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Wingnut
01-01-2010, 07:56 PM
Partied it up at the pad to bring in the New Year in style with some of my closest friends last night. The last few guests passed the breathalyzer at 4:30am and was given the car keys to drive home. :Cool: Working once again on zero sleep, I started preparing my “Special” surf weapons for the morning mission. Mike (Bones) pulled up right on time to my driveway at 5:30am. Let’s see if we can start the New Year off in the surf with a bang and chase the Flatties with a multitude of weapons today.

Special thanks to City Dad - I sent a covert PM to Tim about a week ago placing an order for a new arsenal of his custom surf flies. Thanks for the quick turn around time Tim and you matched the specs that I needed perfectly!

Conditions:
Crisp and clear morning with a slight overcast giving way to spotty sunshine. Light inshore wind. Fishing a very high incoming tide with a rapid recess. Excellent water clarity with very little salad. Moderate surf condition 1-3 ft swells. No baitfish presence.

Fishing duration:
7:00am to 1:00pm

Techniques:
Wingnut – Fly Gear
Bones – Dropshotting plastics / Throwing hardbaits

Fish count – All released.
Bones
(2) Halibut (1) Legal 27”(1) Short
(1) Calico Bass
(1) Yellow Fin Croaker
(1) Smelt
Wingnut
(4) Halibut (2) Legals 22”, 23” (2) Shorts
(1) Opaleye Perch (New species!)

Details of the mission:
Conventional gear vs Fly gear in the surf… we’ll call it a tie okay Mike? :Wink:
Took me a little time to get back in the swing of things since I haven’t picked up my fly gear in quite awhile. Getting a Flattie in the first 15 minutes of stripping felt great. Knowing that the fish were there and that I chose the right fly patterns gave me all the confidence I needed.

Mike, it was great going back and forth with you in the surf today with different weapons in our hands. We certainly started 2010 on the right track in the surf!
It will be another great year for the S.W.A.T. Crew.

Happy New Year everybody! May all your troubles last about as long as your New Year resolutions. lol

“Too many people look forward to the New Year for a new start on old habits…”

Mission photos, enjoy!
Gearing up for flight... all systems go!
http://i143.photobucket.com/albums/r135/Wingnut32566/Wingnut4/Wingnut5/Wingnut%206/Picture005-5.jpg

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The Greg Madrigal custom hand net came in handy today. Greg, the net is a work of art and performed great. No Trout today buddy... just Halibut & Perch. :LOL:
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Nice Calico Mike!
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Opaleye, new species!
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Mike on a bendo and gets the biggest Halibut of the day.
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The release... :Cool:
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Bonus pics:

http://i143.photobucket.com/albums/r135/Wingnut32566/Wingnut4/Wingnut5/Wingnut%206/Picture016-5.jpg

The City Dad Arsenal of Surf Flies... custom made to order.
http://i143.photobucket.com/albums/r135/Wingnut32566/Wingnut4/Wingnut5/Wingnut%206/Picture001-4.jpg

Secret sauce!
http://i143.photobucket.com/albums/r135/Wingnut32566/Wingnut4/Wingnut5/Wingnut%206/Picture002-4.jpg

"Conventional" wisdom Mike? :ROFL:
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Parting shots:
From my home to yours... "Happy New Year".

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bones
01-01-2010, 08:03 PM
Wow!
What a serious way to ring in the new year Arthur! Even though it was an all nighter for you and 1 1/2 hours of sleep for me I knew I had to make this SWAT outing.
Boy was that spot flooded out in the am. Our backs were up against the wall but we have a way of making the best out of what poseiden hands us most of the time.
I was really hoping that flattie was going to be my PB but hey......I'll take what god provides me with!
A 27" FLATTIE and a Toad Calico definately turned my frown upside down for sure today.
From catching a legal halibut last season on a superman pole to starting off the new year by slaying them on the fly.....You are truely a talented fisherman my friend.
Always a pleasure assaulting the surf with you dude and I hope that the ONE DAY to heal is going to be enough for my back before our attack on sunday with the boyz!
Can't wait to see what we can do on sunday!!
Thanks for the BD and XMAS gifts once again Arthur.....Your friendship is truely a blessing!!

HAPPY NEW YEAR TO ALL and TIGHT LINES TO EVERYONE IN 2010!!

fisherman from long beach
01-01-2010, 08:19 PM
nice,very nice,wingnut you are the man when it comes to the surf

bsp
01-01-2010, 08:44 PM
Arthur, very nice day on the fly rod! Saltwater fly fishing (and fly tying) has always intrigued me, but I can't ever convince myself to give it a try when the LC is right there! Learning to cast a whole new way is also a mental barrier I have to get over. Maybe 2010 will be the year I finally give it a shot. In any case, mucho props on not being afraid of the unorthodox, and glad to see it paid off.

Mike, a fat calico and a fat halibut... what more could you want in a day of surf fishing? You managed to get the big fish of the day, and while it wasn't your personal best I have a feeling you'll get it very soon. Glad to see that your back is feeling better too, and I hope to share the surf again with you this year. I've got to focus more on dropshotting this year, so maybe you can give me a few tips next time we're out.

