O.C. Off Shore Help

[TimeFlies]

I'm going off shore in mid Aug with some friends and was wondering what I can expect to catch? We would prefer not to troll, so I thought I should take along my fly rod in case we run into any schools of fish. I'm thinking maybe small dolphin or blues - any idea? In addition, I was thinking about bringing my 10wt (with float, Inter and 450 grain line). Are there any special flies or the usual big deceivers/closures...? Thanks for your help.

[Capt Frank]

TF, I chartered and guided for oh about 20 years or so give or take, in OC. We had great years and not so great. The great years on the fly were from mid 90s to 2000, then the big blues, dolphin became more scarce on the humps like the Jackspot, 20 fathon lines, twin wrecks etc. It looks like the blues have returned sowewhat from what Ive read by posters like Wild Bill, however, in it's heyday, we had 100 big blue days, 15 + pounders which would tear up sinking lines, as well as dolphin, etc. Water temp/clear water play a big roll in your success rate, if possible, get some up to date reports from reliable sources. On the troll you really need to get out to Poor Mans, Washington or Baltimore Canyons all 55-65 miles out, 100 fath line. However, there are probably still opportunities at the Hot Dog, Hambone, Wash Canyon Lumps, less 45 miles out. For chum, you should bring a minimal of a 5 gal. bunker bucket, flat of butterfish and some frozen minnows to throw at the dolphin. Bring good binos and glass for the birds. Id bring 9-12 weights, sinking lines mainly. White/chart. Squid, Deceiver flies OK, although we use our own AC Diamond, Pearl flies which were developed for that fishery. Its an exciting fishery, brings back lots of memories, esp with my father, who was a phenomenal Cappy in his day, as well as an old friend Capt Tim, who Ive lost contact with. Tight lines.

[TimeFlies]

Capt Frank, Thanks for the help. I wish I was around in OCs hot fishing days. Would you mind describing how you tie the "Diamond" fly you reference. Thanks again.

[Capt Frank]

I think its still on our web site-
check the links at Southwest Florida Salt Water Fly Fishing Guide or its in an old issue of Fly Fishing In Salt Waters, try Googling AC Diamond Fly or AC Pearl Fly.