Planning details:

Rod: 6 - 8 weight rods are all acceptable, but if you hook a big striper, leopard shark, halibut, or big piece of kelp and only have a 6 weight, you could be unhappy. I use a 7 or 8 weight.

Line: Generally you will use a sinking line, intermediate or faster sink. I use a shooting head, same gear I use at Pyramid Lake. Personally, I prefer something faster than intermediate, to quickly cut down below the waves and not have the line thrown back at me. However there are a few that prefer intermediate, even floating!

Leader: 12 - 10 # test and 10 - 8 # dropper is fine, 5 - 9 foot in length and they are not leader shy. I run two or three hooks, but one hook is fine. Try using a small swivel just below the butt section of your fly line if using multiple hooks. You will get less tangles due to twisted lines. You can't get a double hook-up with one fly, but if you are getting tangled, you are not fishing, so it is a trade-off. Flies: See the surf-perch or Zen fishing websites below. I will bring spare flies, to the club fish outs, so "not to worry".

Stripping basket: To me it is mandatory and that sentiment is almost universal. I do not recommend the net style baskets for the surf, due to the aggressive action of the waves. A stiff sided, fairly deep basket is best. I will have a couple spare stripping baskets available to borrow, or you can purchase one with a donation to the Club of $20. For a commercial basket, the "HipShooter" basket is excellent and very portable; it is pictured on this website: www.sealevelflyfish.com.

Waders: Neoprene is not required, the water is not that cold. I use bootfoot waders without felt. As they are easy to get on/off and sand doesn't get into the boots. You can use sandals over stocking foot waders too.

Jacket: I recommend a light jacket that you wear over (outside) your waders, to keep the water from splashing over the top and down your waders. Many of us are now wearing pull-over waterproof jackets from a kayak shop (called kayak or paddling jacket), or Simms. When (not "if") you get knocked down by a wave because you weren't watching, you will stay dry and not ruin your trip. I have been knocked completely down, hat off, head dripping wet but no more than a teaspoon of water down my neck. In my picture, I am wearing a red kayak jacket from a local kayak shop. Costs range from about $90 - $300. Try to get one with a pocket in front for your flybox and spare leader, because when you have the jacket on, you cannot easily get to your pockets inside.

PFD Personal Flotation Device: Nice and a good safety factor if you have one, Many people use them, but they are not required.

Camera: You can get small waterproof cameras now, which are great, or buy a small waterproof box, which I did, from a sporting goods store like Big 5 or REI. When you get the BIG fish or triple hook-up, you will want a picture, so I always bring mine. A simple spring clip hangs the box on my wading belt. I tuck it in under the jacket so it does not get pounded by the waves. I suggest a square of tissue or paper towel in it also to absorb any drop of water that might get in when you open it with wet hands.

Why so many early morning fish outs? Mornings normally are calm or have an off-shore wind so you can cast easier and further, afternoons often have a strong on-shore wind and later the sun is square in your eyes. You can catch fish in the surf any time of day, but less people on the beach means less hookups behind you with people and their dogs.

I never did it before, should I come? Absolutely! There will be experienced people who will be very happy to help. We will start with a general discussion for everyone and provide individualized brush-up instruction as desired. But this is not a good place to start learning to cast! The surf will make a good caster a much better one, but beginners need to start as I did; hours and hours on grass playgrounds.

www.surf-perch.net An outstanding website with lots of pictures and observations, but not with the details of the next one listed.

www.zenflyfishing.com Not updated for awhile, but excellent detailed information that applies today. His "Techniques" section should be required reading.

Santa Cruz Club website, (you are here!) full of information in their archived newsletters.

www.youtube.com/watch?v=tVwvJBc7jfc This is a great little video of catching a surf perch on a southern California Beach.

Questions? Sam Bishop 831-274-4024, or home at 476-6451, or email flyfish@totlcom.com.