To both of you guys, my new years resolution was to broaden my horizons, and thanks for a report that provides an inspiration for that goal! Looking forward to more SWAT adventures in 2010!

Fire Ball
01-01-2010, 09:08 PM
Way to go guys. It looks like a fun day! I never knew you could catch a halibut with fly gear!

murrieta angler
01-01-2010, 09:35 PM
Arthur.....You never stop amazing me with your talent Bro.
Fifteen minutes in and "Wham", first hali of 2010, and 3 others with a 50/50 ratio...:Envious: Then a new species to boot, no doubt...:Smile:

That calico, Bones caught, was nice sized. He did very well today also with a nice mix of fish. Especially that 27 1/2" hali....:Big Grin:

Thanks for the report and the pics, especially the one of "lil man" looking like a "pimp"...:Big Grin::Big Grin:

Thanks again for the info you PM'd me. I will be using it tomorrow down at San Onofre...:Wink:

Way To Kick Off The Year & I Hope Good Fortune Follows You Wherever You Go...:Cool:

Nhatster
01-01-2010, 09:36 PM
Wow, what a way to start the year! The SWAT brass showing us how it's done, awesome. Catching a halibut on regular gear is hard enough, but on the fly stuff. :Shocked: U da man bro. Happy new year, looking forward to enjoying more reports from you guys.

PONTOON
01-01-2010, 10:05 PM
Arthur, Mike, both of you guys impressed me on our outing with your knowledge and your skills in the surf and both of you deserved to start out the New Year with a bang. Congratulations on another successful outing in the surf!:Thumbs Up::Thumbs Up:
Arthur, I'm getting some gear ready for another go at the surf and I'm going to need some tips from you in the near future so I'm going to be buggin' you. I hope you don't mind. I started feeling a little guilty about a purchase I made the other day and hinted to my wife that I was going to return it. She wasn't going to have that so she hid it from me until I came to my senses.:LOL:
Mike, I still have that lure you gave me and I'm looking forward to tossing that one for another try at a legal.:Cool:

Great job again guys and congratulations again on some fine catches!

Badbeat
01-01-2010, 10:42 PM
Art, thank you for inviting us all to your New year's Eve party, everybody had a great time. I can't believe how much food there was and everybody left with a care package. :Cool: You host the best parties and me and my family appreciate you including us in your celebration.

As for the fishing, I think I counted about five shots of XO and Crown that you took all night. Not nearly enough to slow down the Man of Steel. :LOL:
Congrats on a successful first mission of the year for the SWAT crew. I'm sure we will be seeing much more of that throughout the year. :Big Grin:

Happy New Year my friend.

Binh

Jaysuuun
01-01-2010, 11:29 PM
Damn was about to go to bed until I saw this post. Congrats on the fly flatties. I tried fly casting a few times in the surf but couldn't program my brain to strip set the line when I got a strike. Kept wanting to pull back on the rod and I would miss every hit. Only caught a few on the fly by accident. You make it look so easy. Another great outing by the both of you.

jerryG
01-02-2010, 01:15 AM
Happy New Year! Great start to the season guys. Wingnut once again sleepless yet still manages to get the job done and on the fly no less. Bones coming up with a nice calico and halibut on the conventional weapons of mass destruction. Very impressive guys. Well done. No fish is safe with S.W.A.T. on the job. Really looking forward to the mission.

JerryG

City Dad
01-02-2010, 08:58 AM
holy flounder! you are the Bo Jackson of fishing!

exfactor
01-02-2010, 10:01 AM
So, you need glasses now Arthur? Waiting for the "stick your tongue out and find the hook eye hole" shot! Sucks getting old. Think I've found the waders, and sand proof walking shoes that I want for the surf. My old ones just can't hang with the miles of walking that goes along with this sport. Like how you always wearing that big *** smile on your mug in the pics. Happy new year bro. Mikey

HESBROS
01-02-2010, 10:47 AM
Way to start off the New Year Arthur and Mike. You guys make it look easy. I can't wait to get back out for my next surf session. Maybe Steve will take me Sunday.

FishNFurious
01-02-2010, 12:19 PM
Most of us can't even catch a legal halibut on standard equipment and you go out and nail a couple on the fly. :LOL: You showed us something yesterday, that it's not always about the LC's. No wonder you are so successful on and off the water, you are always thinking outside the box and not afraid to take chances. Kudos to you and Bones for the nice New Year day catches. You guys are truly the elite of the surf fishing world. :Envious: Keep up the fantastic job and thanks for another great report.

blackwater
01-02-2010, 12:49 PM
Awesome New Year's party Art, thanks for inviting us, we wouldn't miss it for the world. :Big Grin: Please don't call me when you need help taking down all your Christmas decorations. :Shocked: :ROFL: You talked me into it, I'm currently putting fresh lines on my rigs and will hit the surf with the S.W.A.T. Crew soon. :Secret: I remember a couple of years ago when you got your first legal Halibut on the fly gear, that was an amazing sight. Congrats on another successful mission. Hopefully, I'll be able to join you guys on more adventures this year. :Cool:

Phuong
(One of the original S.W.A.T members that went AWOL) :LOL:

Lipripper93561
01-02-2010, 01:33 PM
Nice Sage, and nice fish too, sinking tip line? I've run a few of those patterns in the duct for stripers, but haven't got hit yet. Your surf trips are epic and I always look forward to your post. Keep up the good work and your encouragement on the catch and release.

ldsaylor
01-02-2010, 02:23 PM
Sweet job out there gentlemen! Very cool on the fly fishing in the surf! Your reports never disappoint and this is yet again another great one. I am pretty close to trying my first surf trip. Hopefully I can get into a few of those surf halis myself!! Great job!

