going to Sand Diego CA

[Sardman]

I will (probably) be in San diego Ca all of next week and was wondering if it's worth taking some fishing gear.

I will be staying at the Crowne Plaza, which is right on the San Diego River. I will have probably be able to go fishing after 4 pm, and no car.

Only gear I would be able to pack is a 6 wt fly rod or a 7', 3-piece surf spinning rod.

Any insight for urban fishing is appreciated.

thanks

 

M. 

 

[Vic Velasco]

I say you should go fishing - three reasons: 1. Conway Bowman can put you on a Mako; 2. There are Bonefish in the bay; 3. There are halibut in the troughs at the beach.  Take the bus to the fish! There are at least 3 flyfishing shops in the area - if anything, stopping in there would be a great way to talk fishing and killing time.  

[Ben Sacher]

I would bring the 6 weight, provided you have sinking line. I would say away from the san diego river.  I know people do well with bass farther inland, but its not a pleasant river and doesn't present any unique opportunity for something out of the ordinary. 

In mission bay, you wade the shallows for croaker and corbina. I would throw small clousers (orange is a good color), or if you have any, flats patterns on sandy flats. Incoming tide is usually easiest because there is less seaweed to get snagged on. 

Near bridge pilons and jetty/sea wall rocks (Ingram st. bridge is good) you can do well with sand bass, spotted bass and the odd calico. Use large baitfish imitations.Blues, greens or browns over white are the norm. You will miss lots of hits, which are oddly mushy. 

There is always the chance of nailing a halibut.Try throwing some bread in the water (espec on incoming tide) and watch the smelt go nuts. Occasionally a halibut will clear the water with a mouthful of smelt.

My home shop was san diego fly shop in solona beach, but I know so cal fly fishing outfitters is in mission bay area. 

good luck. 

On Sunday, June 2, 2013 9:07:53 PM UTC-4, Sardman wrote:

[Sardman]

reporting back from San Diego.

in short: ZIP.

long story: conference was dragging out till 5:30 every day, so there was very little time to get out and fish. I managed to squeeze in two sessions in the four days I was there. First day I hit the bay and fished from the rocks. The water was chrystal clear and got nothing on my minnow, tied based on the recommendations I found online to have some orange in it. Had one tiny nibble but did not connect. 

Second day I rented a Kayak (higly recommended) but only had one hour before the place closed down and had to return the yak. First cast, solid hit on the cloused/charlie fly. I 've got all excited, but that was it. Nothing else.

I also fished for a little while on the beach after I returned the yak, but it was really hard without a strip basket. I spooked one fish in the wash that left a little wave taking off. Got my legs completely bitten by some kind bugs and am still scratching.

On the bright side: San Diego has great craft beers and Sushi (and most of the young people on the beach look very good, which made me feel sooooo old)

M.