directions: Take RDM Blvd all the way down to the flats (bottom), circle the round-about to the left and exit back along Beach Drive, drive half mile to the State Beach (aka Platform). DO NOT stop up by the round-about, be sure to continue on Beach Drive. Early in the morning the parking lot is closed, but there is plenty of parking outside.
| SURF FISHOUTS 2024 | Meeting Time (AM) | State Beach | Sunrise | Low tide | High tide | Moon | Tide flow | Fishmaster | |||
| MAY | 4th | Saturday | 5:55 | Rio Del Mar | 6:10 | LO 02:14 +1.1 | HI 07:58 AM +4.0 | New Jun 7 | Hi Flood to High Slack | Lance B | |
| JUNE* | 1st | Saturday | 5:35 | Beercan* | 5:50 | LO 01:12 +1.3 | HI 06:39 +3.4 | New Jun 6 | High Slack to Ebb | Sam | |
| JULY | 6th | Saturday | 5:40 | Palm | 5:56 | LO 06:03 -1.1 | HI 1:04 PM +3.7 | New Jul 5 | Low slack to Flood | Lance B | |
| AUGUST | 3rd | Saturday | 6:00 | Rio Del Mar | 6:15 | LO 05:05 -0.7 | HI 11:54 AM +3.8 | New Aug 4 | Low slack to Flood | Sam | |
| SEPT | 7th | Saturday | 6:25 | Manresa | 6:44 | LO 07:04 +1.8 | HI 1:26 PM +4.6 | New Sep 2 | Low slack to low Flood | Sam | |
| OCT | 5th | Saturday | 6:50 | Palm | 7:06 | LO 05:50 + 2.1 | HI Noon +5.0 | New Oct 2 | Low Flood | Sam | |
| Notes:
Meet up times are scheduled 15 – 20 minutes before official sunrise. Locations/dates/times/Fishmasters might change, notifications on Google Groups. June 1st* Mike Lovejoy’s for breakfast after fishing: 115 Driftwood Ct., Aptos |
Contacts:
Sam Bishop sambishop@totlcom.com, 831-274-4024 Lance Boling <clboling@gmail.com> |
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|
Locations |
Rio Del Mar State Beach – Google Map location for “Platform Beach” | ||||||||||
| Beercan Beach* – Enter 1191 Via Palo Alto, Aptos. Path & Stairs between Houses (See Notes) | |||||||||||
| Palm Beach – Pajaro Dunes, end of West Beach St. | |||||||||||
| Manresa State Beach – Google it, but parking may be on Ocean View Dr, 500 yards down the road | |||||||||||
Event: O’Neill Forebay ‘Stosh’ Memorial Fishout
Date: October 17th – 20th
(I will be looking for a weekend with a ‘skinny’ moon, less night feeding for the fish)
Target Gamefish: Striped Bass
Location: Medeiros Campground located on the Southern Shoreline of the O’Neill Forebay, access off of Santa Nella Blvd. (Highway 33)
Hosts: Kevin Murdock troutdock89@gmail.com
These are primitive campsites so bring your own water. There are tables, sun pavilions, and chemical toilets, or outhouses and fire rings. No open fires are allowed outside of the rings.
Typically we will be camping as close to site 29 as we can get. This is a first come, first serve campground, so no reservations are accepted. Float tubes can be launched near the campsites, but boats must be first inspected, then launched from the
San Luis Creek Boat launch. Boats may not be left on the lake overnight. Boaters would be wise to exit prior to the closing of the entry kiosk. The ranger can place a seal on your trailer, allowing you to bypass the inspection process the next morning.
The rangers at the kiosk by the Medeiros entrance may insist that your float tubes need inspection. make sure they’re clean & dry.
Equipment: 8wt rods with fast sinking lines. Some anglers will occasionally use a floating line with a ‘gurgler’ type fly
Flies: Lee Haskins San Luis smelt, ‘Deceiver’ type patterns in red, white, chartreuse, the aforementioned gurglers and poppers.
Float tubes (may require inspection for quagga mussels)
Fins, sunscreen, polarized glasses, life vest
Links:
https://mengsyn.com/ A fly-fishing addict who fishes San Luis Reservoir and the Forebay.
http://www.danblanton.com/ Long time local fishing guide.
https://cdec.water.ca.gov/dynamicapp/QueryDaily?s=Onf
There will be a signup sheet at our September meeting. We’ll also create a list for those hoping to participate in a pot luck in honor of Steve ‘Stosh’ Rudzinski.