Nhatster
01-02-2010, 02:25 PM
By the way, you should stop posting pix of yourself holding other people's babies bro. They may think you're a family man. :Wink: I showed it to mom and she almost had a heart attack, the kid even looks like you. :ROFL: Who are the cute lady elves? :LOL:

http://i143.photobucket.com/albums/r135/Wingnut32566/Wingnut4/Wingnut5/Wingnut%206/Picture038-2.jpg

kozaki
01-02-2010, 04:59 PM
Great report and BIG CONGRATS on hooking into the hali's with the flies! This is my preferred tactic for 2010 and is certainly inspiring!

Thanks!

flyngby
01-02-2010, 08:37 PM
What is a better way to ring in the New Year than a Battle in the Surf!!!!!!

You 2 may have been pushed up against the rocks at that spot but your backs are never against the wall!!!!! Your skills and knowledge is what makes you to successful!

Mike,

Glad to see you finally got out of bed and went out for another mission into your favorite Place in the Surf!!!! What better reward than to get a near PB Flattie and Quality Calico on the same day! I cast my vote to you as the winner of the day!!!

Arthur,

I missed another opportunity to witness your special talent again! Awesome showing once again! Just looking at all the gear required to pull this off once again is truly amazing! And to see you still being aggressive getting out into the deeper water is truly amazing to me!!

While a lot of us on this board are wishing to get into the surf as newbies and have a 1% chance of your success, you continually go out and make new challenges for yourself to alleviate the boredom of constantly having success!! It keeps the fun factor in the game!

I look forward and hope to be there to Photo you 40+ Flattie! I also now look forward to you progression of the tape of Flatties caught on the Fly!!

See you 2 On Sunday!!!!

Steve

Santa Fe Eric
01-02-2010, 09:51 PM
DIZZA:OMG!:NG!
Happy New Year! Way to set it off!

I always said that "Halle" was fly,
But Bro, I didn't know,
You could catch a Hali with a fly,
You lookin' handsome in the glasses,
Surrounded by the ladies, like you're a wiseguy,
You're a Saltwater Goodfella,
Like Henry Hill,
Strippin' Line in the surf,
Must have been such a thrill,
I see you killin' em' softly,
Just like Lauren Hill,
Only you could catch a Hali in 15 minutes on the fly,
Thanks for the inspiration Wingnut!
I might just give it a try:Envious:

fishshep
01-02-2010, 10:20 PM
Excellent outstanding catches !!!! :Big Grin:

Got a feelin some more PBs are down
the road by the end of this summer!!!
Happy Halibut New Year :Big Grin:

DockRat
01-03-2010, 05:58 AM
Nice outing.

http://i617.photobucket.com/albums/tt256/DARKSUCCESSES97/Picture1-51.png

DR

bigd87
01-03-2010, 07:19 PM
you always have the best reports wingnut! haha good job out there

TroutOnly
01-03-2010, 08:05 PM
NICE BIRDS NEST MIKE,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,t/o

Wingnut
01-03-2010, 08:54 PM
Wow!
What a serious way to ring in the new year Arthur! Even though it was an all nighter for you and 1 1/2 hours of sleep for me I knew I had to make this SWAT outing.
Boy was that spot flooded out in the am. Our backs were up against the wall but we have a way of making the best out of what poseiden hands us most of the time.
I was really hoping that flattie was going to be my PB but hey......I'll take what god provides me with!
A 27" FLATTIE and a Toad Calico definately turned my frown upside down for sure today.
From catching a legal halibut last season on a superman pole to starting off the new year by slaying them on the fly.....You are truely a talented fisherman my friend.
Always a pleasure assaulting the surf with you dude and I hope that the ONE DAY to heal is going to be enough for my back before our attack on sunday with the boyz!
Can't wait to see what we can do on sunday!!
Thanks for the BD and XMAS gifts once again Arthur.....Your friendship is truely a blessing!!

HAPPY NEW YEAR TO ALL and TIGHT LINES TO EVERYONE IN 2010!!
Yeah Mike, we did pretty good considering that we were suffering from sleep deprivation. :LOL: That was a fun outing and a great start to the New Year. I did much better than I expected and you had an outstanding session. We certainly kicked off the year in the surf right! I will make a prediction here and now... you will beat your PB Halibut of 28" THIS YEAR! :Twisted: I'm hoping that I"ll be there next to you when you beach her. Here's to another fun & exciting S.W.A.T. season.


nice,very nice,wingnut you are the man when it comes to the surf

Thanks, I am a very "lucky" man when it comes to the surf.


