Ricardo Madrigal with an O-Dark-thirty Pt. Loma Calico

Photo courtesy Matt Hale

2nd BTBFF History Quiz

Time for The Second Beyond The Breakwater History Quiz!

Where was I? And what was I thinking??

Click HERE to check out our 2nd history quiz. Grand prize is a SPOT Satellite Messenger...

News
So Close...:
Looks Like 2008 is About to Start!

April 20, 2008 - Despite overcast and windy weather weather down south, it looks like the 2008 season is about to get under way. When good weather settles in for a couple of days, nice-sized bonito, around-legal-sized barracuda, and a smattering of yellowtail have appeared at the Rockpile, some 25 miles south of the border.

Along the US Coast, coast, calico bass are starting to pick up steam, and a few thresher sharks have started to show. Further north, calico and sand bass continue to please off the Long Beach Breakwall. See our Fishing Reports Forum for the latest info.

An Urgent Request:
Long Beach Casting Club Needs Your Help!

April 5, 2008 - On December 2, 2007, the historic Long Beach Casting Clubhouse suffered extensive fire damage. The cost to rebuild the clubhouse exceeds the insurance coverage by at least $50,000, so they are appealing to members and the public for help. Click HERE for the whole story...

Channel Islands Fishing:
Fishermen's Spot Charters Aboard the Sea Jay


This summer, The Fishermen's Spot will be chartering the Sea Jay for some exciting action at the Channel Islands.These are limited-load trips (6 anglers), and they have scheduled 3 dates. Click HERE for more details...

Getting Started in SWFF
The Fishermen's Spot April Discovery Series Event!

March 08, 2008 - The Fishermen's Spot has announced that their Discovery Series Event for April will be on April 12, and will focus on "Discovering Salt Water Fly-Fishing". Featured speakers and fly tyers include: BTBFF Field Editor Conway Bowman (host of "Dollar-wise Fly" on the Versus Channel), Al Quatrocchi, James Dwyer, John Nakano (aka Hip), Paul Cronin and Jim Solomon.

Jason Lozano. manufacturer's representative for Scientific Anglers, Scott Rods, and Ross Reels and Rods will also be there to answer any question and demo products.

Click HERE for the full story and details...

Ragged Edge TV:
"Dollar Wise Fly" to Premiere February 15

Field Editor Capt. Conway Bowman has a new TV show that will premiere on the Versus Network February 15! "Dollar Wise Fly" will highlight ways to fish the best fly waters at a fraction of the cost. Click HERE for the full story...

San Diego Fishing Report:
Giant Yellowtail at La Jolla!

January 24, 2008 - With the appearance of smaller squid in the canyon, La Jolla broke wide open for monster yellowtail last week. See our discussion foums for more details.



Features & Columns
Are the Inmates Running the Asylum?:
Who We Are...

Ever wonder who's running this place? Click HERE to see staff photos and bios...

Fly Tying:
The Electric Deceiver
Electric Deceiver

Al Quattrocchi's version of Lefty's Deceiver combines some interesting features and tying techniques to produce a lifelike and effective baitfish imitation. Click HERE for the full story.



Reflections:
Fishing Both Coasts

Contributing Editor Nick Curcione reflects on a life spent fishing both coasts. Click HERE to read the full story


Fly-Tying Techniques:
The Case for In-line Jaw Vises

There are times and places when an "old fashioned" fly-tying vise works out better. Click HERE to read the full article.
A New Version of the Shady Lady:
The Split Shot Squid

The Split-
Shot Squid
Nick's Split Shot Squid is a new way of tying an existing favorite: Bob Popovics' Shady Lady Squid. Click HERE to see the details...


Hot Patterns:
Tomaso's Jetty Fly


Tomaso's Jetty Fly

Tomaso's Jetty Fly is a promising new pattern for taking calico, sand and spotted bass, as well as barracuda and white seabass. Designed initially to mimic the popular Trix Jetty Worm, the result is something with its own unique action and characterisitics, and most importantly, catches fish! Click HERE to see the details...

Winter Projects:
Pimp My (Boat) Ride
Got some spare timeand money? How about fixing up your boat to be more "fly-friendly"? Click HERE to read more...




Boating Safety:
Here SPOT!

The SPOT satellite messenger promises to be a fun tool which will make you safer offshore. Should you buy one? Click HERE to read more.



Fishing Techniques:
Dive Right In

Sinking lines are a fact of life when fishing BTB. But for many people, casting a sinking line is an exercise in frustration. Click HERE to read an article by Dr. Nick on the art of casting a sinking line...



Pursuing an Inshore Favorite:
A Calico Primer
Calico bass strike like a ton of bricks, fight hard, and are readily available. What's not to love? Click HERE to read a primer about catching them on fly...


Fishing:
Getting Started in BTBFF - Part V: Essential Extras


Boga Grip
Part V of our no-nonsense series on getting started in BTBFF reviews some fly-fishing accessories or tools you should have with you when fishing BTB. If you haven't fished our coastal waters much, or are new to fly-fishing, you need to check this out. Click HERE to read the full story.

Fishing:
Getting Started in BTBFF - Part IV: What to Wear


Cabelas Packable Parker
Part IV of our no-nonsense series on getting started in BTBFF has some suggestions for apparel. If you haven't fished our coastal waters much, or are new to fly-fishing, you need to check this out. Click HERE to read the full story.