Weather conditions can vary dramatically, so it would behoove members to check prior to departure. You could email me or just get conditions on-line. High winds can cause the lake to be closed to all vessels.
This is one of our nearest Fishouts, with the possible payoff of a double digit fish! Don’t miss out!
NOTE: Contact Alex Ferber if you are interested in going on the trip. After knowing how many people are interested, it will be easier to plan logistics (camping? motel?). You can text Alex at (831) 419-0564 or alex.ferber74@gmail.com. If you want to go on this trip, it is highly recommended to attend the Spey Classes.
Posted on December 26th, 2021
THE SITUATION
The question is:
WHO OWNS THE FISH ??
HINTS:
If you can solve this riddle,
YOU ARE GUARANTEED TO FIND AND CATCH FISH IN 2022.
The solution and author will appear in next month’s newsletter.
Posted on December 22nd, 2021
Everyone who attends the December Fly Club zoom meeting get a free ticket to the monthly door prize drawing.
We have some neat stuff, keep it yourself or use it for fly buddy stocking stuffers.
These prizes are all from the new REI store that has opened up in Santa Cruz across from Dominican Hospital. Great place, check it out . Gift receipts are included if you would like to swap out the prize for some other treat.
Posted on November 21st, 2021
Happy Holidays everyone. I hope you are all doing well looking forward to time with family and friends this year.
For those of you who made it to April Vokey’s presentation and tutorial on two-handed rods and gear for big rivers, you might be asking Santa for a Skagit head, some Rio MOW tips, and a variety of Hobo-Spey flies in yer stockings!
As April mentioned in her presentation, “spey” casting techniques are not only effective for two-handed rods, but also very effective for single hand fly rods. Most of you know the “roll cast”. Spey casting is associated with the roll-cast, or is in fact a roll-cast (I dare say), but with certain movements with the rod, that put your line and leader in different places on the water in front of you or to the side of you.
I encourage all of you to explore “spey” casting techniques by searching the inter-web, YouTube… You’ll come across some new casting names and begin to understand what they are; single-spey, double-spey, snap-T, Circle-C, and more. All very effective when there is no room to cast behind you, or just another set of great casting techniques to add to your repertoire.
A couple weeks ago, I had the opportunity to travel home to Ohio to see my mom and family. I’m always timing these trips as a means to kick off the holiday season, and have a chance to fish for Lake run Steelhead on the Chagrin River, where I grew up fishing as a child. This year I took my 13’ 6”, 8 weight two-handed rod, a box of steelhead flies and my waders. Not much else you need.
When I arrived in Ohio it was a beautiful 70 degrees, but the water was low. But weather changes quickly in these parts of the country and it’s common to get rain that will move the river from 150cfs to 400 or more, overnight. Thursday was that day. It has rained just enough to bring the river up. Puffy clouds brought cover and contrast to the stunning fall colors still hanging on the maple, pin oak, buckeye and more.
It’s not always possible to time trips perfectly, but each time is an opportunity to get on the water with my brother Pat. The river was beautiful and the flows made this place look about as close to a big British Columbia watershed as I could imagine. We were on the water at 7:30 and immediately rolled two fish across the river, getting our hopes up quickly. We fished hard till 10:00 then headed off to the Chagrin River dinner for a couple egg sandwiches and a hot cup of coffee before traveling about 30 seconds to the next place on the river. Almost like it was here on the San Lorenzo in the old days. If you don’t know this already, the San Lorenzo River was once noted as “The Most Famous” steelhead river on the Central Coast. Mostly because guys brought their friends, and wives spent the weekend, went shopping, found easy access along the 11+ miles of fishable water, and found they could pull off the river and grab coffee, food, beer and whiskey in just minutes, no matter where they were on the river. It was fun to do just that with my brother on the Chagrin, still in our waders and no one looking at us as differently.
