JULY ARTICLE

" I caught the telltale olive copper back slowly cruising in the flat"

When my line went from white to orange I had a brief moment of panic. Then I realized that was my backing. Then I got more excited. I could see the Corbina in the face of the waves - this was a good fish.

I bought a dedicated "Surf" line because that's what everyone told me to do. Loaded on my rod, it felt like I was throwing a Zara Spook, so much effort and so little accuracy.

I used scissors to cut 30 inches off the end of that $100 sink tip - it just felt wrong. After my "Adjustment" the line and rod handled like a dream.

The Corbina had been feeding in a slot and casting between the dogs, the people and the dogs (lots of dogs) all I was doing was producing refusals. On my left, away from my picky friends I caught the telltale olive copper back slowly cruising in the flat.

My first cast was too short so I waited until the brute swam past. Second cast was perfect and I got tight. Five minutes later my hands smelled like fish, so did my phone and my pants - I had to wipe them on something, right?

If you are having accuracy issues don't be shy about making some changes - this should be fun.

Try to shorten the leader first. The more accurate and stealthy you can become the more fish you will eventually land.

Dan Millis told me "presentation catches fish" and I believe him. If you are struggling with accuracy or distance then ask for help - the majority of our membership has over twenty years of experience.

The water is warming up and there's a whole ocean of fish waiting for you - make a plan to spend the day with a flyrod in your hand. It'll be time well spent.

Charley Beals

President Conejo Valley Fly Fishers

ESCAPING THE DOLDRUMS

". . . how many re-runs of I Love Lucy can you binge watch . . .? "

Our national pre-occupation with the Wuhan virus and our government mandated home confinement has just about driven some of us around the bend.

Humans are predisposed to freedom of movement and being ordered to essentially lock oneself up in a box (no matter how big your house and TV sets are) is tantamount to a prison sentence for many. Really, how many re-runs of I Love Lucy can you binge watch without wanting to do yourself harm?

Thus it didn't surprise me when on my Father's Day Weekend trip to Mammoth that there was so much activity.

Usually Father's Day Weekend in the eastern Sierra is a quiet time, but not this year. I've attended many an Opening Weekend, however I've rarely seen Mammoth, Crowley and its environs as busy as it was. It seems the cure for cabin fever this year was a trip to the mountains.

Wanted to rent a boat to fish Crowley?Fuggadaboutit.

Wanted to fish Little Lakes Valley but didn't get to Mosquito Flats until 8:30, sorry but no parking spots left.

It was just a mass of people everywhere exercising their God given right to fresh air, sunshine and the freedom of just enjoying the great outdoors in all its glory.

The weather was phenomenal, the fishing was great and the company was enjoyable. Americans are resilient and we won't let anything keep us down and out for long.

Tight lines and fighting fish to all!

- Scott Olson