Arthur, very nice day on the fly rod! Saltwater fly fishing (and fly tying) has always intrigued me, but I can't ever convince myself to give it a try when the LC is right there! Learning to cast a whole new way is also a mental barrier I have to get over. Maybe 2010 will be the year I finally give it a shot. In any case, mucho props on not being afraid of the unorthodox, and glad to see it paid off.

Mike, a fat calico and a fat halibut... what more could you want in a day of surf fishing? You managed to get the big fish of the day, and while it wasn't your personal best I have a feeling you'll get it very soon. Glad to see that your back is feeling better too, and I hope to share the surf again with you this year. I've got to focus more on dropshotting this year, so maybe you can give me a few tips next time we're out.

To both of you guys, my new years resolution was to broaden my horizons, and thanks for a report that provides an inspiration for that goal! Looking forward to more SWAT adventures in 2010!

Marc, fly fishing is an art form and takes a lot of time & patience to get right... I don't pick up the fly gear as often as I should because sometimes, I'm not patient enough to spend the time to properly ply the art form. We all want maximum results with minimum efforts. Therefore, I tend to stick with what works best for me, which is throwing the LC. But sometimes, it's not really all about the final results, but the how you get there. I have to admit, it was much more satisfying catching a single legal Halibut on the fly gear than ten of them the conventional way. To me, it's always been the thrill of the chase and never the kill. If and when you decide to pick up the fly rod, you will open up a challenging new world and experience a new realm of personal satisfaction. So I encourage you to take that step into the "light". :Wink: Fly fishing is nothing to be feared... only to be understood.
Thanks for your friendship and support in 2009 and looking forward to many more adventures in 2010!


Way to go guys. It looks like a fun day! I never knew you could catch a halibut with fly gear!
There's no limit to what you can do when you open your mind and think "outside" the box. :Wink:


Arthur.....You never stop amazing me with your talent Bro.
Fifteen minutes in and "Wham", first hali of 2010, and 3 others with a 50/50 ratio...:Envious: Then a new species to boot, no doubt...

That calico, Bones caught, was nice sized. He did very well today also with a nice mix of fish. Especially that 27 1/2" hali....

Thanks for the report and the pics, especially the one of "lil man" looking like a "pimp"...

Thanks again for the info you PM'd me. I will be using it tomorrow down at San Onofre...:Wink:

Way To Kick Off The Year & I Hope Good Fortune Follows You Wherever You Go...

Thanks Robert, it was a perfect way to bring in the New Year. Hope you did well at San Onofre, that's a nice place to fish. I've had some success there. :Wink:


Wow, what a way to start the year! The SWAT brass showing us how it's done, awesome. Catching a halibut on regular gear is hard enough, but on the fly stuff. U da man bro. Happy new year, looking forward to enjoying more reports from you guys.
Thanks brother... your New Year's resolution should be backing off of work a bit and do more fishing!


Arthur, Mike, both of you guys impressed me on our outing with your knowledge and your skills in the surf and both of you deserved to start out the New Year with a bang. Congratulations on another successful outing in the surf! :Thumbs Up:
Arthur, I'm getting some gear ready for another go at the surf and I'm going to need some tips from you in the near future so I'm going to be buggin' you. I hope you don't mind. I started feeling a little guilty about a purchase I made the other day and hinted to my wife that I was going to return it. She wasn't going to have that so she hid it from me until I came to my senses.
Mike, I still have that lure you gave me and I'm looking forward to tossing that one for another try at a legal.

Great job again guys and congratulations again on some fine catches!
No problem Terry, whatever you need just let me know... ask away, it's NEVER a bother my friend.
You deserve that reel, don't even think twice about it, I'm glad that your wife hid it from you! :LOL:
2010 will be the year that you will get that legal Halibut!


Art, thank you for inviting us all to your New year's Eve party, everybody had a great time. I can't believe how much food there was and everybody left with a care package. You host the best parties and me and my family appreciate you including us in your celebration.

As for the fishing, I think I counted about five shots of XO and Crown that you took all night. Not nearly enough to slow down the Man of Steel.
Congrats on a successful first mission of the year for the SWAT crew. I'm sure we will be seeing much more of that throughout the year.

Happy New Year my friend.

Binh
You will always be welcomed at my home Binh... once family, always family.
Yeah, I can't believe how much food that everybody brought and I'm glad that most of it was taken home. It was a fun way to celebrate the New Year.
Thanks for everything and let's make a point to fish more together this year!


Damn was about to go to bed until I saw this post. Congrats on the fly flatties. I tried fly casting a few times in the surf but couldn't program my brain to strip set the line when I got a strike. Kept wanting to pull back on the rod and I would miss every hit. Only caught a few on the fly by accident. You make it look so easy. Another great outing by the both of you.
Ha ha, sorry that I contributed to your lack of sleep Jason.
Yeah, setting the hook on the fly rod takes a bit of touch. As for making it look easy, believe me IT IS NOT. Just ask Mike, I missed more than what I landed. :LOL:


Happy New Year! Great start to the season guys. Wingnut once again sleepless yet still manages to get the job done and on the fly no less. Bones coming up with a nice calico and halibut on the conventional weapons of mass destruction. Very impressive guys. Well done. No fish is safe with S.W.A.T. on the job. Really looking forward to the mission.

