Wet Fly Swing Fly Fishing Podcast

684 | Surf Fishing California with Tyler Vanosdell - Mission Bay Fly Fishing, Corbina, Halibut

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Episode notes

Show Notes:  https://wetflyswing.com/684

Presented By:  Grand Teton Fly Fishing, Heated Core, Waters West, Angler's Coffee

Today, we're surf fishing California, home to some of the toughest surf fishing spots in the country. Southern California also boasts one of the largest manmade bays and some of the best weather and fish species around.

Tyler Vanosdell from Mission Bay Fly Fishing takes us from his roots on a cotton farm to becoming a San Diego fly fishing guide. Tyler shares the top three things you need to do before hitting the surf, the best apps to use, and essential tips for casting a full sink line.

Plus, you’ll learn why the strip set is critical and how walking your line can make all the difference.

Show Notes with Tyler Vanosdell on Surf Fishing California. 

02:10 - Growing up on a fifth-generation cotton farm in western Arizona, Tyler started fly fishing on the muddy Gila River, catching largemouth bass, catfish, and even carp before it became popular.

03:42 - Tyler spent time in Montana, Utah, Colorado, and even traveled to Mexico and Costa Rica before landing in San Diego. It was a chance offer from a friend needing a roommate that brought him to San Diego, and he's been there for almost 18 years now.

Surf Fishing California: Where to Begin? 

05:24 - The first thing Tyler teaches new surf anglers is understanding the conditions. The waves are constant in San Diego, so knowing how to read the waves, tides, and wind is key. Tyler also emphasizes showing beginners the right structure and how to use apps and gear.

Must-Have Apps for Surf Fishing

06:43 - Tyler recommends starting with free apps for tides and wind. For waves, he suggests paying for Surfline, which costs about $10 a month. The cool part? Surfline offers live video feeds of different beaches, letting you scout out fishing spots before heading out.

Surf Fishing Species

07:51 - Tyler talks about the top fish species to target in Southern California.

Corbina - The most popular by far is corbina (or "beans"), which come into shallow waters in the summer to feed on sand crabs. Halibut - Tyler also loves fishing for halibut, especially the big ones. There are two types of halibut: Pacific halibut California halibut Croakers (like Yellowfin and Spotfin) Corvina - a toothy fish similar to white sea bass. Ideal Fishing Conditions and Timing

Tyler explains that fishing in San Diego is possible year-round, but winter is his favorite time. It gets crowded in summer, so Tyler tries to fish early to avoid the crowds.

When it comes to conditions, he looks for low-energy waves, around zero to two feet. For tides, he prefers lower ones, especially around zero to two feet, which helps him find good structures for casting. He also likes light winds, ideally 3 to 5 knots, for a smooth experience.

Tyler encourages anyone interested in surf fishing to give it a try. The conditions might be tough some days, but other times, it feels like everything just falls into place. He believes if he can do it, anyone can.

Gear and Casting Tips for Surf Fishing

18:57 - Tyler talks about the gear he uses for surf fishing. He usually takes one rod, sometimes two, with a backup just in case. He recommends a full sinking line of around 250 grains to handle the strong surf and currents.

He explains how casting with a heavy sinking line takes a bit of practice but it's all about letting the rod do the work. Tyler also suggests using a wider casting stroke and double hauling for distance. Start close, work your way out, and you might even catch fish right in front of you.

24:18 - Tyler says low tide is the best time to spot fish-holding structures like rocks, holes, or steep beaches. These areas give fish a place to feed or wait for prey. Tyler also recommends checking out river mouths, which are great spots because they bring in brackish water full of baitfish that predators love.

29:15 - Tyler sticks to a few key flies like the Clouser and Surfin' Merkin, which are great for catching fish in Southern California. He uses size four hooks with medium dumbbell eyes, and colors like red and white, chartreuse, or olive. Tyler also likes red flies because they're popular in the area.

Chasing Corbina and Other Fish

38:56 - Tyler talks about how fishing for corbina can be a mix of blind casting and sight fishing. Sometimes the fish are right at the water’s edge, and you can literally see their backs and tails. To catch them, you often have to wade out into the water depending on where the structure is.

Mission Bay Fly Fishing 

44:11 - Mission Bay is the heart of fly fishing in San Diego. It’s the largest manmade aquatic park in the U.S., offering 34 miles of fishable shoreline. You can walk around, cast, and explore different areas, making it super accessible.

One of the coolest things about fishing there is the spotted bay bass. It’s a unique species to the area, and you can catch them year-round. Tyler likes fishing at lower tides with an intermediate sinking line for better results.

Show Notes:  https://wetflyswing.com/684