The flow of the river enabled me to get a very good grasp on my spey casting techniques, delivery and swing. It was soooooooo much fun. When you can throw 80 feet of line almost effortlessly clear across the water and feel the line tug on your reel because it still wants to go farther – you’ll know what I mean. As the wind picked up in the afternoon, I got to try a few other of the methods necessary- like the Perry Poke (coined after a fella named Carl Perry kept “blowing his anchor” – wait, what?…! – recovering his cast effectively. Something that’s been done for 100 years, but never really called anything until spey casting anglers began naming it after Carl – at least that’s what I researched thus far), and casting with my right hand. Yes – spey casting also teaches you to be ambidextrous.
Part of my timing in the coming years will be that time when the steelhead are in but the leaves have either not fallen off the trees yet, or are already completely fallen off. As the day wore on, the wind gusts befuddled our success choking the water with leaves, and despite nice off-color water, I imagined hundreds of leaves bouncing off the noses of fish, causing them to hunker down no matter how colorful my flies tried to compete with the leaves.
Despite not landing any fish, it was the best day on the water with my brother on a river I never really appreciated as much as a kid. Except, perhaps, on those warm summer days when Mike and I would quit fishing and go swimming!
The Great Lakes rivers are abundant with fish these days. Not just lake run steelhead, but also Chinook, Trout, Smallmouth Bass, Walleye (mostly in the lake), Perch, Catfish, Carp, Pike, and some Brown Trout. None of the fish are small. The Grand, Chagrin, Rocky and even the Cuyahoga, that river that once caught fire in the 60’s when it was so polluted with industrial waste, are all now healthy fisheries year-round. There is a Facebook page for the area called Ohio Steelhead. Look it up.
Well – a lot of fun in store for us in the coming months. December is Gordon Tharrett who is going to present to us on the Green River in Utah – and fly-fishing Utah/Idaho areas. He’s been a guide for a few of our members for years. Don’t miss this one.
January 5th will be a time for us to extend the holidays with a BBQ, Big Raffle, installation of Board and Directors AND our annual Club slide show which will be a collection of all the member photos from all the fishing you did this past year. We will be meeting at the Sherriff’s Posse Hall on Ocean Street Extension. Mark your calendars.
It’s been a great year and its fun seeing all the new members participate in fishing, fly-tying, and jumping on the Board to be a driving force for the future of the club. Super happy to see how this is coming together. If you’re interested, let us know. We still have a couple of positions we would love help with.
Happy Holidays. Jump in – we’ll land a few together. Tom Hogye – 831-214-7578
Posted on November 21st, 2021
Instead of featuring a specific fly this month, using the “whip finish” method to tie your favorite fly will be discussed. Having the skill of tying the knot to complete your fly using a “whip finish” is very important for certain flies. Some folks use the method more often, for they just find it easier when they get the hang of it. There are 3 methods to accomplish this:
Specific flies that require this method are any that must be tied off behind the material on the hook, ie: beaded flies, poppers. You can use this method on the fly being tied at the fly tying class this month but won’t be required. This is a great time to learn how, refresh your skill, or learn a new technique. There are numerous demonstrations on YouTube for all 3 methods. Just ask for “whip finish demonstration for tying flies”.
I found the one done by Copper Landing Fly Fishing was well done for a Matarelli. Check them out and do some practicing on a bare hook.
Posted on November 17th, 2021
The Resource Conservation District of Santa Cruz County, the City of Santa Cruz, the San Lorenzo Valley Water District and the County of Santa Cruz have partnered to complete an instream improvement project on Zayante Creek. The work took place on a one mile stretch of the upper creek. Large trees were anchored in the creek to improve the natural habitat for steelhead and coho salmon. Historically, some of the higher juvenile steelhead population densities in the San Lorenzo River watershed been found in Zayante Creek. Check out the web link below: https://carcd.org/2021/10/rcd-san-cruz-completes-an-instream-habitat-improvement-project-on-zayante-creek/
Make sure you view this brief Youtube video that describes the project.
Posted on November 21st, 2021
90 members have renewed 2021 dues for a total of $4,500 including $1,200 in donations averaging $50/member.
100 membership renewal letters have been mailed out to those members who have not yet responded. Deadline to be included in the 2022 roster is Dec 31st. Member names who have not responded will be deleted from the roster and Googlegroups.