JerryG
Thanks Jerry, it was great hitting the surf with you today and looking forward to many missions this year. I appreciate all your help and support my friend.


holy flounder! you are the Bo Jackson of fishing!
Lol, Tim, thanks again for the great looking and well tied surf flies. Now I need to place an order for those Tilapia Wooley Buggers! I still owe you that Steak dinner, I'll get in touch with you in the next week or two for the time & place.


So, you need glasses now Arthur? Waiting for the "stick your tongue out and find the hook eye hole" shot! Sucks getting old. Think I've found the waders, and sand proof walking shoes that I want for the surf. My old ones just can't hang with the miles of walking that goes along with this sport. Like how you always wearing that big *** smile on your mug in the pics. Happy new year bro. Mikey
I've always needed glasses Mikey and I usually wear contact lenses in the surf. People say it's my Clark Kent look. :LOL: Very cool on the new waders and shoes... just in time for the New Year. I'm sure you will put them to use immediately. As for the smile... it sure beats frowning. :Wink:


Way to start off the New Year Arthur and Mike. You guys make it look easy. I can't wait to get back out for my next surf session. Maybe Steve will take me Sunday.
You didn't miss anything today Eddie... conditions turned for the worse and the fish went into hibernation mode. We'll get many more chances to fish together this year and I still have to hop on your boat and do some hooping before the season is over!


Most of us can't even catch a legal halibut on standard equipment and you go out and nail a couple on the fly. You showed us something yesterday, that it's not always about the LC's. No wonder you are so successful on and off the water, you are always thinking outside the box and not afraid to take chances. Kudos to you and Bones for the nice New Year day catches. You guys are truly the elite of the surf fishing world. :Envious: Keep up the fantastic job and thanks for another great report.
Thanks Vince, you met Mike (Bones) for the first time tonight. He will be teaching you how to dropshot whenever you decide to hit the surf with us. I know that you always want to learn how to dropshot. Thanks for coming to the party... Happy New Year buddy!


Awesome New Year's party Art, thanks for inviting us, we wouldn't miss it for the world. Please don't call me when you need help taking down all your Christmas decorations.
You talked me into it, I'm currently putting fresh lines on my rigs and will hit the surf with the S.W.A.T. Crew soon. :Secret: I remember a couple of years ago when you got your first legal Halibut on the fly gear, that was an amazing sight. Congrats on another successful mission. Hopefully, I'll be able to join you guys on more adventures this year.

Phuong
(One of the original S.W.A.T members that went AWOL)
Thanks for joining me in the New Year celebration Phuong. Now I have all the boxes out ready for you to help me pack up the Xmas deco. Paying you dues buddy, paying your dues. LOL
You did pretty well today in the surf considering that you haven't been there in almost a year. Not a good day out there today but we'll make up for it in no time at all, just wait and see.


Nice Sage, and nice fish too, sinking tip line? I've run a few of those patterns in the duct for stripers, but haven't got hit yet. Your surf trips are epic and I always look forward to your post. Keep up the good work and your encouragement on the catch and release.
Yes, sinking tippet is a must for the surf. I've caught a few Stripers on the fly at Pyramid in the past so much fun! Good luck out there and yes, CPR is the only way to fly! :Cool:


Sweet job out there gentlemen! Very cool on the fly fishing in the surf! Your reports never disappoint and this is yet again another great one. I am pretty close to trying my first surf trip. Hopefully I can get into a few of those surf halis myself!! Great job!
Thanks buddy, good luck on your first surf mission. Keep at it and I know you will find success!


By the way, you should stop posting pix of yourself holding other people's babies bro. They may think you're a family man. :Wink: I showed it to mom and she almost had a heart attack, the kid even looks like you. :ROFL: Who are the cute lady elves?

http://i143.photobucket.com/albums/r135/Wingnut32566/Wingnut4/Wingnut5/Wingnut%206/Picture038-2.jpg
That's funny, Mom has been wanting a new grandkid for awhile now... Sorry Mom, I'm running a bit behind schedule... :LOL:


Great report and BIG CONGRATS on hooking into the hali's with the flies! This is my preferred tactic for 2010 and is certainly inspiring!

Thanks!
Good luck Kozaki, I'm sure you will accomplish your goal and get that Halibut on the fly this year!


What is a better way to ring in the New Year than a Battle in the Surf!!!!!!

You 2 may have been pushed up against the rocks at that spot but your backs are never against the wall!!!!! Your skills and knowledge is what makes you to successful!

Mike,

Glad to see you finally got out of bed and went out for another mission into your favorite Place in the Surf!!!! What better reward than to get a near PB Flattie and Quality Calico on the same day! I cast my vote to you as the winner of the day!!!

Arthur,

I missed another opportunity to witness your special talent again! Awesome showing once again! Just looking at all the gear required to pull this off once again is truly amazing! And to see you still being aggressive getting out into the deeper water is truly amazing to me!!

