Flies for the Surf Zone

My personal thought on flies for the surf zone is that a perfect representation is not the most important thing. It is a turbulent, turbid place where split second decisions are made to eat or reject your fly. Bite triggers like color, size or added flash can be more important.  I do like to try different flies to see what is hot. I use a two fly rig to help with that. 

 Everyone seems to have their own preferred method for this but I have had good luck tying my larger fly (say a #4 rusty squirrel clouser) off the leader with my smaller fly as a trailer( a #6 red micro shrimp). I tie it onto the hook bend of the larger fly. I like this method as my flies are all in line as you cast them (less tangles). The bottom fly has been my most successful. There is also the dropper method. Some folks use a 3 way barrel swivel or a ring to accomplish that method.

Suggested perch flies consist of the Rusty Squirrel Clouser, Llama Hair Mole Crab, Red Micro Shrimp, Sand Worm, Brite Blend Dredger, Surf Grub and grass shrimp. My best fly like I said earlier was my dropper fly with the llama hair Mole Crab being the most productive and the Red Micro Shrimp not far behind.

A great spot to obtain flies is http://www.fliesunlimited.com. This is the web site for Jay Murakoshi, master tier. Jay has some of the best saltwater flies available and now you can buy direct through his site. Jay has photos of most of his flies too. He and Ken Hanley also offer many great classes and seminars throughout the year. 

Ken Hanley's new site is found at http://www.pacificextremes.com. Ken's site shows his flies as well with recipes for each. Ken shows his class  schedule and has his books and video available there too. His beautiful hard cover book, Fly Fishing the Pacific Inshore, I consider to be a "must have" reference.

Having said all that, if you tie flies, just experiment. These fish will attack most things that appear to be food. You will undoubtedly create your own killer pattern with a little experimentation.

If you haven't started to tie.....start. I believe this is another way to become a better fisherman when not on the water. Just understanding the thought process that goes into building a fly will make you a better "fly selector" when you open your box.