We are on schedule to meet our membership dues budget and are hoping for additional donations in order to offset the $4,500 loss from our annual fundraiser dinner not being held for 2 years. With additional member contributions we could double our High School scholarships from $200 to $400/student, maintain our conservation project funding, and pay to restore the County Steelhead plaque on the San Lorenzo River damaged by vandalism with matching funds.
For those that have already renewed and donated online, THANK YOU
Posted on November 21st, 2021
Douglas Severin
November 8, 1927– October 26,2021
Doug joined our club clear back in 1998. He had been a real outdoor person, but all his companions were no longer able to participate with him. So his wife Diane encouraged him to check out the SCFF club. As he put it , after doing just that, “ I’ve found a new home”. He jumped right in joining the fly tying classes and was soon helping beginners , as he was extremely skilled at tying. His specialty was small dry flies which over the years served him well at the Mammoth and Green River fishouts as well as throughout Montana and Wyoming. He was not a fan of flying so trips to the Green River were on Amtrak and to other Rocky Mountain destinations he would accomplish by driving almost non-stop to his destination. He loved the back country in the Sierra and a couple of his favorites were McGee and Convict Canyons. His participation and help with club functions were remarkable. In his quiet gentlemanly manner, you’d find him demonstrating fly tying to the public, donating and preparing, along with Diane, salads for the Club Fund Raiser, and then showing up at functions ahead of time to help set up then stay to pick up at the end. So now we say goodbye to our dear friend Doug. His company will be missed but the fond memories will live on.
Posted on November 17th, 2021
Notes of Fish Master, Kevin Murdock (Dock), from mysterious site #29 (O’Neill Forebay):
Fish Master Log Date Nov 3: Our beloved Stosh, bowing to the frailties of mortal life, was unable to host our November fish out to San Lois Reservoir. I agreed to stand in for him, as long as no organizing was to be involved.
When I arrived Wednesday afternoon, Elaine & John Cook had already been camping since Tuesday. They’d had some success amongst the weed patches around the islands. They also had thoughtfully placed a tablecloth and wood box at site 29, assuring it would be available for my arrival. I sat up camp (1) and returned to Aptos to pick up the mighty pokey-mon. (My 12ft. tin boat). (2)
FM Log Date Nov 4: Early Thursday morning Cooper and I launched the boat. Thank goodness I’d had the boat tagged the last time I’d fished on the lake. It had rained Wednesday evening, and my boat was full of water. No way would they have allowed me to launch.
We fished for naught for a couple of hours. That’s when I determined to find Elaine, for she is quite frequently in the close company of fish. I was right. I found her between the first and second Islands, firmly stuck to a Striper. With her in my sight, I quickly hooked and landed a couple of schoolies. I would offer this to all of our newbies on fish outs: keep Elaine in sight and you’ll probably find fish. It’s worked for John for ages. Indeed, he’d caught a couple that morning.
I moored the Pokey-man near our camp and had lunch with Pete, a new returning club member. He towed a gorgeous Air Stream in (3) and asked where to park so as not to impinge on any view-shed. I opined that the air-stream enhanced any view I might have.
After lunch, I motored to the north-west side of the fore bay where I found a dozen tubers and Kayakers from a neighboring fishing club. The name escapes me for the moment. (Don’t be alarmed, that happens on a regular basis). They were scratching out a fish here and there when Cooper decided he could catch a pelican. (4) That was the first of his three jumps into the drink.
The laughter of the other club’s members were still ringing in my ears when I decided to explore the great wall area. Near the south east corner, I finally located some fish on my 30 year old garage sale hummingbird. They were in 25’ water depth, holding at nearly 20’. There was a current pushing my boat from east to west, so I posted up current, about 40’from the wall and cast directly towards the wall. I counted down quite a while as I drifted over the fish, & then began a slow strip. I got a strong grab and had the fish on long enough to try to get it on the reel, with devastating consequences. Over the next hour I repeated this process several times. Eventually, after omitting the part where I tried to put the fish on the reel. I landed two smaller fish. (5)
Thursday evening the wind died enough to have a lovely campfire, and the four of us enjoyed a lively conversation as we took turns fussing over Cooper. Elaine shared her vast San Lois Intel with us. (Greatly appreciated!)