While a lot of us on this board are wishing to get into the surf as newbies and have a 1% chance of your success, you continually go out and make new challenges for yourself to alleviate the boredom of constantly having success!! It keeps the fun factor in the game!

I look forward and hope to be there to Photo you 40+ Flattie! I also now look forward to you progression of the tape of Flatties caught on the Fly!!

See you 2 On Sunday!!!!

Steve
You're right Steve, you know that I always change things up even when things are going well. It's just the kid in me... I get bored easy. Just having fun and it's always good to challenge yourself once in awhile. Had a great time fishing with you today... and MANY more missions in the New Year!


DIZZA:OMG!:NG!
Happy New Year! Way to set it off!

I always said that "Halle" was fly,
But Bro, I didn't know,
You could catch a Hali with a fly,
You lookin' handsome in the glasses,
Surrounded by the ladies, like you're a wiseguy,
You're a Saltwater Goodfella,
Like Henry Hill,
Strippin' Line in the surf,
Must have been such a thrill,
I see you killin' em' softly,
Just like Lauren Hill,
Only you could catch a Hali in 15 minutes on the fly,
Thanks for the inspiration Wingnut!
I might just give it a try:Envious:

Ha ha, you're too cool Big "E". Your rhymes always bring a smile to my face buddy.
Happy New Year my friend!


Excellent outstanding catches !!!! :Big Grin:

Got a feelin some more PBs are down
the road by the end of this summer!!!
Happy Halibut New Year :Big Grin:
Wishing you the same success in the New Year buddy, keep up the nice work in the surf!


Nice outing.

http://i617.photobucket.com/albums/tt256/DARKSUCCESSES97/Picture1-51.png

DR
Thanks, nice shield... I should have a contest to see who can come up with the best shield logo for the S.W.A.T. Crew. The winner gets a dozen LC's. :Cool: Submit your designs now!!! :Big Grin:


you always have the best reports wingnut! haha good job out there
Thanks man... we do our best.


NICE BIRDS NEST MIKE,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,t/o
Hey Bob, I've been known to build a few of those nests myself... lol

BIGRED KILLA
01-03-2010, 09:04 PM
Sweet report Arthur nice job on the flatfish Arthur and Mike see you guys soon.




Bired

Wingnut
01-03-2010, 10:33 PM
Sweet report Arthur nice job on the flatfish Arthur and Mike see you guys soon.




Bired
Lucas, I was just asking Mike today why we haven't seen you out there in the surf lately? You're overdue for a trip with the S.W.A.T. Crew buddy... make some time! :Cool: I know you have lots of ladies to attend to... :Twisted: :Wink: :Envious:

Wingnut
01-03-2010, 10:35 PM
Sunday , January 3rd, 2010

Headed out with the S.W.A.T. Crew today to see if we can continue with the recent hot Winter bite. Somehow, the fish must have intercepted our communication and knew that the S.W.A.T. was about to unleash fury in the surf and vacated the assault areas. There was a leak in our intel and we are working on plugging that leak (see parting shot photo). :Big Smile:

Conditions deteriorated within the last couple of days and the swells have picked up quite a bit. The results were churned up and chocolate water with lots of salad. We made the best of it by hitting a couple of locations, but we all paid our dues today with no fish on the scoreboard.

Even with the lack of catching, we all had a fun day spent with friends.

Steve (Flyngby) - Always great to be in the trenches with you Captain. The Flatties eluded us today… but they can’t hide for long. Keep your vessel on standby as we track the conditions for next weekend.

Jerry (JerryG) - It was fun fishing side by side with you today Jerry. Swapping stories and sharing experiences. Lots of good laughs… can’t wait to get back out there with you again when conditions improves.

Phuong (Blackwater) - My long lost S.W.A.T. member making his return to the surf scene. Nice to have you back on a reunion mission buddy. It was a rough one today, but there will be plenty of legals lying at our feet soon enough!

Mike (Bones) - We’ve been doing so well lately… we needed this trip to bring us back down to Earth. One good thing that came out of today’s mission, you found a new “Russian” friend! Don’t worry Mike, the S.W.A.T. Code is “Don’t ask, don’t tell…” :ROFL:

“Failure is an opportunity to begin again… more intelligently.”

Reconnaissance photos:

Sunrise at the LZ.
http://i143.photobucket.com/albums/r135/Wingnut32566/Wingnut4/Wingnut5/Wingnut%206/Picture002-6.jpg

Met Jerry at the rendevouz point.
http://i143.photobucket.com/albums/r135/Wingnut32566/Wingnut4/Wingnut5/Wingnut%206/Picture004-6.jpg

