Surf's Up!...

[jbird]

Mark

Really enjoy your reports! They always have pictures And its a world I never really see. I love that last shot of the rod going bendO That could be a mag cover!

Looking forward to having you around again.

Jay

[Bill Kiene semi-retired]

Great photos.......exceptional thread here.

Thanks Noodle

PS: Good picture for rod company brochure or fly fishing magazine.

[Adam Grace]

Mark ,that bend in the rod is awesome, what a pull.

[Anne Vitale]

Mark...it's me again....Obviously you were using the spey rod to overhead cast and get out as far as possible but, if you don't mind, what was on the terminal end of that set up? ..and did you strip in the line like you do for perch? Inquiring minds want to know

Anne

[Mr. Noodle Rod]

Anne,

I've been using a shooting head system for the speys, typically 26 to 28 ft of Rio T8 with 17-lb Suffix Elite or Stren Original mono running line. I'm considering trying Rio's T11 in the near future. The tippet is comprised of a triple-fly set-up,



using various fly patterns designed to target whatever fish may be nearby.

As for line stripping, the philosophy & approach for the speys have been basically the same as with the other fly tackle. I'm constantly adjusting the style & speed of the retrieve in response to how the line behaves & "feels" in the surf. Staying in contact with the flies at all times is still essential. If I suspect stripers are lurking nearby, I'll use a more deliberate & erratic, short-stroke retrieve. Otherwise, it's mostly perch-style stripping.

Besides allowing for long casts, the neat thing about the speys is that they've been great for "nymphing" & high-sticking behind the waves when the fish are grabbing topside. It's certainly a fun way to tease & seduce perch & schoolies into taking a partially-suspended fly, often not more than a rod length away.

- Mark

[kokaneejr]

Hey Mark,

Like everyone else has said welcome back. I have been following your site regularly this sumer and have been jealous of all the stripers. My work schedule in the summer sucks so I haven't had the chance to join you on any excursions. In the next months though I will start to have a better scedule as I will have Fridays and Saturdays off so I will keep my eye on the Triple F club meetings.

If anyone still doesn't know Mark's awesome website with tips techniques and detailed reports here it is as Mark probably doesn't want to step on any toes in here.

http://home.att.net/~surf.perch/Main.html

See you soon...Craig.

[Anne Vitale]

Thanks you Mark....I should have known you would respond in amazingly complet detail . You are incredible. I'll bet I am probably not the only one who captured that terminal tackle set up for their notebook.

There is a flooding tide at Drakes this afternoon and evening. I think I'll give it and my new Mangrove Hip Shooter a try. It's probably too late in the season for stripers (if there are ever any in there any way ) but I know there is a perch or two in there all year . Report to follow. Thanks again......Anne

[Anne Vitale]

Mark and Greg....Can you tell me where you get those yellow waterproof pullover (at least I think they are pullover) surf jackets you are wearing in your photos? None of the fly shops I have looked in have them. The light weight jacket I have been wearing started out being waterproof but is beginning to allow water to soak through .......Thanks......Anne

[Mr. Noodle Rod]

Hey Craig,

Saw your photos taken earlier this year in the photography section - terrific work! Good to know you'll be back on a more fishing-friendly schedule very shortly. Are you sure you're ready for more abuse from the surf this winter? (J/K) Let's head up to Anne's backyard saltwater pond sometime. It's been a while since we last wet a line up there.

- Mark

[Mr. Noodle Rod]

Hey Anne,

I picked up my jacket from West Marine. It's very water-resistant & durable for the saltwater environment. I like the pockets (both inside & out) - lots of room to store stuff.

Hope the surf was decent at Drake's today - the north swells & winds were up all afternoon along the Marin coast.

- Mark