FM Log Date Nov 5: Friday Morning I woke early to find Yogi launching his u-boat. Still dark-thirty. A couple of cups of coffee later I launched and hustled to meet Jerry at the Rock Wall (6) by the old boat launch. I arrived in the vicinity just as the sun rose, and promptly caught a small striper. I found Jerry shortly after he had released one of his own. Jerry caught a couple more over the next hour. Ospreys and bald eagles were my entertainment.
I returned to camp for brunch and was helped to shore by another new club member, Jeff. Pete treated us to a spread of bacon & eggs, whilst I whipped up a batch of Bloody Mary’s. Tim Loomis and a friend I haven’t met yet launched at about that time. Good Luck to ya!
Yogi returned after having caught a few. Probably just getting warmed up for his upcoming tuna trip.
Thought I’d take a quick nap. Two hours later, Elaine & John pulled out of the water. Elaine had landed 8 or 10 fish that morning, & John a few more, including one he described as a nice 20 plus inches, with a huge head. I envisioned Bruce Bocce’s head on a striped bass.
Tim Loomis returned with tales of the biggest striper he had ever landed in this body of water. He estimated 6+ lbs., or about twice the size of the biggest fish I had caught that day. Tim caught his on the Delta smelt pattern. In fact, that’s the only fly I used on the trip, and others echoed that sentiment.
Jeff and Pete had also each caught fish that day.
FM Log Date Nov 6: Saturday found Pete and myself on our own. We fished separately, scratching up a fish here and there. The wind chased me off the water early. Too windy for a fire, Pete and I retired to our respective campers to stay warm. A book for me, a movie for Pete. Early to sleep.
That pretty well sums it up. Fair fishing for many, great for a few. A pretty good fish out.
Enjoy the resource while you can, future dam construction will make this place much more difficult to get to, for quite some time.
Posted on November 17th, 2021
Always clean and secure your catch where nobody else can get to it!
Thank you Elaine Cook and Pat Steele for the cartoons laughs through 2021!
Posted on November 22nd, 2021
Ahhhh – October. Wait – it’s almost November!
Admittedly, I was very skeptical and downright depressed when the middle of October came and went with no rain. For me, rain signifies so much. For a kid who grew up loving the change of seasons in Ohio, all of them, even especially when it snowed, I was desperate for a change from the same old boring sunshine and warm weather. Seriously. Long before I was a steelhead fisherman, I longed for fall and winter, and moving to California, rain was that chance to slow down, get inside, rest, tie some flies, watch some fly-fishing shows.
So, you can imagine my delight when it started to rain, and it kept raining. It was almost like the first snow. And I loved it. The rain came gently, then strong, but never too strong. We got 10” at home and the San Lorenzo came up from 10CFS to 500 at 6 p.m. cresting at 1,500 at 10 p.m. All staying that nice tea brown color, never that dreadful chocolate milk that is a bi-product of scouring. The river mouth opened by itself and rushed out to welcome steelhead and coho – those genetic strains that have known for millennia that the San Lorenzo is home.
Let’s hope the rains continue throughout the winter in the same manner, that flows never get below 40 or 50 CFS at lowest and that the fish will thrive. When they thrive – we thrive.
November Club meeting – Tuesday, November 2nd. While I have your attention – please make note that November’s Meeting is Tuesday November 2nd – and will be via Zoom because April Vokey is going to be joining us to ring in the steelhead season with British Columbia Steelhead with Spey and Single-hand fly-rods.
Submit an Article Also, we want to hear from more of you. Did you know you can submit an article for the newsletter simply by going to the Newsletter-Submit tab on the website, copy and paste something you wrote and submit it to our newsletter editor for publishing? We want to hear from you! And, if it’s not you, have one of your children write an article and submit it on their behalf. You never know – you could have a writer on your hands and this could be there first published piece. Submit a photo too – easy!!
Hey – if you haven’t been around, I want you to know that we miss you. What an incredible year and a half this has been.
You know – it’s no coincidence that in April 2020, we launched our new-website and in May 2020 had our very first Zoom meeting. Before that Zoom was part of a Mazda commercial and our web-site and Facebook page were just, sort of there, doing what it had been doing for the past 29 years.