The fishing was as dead as this poor guy. :mad:
http://i143.photobucket.com/albums/r135/Wingnut32566/Wingnut4/Wingnut5/Wingnut%206/Picture003-6.jpg

http://i143.photobucket.com/albums/r135/Wingnut32566/Wingnut4/Wingnut5/Wingnut%206/Picture005-6.jpg

http://i143.photobucket.com/albums/r135/Wingnut32566/Wingnut4/Wingnut5/Wingnut%206/Picture009-6.jpg

http://i143.photobucket.com/albums/r135/Wingnut32566/Wingnut4/Wingnut5/Wingnut%206/Picture007-6.jpg

http://i143.photobucket.com/albums/r135/Wingnut32566/Wingnut4/Wingnut5/Wingnut%206/Picture006-6.jpg

http://i143.photobucket.com/albums/r135/Wingnut32566/Wingnut4/Wingnut5/Wingnut%206/Picture011-6.jpg

http://i143.photobucket.com/albums/r135/Wingnut32566/Wingnut4/Wingnut5/Wingnut%206/Picture012-6.jpg

Mike, are those pajamas under your waders?!? Lol
http://i143.photobucket.com/albums/r135/Wingnut32566/Wingnut4/Wingnut5/Wingnut%206/Picture013-5.jpg

Conceding “temporary” defeat. :LOL:
http://i143.photobucket.com/albums/r135/Wingnut32566/Wingnut4/Wingnut5/Wingnut%206/Picture017-5.jpg

Parting shot:
Interrogating Santa… “Are you the intel leak…? I think Santa needs a spanking Amanda. :Twisted:
http://i143.photobucket.com/albums/r135/Wingnut32566/Wingnut4/Wingnut5/Wingnut%206/Picture050-1.jpg

bman90278
01-04-2010, 08:38 AM
Arthur, thanks very much for the great report and pics. Surf fishing with a fly rod looks fun. Looking forward to following your adventures this year.

Brian

kewlwhip
01-04-2010, 01:50 PM
yaaa Wingnutttt...swweet slayage- dunno if i'd fish the surf, or party at your pad with the photos! :Wink: jk

lngbchfnhnter
01-04-2010, 05:48 PM
Great work on the first report! second report,not so good:Sad: Sorry to hear about that. It seems every bodys having their share of the skunk these days.
Thanks for the report wingnut:Smile:

blackwater
01-04-2010, 11:08 PM
Well I must say that Sunday SWAT mission was a tough one. I was welcomed back for another tour of duty in the surf with a big fat Skunk. :mad: But I really enjoyed the day, not for the catching, but for the company. Arthur, fishing with you in the surf brings back so many great memories of all the flatties be beached. Mike, Steve and Jerry, you gys made me feel like we've all been friends forever. Thanks for welcoming me back the SWAT way. :Cool: I had a really great time, that is until the wife called and demanded that I evac towards home. :LOL: We will get them next time gentlemen. Like Arthur says, we were only "temporarily" defeated.

btw, Mike say hello to your friend Yuri Sputnik for me. :ROFL:

troutdog
01-04-2010, 11:19 PM
Nothing better than starting off the new year on the water, well done out there "SWAT" crew!

Props to CD for those killer looking flies!


TD

Fisherman57
01-05-2010, 07:11 PM
Looks like you had a perfect day out there Arthur!
CONGRATS!

sansou
01-05-2010, 07:25 PM
Finally got through reading this nice report....

You're starting off 2010 with a bang!

I like your style!

flyngby
01-05-2010, 08:55 PM
Arthur, Mike, Phuong, Jerry,

I had a great time out there with you all today! Although the fish did not cooperate we all gave it our best shot!!!! Here are a few pics of our treacherous day!

Me trying to get by Roxy for an early morning escape!
http://i190.photobucket.com/albums/z286/flyngby/P1020001.jpg
There used to be a trail here but mother nature has taken control!
http://i190.photobucket.com/albums/z286/flyngby/P1030014.jpg
While Arthur was already "Hunting Giants"
http://i190.photobucket.com/albums/z286/flyngby/P1030015.jpg
Phuong was trying to beat Jerry to the spot!
http://i190.photobucket.com/albums/z286/flyngby/P1030018.jpg
Phuong telling Jerry that the S.W.A.T. intensity has pick up since his last trip!
http://i190.photobucket.com/albums/z286/flyngby/P1030006.jpg
Mike finally made it down!
http://i190.photobucket.com/albums/z286/flyngby/P1030017.jpg
Jerry showing Phuong & Arthur where he last saw the 20" Great White!
http://i190.photobucket.com/albums/z286/flyngby/P1030012-1.jpg
We made a move to the kiddy beach but were still turned away with rough conditions.
http://i190.photobucket.com/albums/z286/flyngby/P1030019.jpg
Mike telling Phuong about his new found freind!
http://i190.photobucket.com/albums/z286/flyngby/P1030021.jpg
The reason that Mike was able to meet his new friend! His equipment needed a shower!
http://i190.photobucket.com/albums/z286/flyngby/P1030023.jpg
Where do we go now Commander?
http://i190.photobucket.com/albums/z286/flyngby/P1030020.jpg

I had another Fun Day out there with the Crew! The company of friends always overcomes the solo smelly trip! We all got to enjoy it together!

Till next time!

Steve

bsp
01-05-2010, 08:57 PM
Even though the fish count was nonexistent, it's good to hear that the SWAT guys came away with some interesting stories (Mike's new friend? A 20' GW...I've gone free diving there!!! :Shocked::EyePop::Surprised:) and everybody had fun!