Do you know even despite our not being able to meet in person, our membership has grown from an average of 150 to now more than 177 members. We’ve had an average of 25 of you on every Zoom meeting and 50 of you attended the August BBQ at the Sherriff’s Posse when we thought the war was over. For the first time in 44 years, we’re renewing most of our memberships “on-line”, and many of you are already renewing your dues that way. Super.
We even have had six new board members who jumped on board during that time, remarkably some of them I’d not had a chance to meet until the August BBQ.
January Club Member Slide Show -Send in Your Photos. In January, we’re going to be back at the Sherriff’s Posse Hall for another BBQ and our annual Club Members Photo Slide Show. Submit your photos today to Tommy Polito Thomaspolito12@gmail.com then come join us the first week of January – in person!!!
While we will be missing our Annual Dinner/Fundraiser which is our primary funding source for our budget, we are working to do a number of other activities to help us with our finances to keep up with our goals in preserving and restoring trout, Steelhead and Coho habits, our high-school scholarships, youth programs/events, facilities rent, and more. Some of that can also come by way of the “Donation” tab on the membership renewal form which many of you have used. I would like to thank each and every one of you for doing this as it has made a significant difference in the importance and growth of our scholarship program for one. So, thank you to all of you who have done this. It is huge.
Well – again, don’t miss the November – Tuesday meeting via Zoom. April is going to be awesome. And I look forward to seeing you soon.
Fish on my friends. Tom
Posted on October 28th, 2021
If you desire or must have a steelhead fly for the San Lorenzo, here’s one that comes highly recommended. Of course it will probably work for the mighty fish elsewhere. This is a variation of Cliff Watt’s Kilowatt Fly. The color combinations are limitless but the 2 that seem to work best are: maroon marabou and hackle OR maroon marabou tail with both both blue and black hackles.
Material:
Instructions:
This is not an early season fly. It can be swung on a Skaget line in the estuary when big fish are in, or dead drifted on a tight line through a riffle or under a bobber. It also can be jigged like a spoon through a pool or frog water. You may have noticed that there isn’t a lot of room for a back cast on the upper reaches of the San Lorenzo. That’s why most seasoned Steelheaders fish exclusively with mono line much like euronymphers. Strip casting is the common method of presenting a fly on the S.L. It is a similar technique to flipping for bass and allows the angler to pitch a fly into tight pockets in very tight quarters. Not to say that you can’t use a traditional fly line but many times anglers spook fish with a role cast over a run or pool, especially in low clear water.
Posted on October 18th, 2021
Before I delve into the subject of this article, I want to thank Steve (Stosh) Rudzinski for encouraging me to get involved in a more active role in SCFF as Conservation Director and to Tom Hogye and the board for welcoming me and their support. If any of you reading this have any input, questions about conservation as it pertains to the club or want to get involved, please contact me.
On the subject of fish handling to help them survive after release, I came across an organization devoted to that endeavor. I never heard of them but some of you members may have. The outfit is called Keep Fish Wet. I found out about them while visiting the FFI website. Reading some of the science-based tips on the website has me realizing I can do much better in the process of landing (or netting), photographing (if desired) and releasing fish under various conditions.
Follow Local Regulations
Examples are some areas prohibit removing specific species of fish from the water and requirements to use barbless hooks.
Think Twice Before Going After Spawning Fish
One of the reasons given is that targeting and catching fish while spawning can disrupt and impact their lifecycle. This depends on the species of fish and spawning habits.
Be Wary of Warm Water
As water warms, the dissolved oxygen in it decreases. This causes the fish to get stressed quicker and take longer for them to recover. Some species are less resilient than others.
Use Barbless Hooks
Barbless hooks cause less damage to the fish’s mouth and are easier to remove. They are also much easier to remove from your body and clothing.
Use Artificial Baits
We fly fishers by nature adhere to this suggestion. This is the number one cause of fish mortality as they are more likely to swallow bait.
Use Rubber Nets
Rubber nets cause less damager to fish slime, scales, fins and gills. Hooks are less likely to get stuck in the net.
Limit Use of Lip Grippers
Lip grippers should only be used if there are no alternatives to controlling and handling fish (tiger fish, is an example). If it is used, never hold a fish vertically.
Carry Hook Removal Devices
Ideally this tool will help reduce the time it takes to release the fish with less damage. If the fish swallows the fly, cut the line instead of trying to remove the fly.
Limit Fight Time
Try to bring the fish to hand quickly without overplaying it. This will reduce stress on the fish.
Hold Fish In or Over Water
If held over land or a boat and if it slips out of your hand, that is obviously not good for the fish.
Grip Fish Carefully
Try to hold the fish gently without squeezing. Avoid placing you hand over the fish’s mouth and gills. Hold larger fish at the base of the tail and support the body close to the pelvic fins. Consider keeping very large fish in the water.
Photograph Wet Fish
This shows fish in their element which can make cool photos. Try to keep air exposure to ten seconds or less.
Only Revive Fish That Cannot Swim
If a fish can swim away on its own, let it do so. It will recover better. If the fish appears to have lost its equilibrium, submerge it and face it into the current. If you are in still water, move the gently to simulate swimming. See the website for other techniques specific to other fish like tuna.
Posted on October 18th, 2021
To date we have 170 members on the roster including 40 new online members since 2021 , which is almost 25% of the membership. For Oct and November we would like to encourage members to renew online at santacruzflyfishing.org/membership which has proven to be more efficient, accurate, and cost effective offsetting postage and printing costs. Members can still renew by check mailed to PO Box 2008, Santa Cruz, Calif 95023. In December, a renewal packet will be sent to those members who have not renewed online…last year over 50% of members renewed online. For those new members after July 1, 2021, will not need to renew for 2022.
Please contact me if you have questions or membership concerns….Robert6367@aol.com
Posted on October 21st, 2021
Good old campsite #29 was available again, the palapa posts 10′ apart and the new wind screen tarp cut to 8′ X 10′ was a bear to put up in strong winds and thankfully, our VP Kevin Murdock was already there with a site and his boat and tent trailer and helped lash together enough wind break that everything does not blow off the picnic table and you are chasing it across the field.
Two days of white caps and and flapping plastic day and night, our vehicles rocking through the night was like sleeping in the sailboat. I have to thank the 3 brave fishermen/campers who came on Thursday and sat it out, always ready for the wind to stop howling. Kevin arrived first and Jim Hall and Michael DiCiano in his Airstream land yacht. Jim’s dome tent bent in the wind like those blown air wind sock stick men you see to attract customers. Kevin had an extra bed and his dog ‘Cooper’ had someone new to flop on that night.
Huge thanks to all Lucky 13 of us and especially if you brought some firewood as my portable fire tub kept us all warm as we circled the fire and told stories and laughed through the night. Steven Rawson came to camp only and he brought his Dutch oven and from scratch made a cherry pie cooking with charcoal and timing it perfectly with ice cream to top off his fish taco’s as the main course our last night there.
Fishing was spotty at best Saturday and Sunday’s report just in has Michael landing 8 and Sam 1 fish. Other fishermen (no women this year for the first time). Jeff ‘Yog’ Goyert, Jim Hall, Jeff Zischke. John ‘Davis’, (Cuban cigar guy), Scott Kitayama, Jerry, Phillip, and Mike White who came up Friday night in his motorhome and when he opened the door the smell of good food was strong. He graciously roasted a monster amount of lamb perfectly and with baked potatoes and corn the 7 of us feasted at that windy campsite. Libation and conversations galore. Thank you all for bringing your game to one of the ‘ugliest’ campsites I ever stayed for so long. Too bad the fishing/catching wasn’t on fire in our part of the lake.
Remember that we do this again the first Thursday next month. Let me know your intentions before then. Peace, Stosh
Posted on October 28th, 2021
ho Ho
Posted on September 26th, 2021
Mark your Calendars!! October, November, December!!! Don’t miss these meetings via Zoom, and hopefully in person – maybe by December if the world starts spinning again.
And some other fun fly-fishing related things we’re doing – outside – for the most part.
Hey – seriously October is going to be that presentation you’d want to hear if you are at all interested in fishing from a float tube. Michael Malekos has been writing for California Fly Fisher magazine the last 25 years. He is a super guy who will have some informative, entertaining stories and tips on Float tubing from the bare basics to that and more. If you don’t subscribe to California Fly Fisher magazine – drop this and sign up for this subscription now!! It’s the very best California (and a bit of the rest of the west) fly fishing rag you’ll ever read.
On TUESDAY November 2nd – yes – Tuesday –via Zoom – since it’s November, it’s what I typically identify as the start of the winter steelhead season AND, this one is going to be a presentation by April Vokey from Anchored Outdoors. April is a world-renowned Steelhead spey fly angler, fly-tier, v-logger, … April has also offered some of her educational memberships as part of our door prize/raffle too. Anchored Outdoors has an extensive library of resources and most especially around some pretty spectacular fly-fishing opportunities. I’m super excited to have her as our November speaker.
December’s meeting is going to feature Gordon Tharrett who runs some fantastic fly-fishing opportunities in Utah and Idaho – most notably the Green River. Get your calendars out for planning your 2022 season and come hear what Gordon will bring to your future fly-fishing options in the West with big rainbow and big browns.
With the year coming to a close, many of you know that for the last forty plus years, we have had an annual dinner and fundraiser event that is the highlight of our year. It is the best time spending a whole day together preparing food, getting the raffle tables ready, hors de overs, setting tables, spending the evening eating, meeting new people, silent auction, installing new board members, some funny awards and some nice awards – like the John Steele/Dame Juliana Award, and the raffle.
While the Annual Dinner/Fundraiser will happen again in our future, we are opting for some smaller and perhaps even more engaging events for the membership as this latest setback from Covid has caused us some pause and is still creating uncertainty around a big 200 person gathering.
Our annual dinner/fundraiser nets the club on average $7,500 every year. Some years more, some less. While our budget is approximately $30,000 a year, these funds all go directly to running the club – facility rent, Conservation budget, High-School Scholarship fund, our speaker programs, raffle prizes for monthly meeting, fly-tying materials and classes, Fish-out needs and more. With so many opportunities to do so many different fundraising activities and with so many fun ideas coming from you and our board, we should be able to continue meeting our goals and creating new opportunities surrounding fly-fishing.
I’m also super excited about so many of you who are coming out of the woodwork with ideas for the club and requests to be more of an active member offering to help. To that I’m excited to say that Tommy Polito is going to be helping us with Programs for 2022. Tommy and his new young family live in Aptos. We met at the BBQ and boom, just like that, I was excited to hear his ideas about programs and the offer to accept this position on the Board. You’ll be hearing more from Tommy and company soon.
And, if that wasn’t surprise enough – Bob Garbarino, who I’ve had the pleasure of fishing with a few times, casting classes and hanging out together came to the board meeting. I thought he was there as a guest which was really nice, but then Steve Rudzinski surprised us by saying that Bob was offering to take on the position of Conservation Chair for 2022, which is going to leave Steve more time to orchestrate Casting clinics, casting practices, outings and even some camping/fishing fun.
I’m really happy with everyone coming forward and please know we need a few more to help us this coming year and into the future. IF you are remotely interested, just come visit a board meeting and you might like it! I do.
Stay tuned. If you haven’t been to a Zoom meeting yet and need help navigating this – PLEASE reach out to me or Scott Kitayama. We’ll set you up – easy!!
Watch your newsletter for some really fun outdoor get togethers over these next several months.
It has been fun meeting all our new members – I’d like to highlight and welcome you so if you come to the meeting, we’d love to hear from you.
See you soon and again on Zoom – we’re going to have fun!!
Posted on September 22nd, 2021
Instead of a specific fly to tie this month I’m sharing some tips that ought to help you tie more flies in the future.
1. There are various methods to thread a bodkin. My favorite is using a ” floss threaded” which is a dental item that is sold in most pharmacies. I advise never using the wire tool that is designed for that purpose. It will score the inside and in turn cause thread to fray and break.
2. While trying to tie a particular fly, it helps to prevent materials from being lost in the clutter or blow away in the wind you using a clip or cloths pin. For your hooks, glue a magnet to the base of your vise.
3. Bodkins usually get freshly applied glue out of the hook eye but a feather is really effective.
4. Frustrated with the hole in your glue bottle being glued shut? Try this, after each use quickly wipe with a cloth, re-establish hole with a safety pin or bodkin, then cap right away. If that doesn’t work try a flame heated pin. Also cutting off the tip will often get below the hardened glue.
5. Hardened glue on bodkin or safety pin can easily be scraped off with a razor blade.
Posted on September 21st, 2021