I might have my own shield design coming up soon as well... any ground rules for the contest Commander Wingnut that we should know about?

jerryG
01-06-2010, 01:55 AM
Guys (Arthur, Mike, Phoung, Steve)

Thanks guys I had a great time. I wish the fish could have joined us out there but some how they managed to avoid us all day. The skunks must of caught wind of our attack and warned the enemy before proceeding to hi-jack our mission. The enemy seemed to have fled the area before we could get to them. We will get them next time. Looking forward to our next mission

Jerry

TroutOnly
01-06-2010, 07:10 AM
Hey bones i decide what i like better the birds nest or sand reel,,,,,,lol,,,,,,,,,,,

NooB SaBass
01-06-2010, 08:52 AM
Holy crap you guys are beast! crazy didnt know you could fly fish the surf! thts pretty kool! Amazing job out there both of u S.W.A.T. is insanly good...

Wingnut
01-06-2010, 08:29 PM
Arthur, thanks very much for the great report and pics. Surf fishing with a fly rod looks fun. Looking forward to following your adventures this year.

Brian
Fly fishing in the surf is a lot of fun... but also a lot of work. But well worth it! :Cool:


yaaa Wingnutttt...swweet slayage- dunno if i'd fish the surf, or party at your pad with the photos! :Wink: jk
You can do both Kewly. :Wink: You package is in the mail. :Cool:


Great work on the first report! second report,not so good:Sad: Sorry to hear about that. It seems every bodys having their share of the skunk these days.
Thanks for the report wingnut:Smile:
Thanks Noah, you got off to a very nice start yourself... keep up the great work out there. :Big Grin:


Well I must say that Sunday SWAT mission was a tough one. I was welcomed back for another tour of duty in the surf with a big fat Skunk. :mad: But I really enjoyed the day, not for the catching, but for the company. Arthur, fishing with you in the surf brings back so many great memories of all the flatties be beached. Mike, Steve and Jerry, you gys made me feel like we've all been friends forever. Thanks for welcoming me back the SWAT way. :Cool: I had a really great time, that is until the wife called and demanded that I evac towards home. :LOL: We will get them next time gentlemen. Like Arthur says, we were only "temporarily" defeated.

btw, Mike say hello to your friend Yuri Sputnik for me. :ROFL:
Welcome back Phuong, I'm sure we will beaching those Flatties in no time buddy. :Twisted:


Nothing better than starting off the new year on the water, well done out there "SWAT" crew!

Props to CD for those killer looking flies!


TD
Definitely a nice start to the New Year Aaron. City Dad does tie some of the best looking flies!


Looks like you had a perfect day out there Arthur!
CONGRATS!
No complaints here Dana, not a bad start a all t the New Year. You had a great start yourself, right my friend? :Wink: :Cool: :Big Grin:


Finally got through reading this nice report....

You're starting off 2010 with a bang!

I like your style!
Thanks Rich, Happy New Year buddy!


Arthur, Mike, Phuong, Jerry,

I had a great time out there with you all today! Although the fish did not cooperate we all gave it our best shot!!!! Here are a few pics of our treacherous day!

Me trying to get by Roxy for an early morning escape!
http://i190.photobucket.com/albums/z286/flyngby/P1020001.jpg
There used to be a trail here but mother nature has taken control!
http://i190.photobucket.com/albums/z286/flyngby/P1030014.jpg
While Arthur was already "Hunting Giants"
http://i190.photobucket.com/albums/z286/flyngby/P1030015.jpg
Phuong was trying to beat Jerry to the spot!
http://i190.photobucket.com/albums/z286/flyngby/P1030018.jpg
Phuong telling Jerry that the S.W.A.T. intensity has pick up since his last trip!
http://i190.photobucket.com/albums/z286/flyngby/P1030006.jpg
Mike finally made it down!
http://i190.photobucket.com/albums/z286/flyngby/P1030017.jpg
Jerry showing Phuong & Arthur where he last saw the 20" Great White!
http://i190.photobucket.com/albums/z286/flyngby/P1030012-1.jpg
We made a move to the kiddy beach but were still turned away with rough conditions.
http://i190.photobucket.com/albums/z286/flyngby/P1030019.jpg
Mike telling Phuong about his new found freind!
http://i190.photobucket.com/albums/z286/flyngby/P1030021.jpg
The reason that Mike was able to meet his new friend! His equipment needed a shower!
http://i190.photobucket.com/albums/z286/flyngby/P1030023.jpg
Where do we go now Commander?
http://i190.photobucket.com/albums/z286/flyngby/P1030020.jpg

I had another Fun Day out there with the Crew! The company of friends always overcomes the solo smelly trip! We all got to enjoy it together!

Till next time!

Steve
That pic of the sand in Mike's reel was awesome Steve. :ROFL:
Luckily, the Luna is built for such abuse. :Twisted:
Good times with the crew on Sunday even though we were ALL tied in the fish count. :LOL: Thanks for sticking it out with us buddy. Looking at the conditions for this weekend, might be time for Plan B. :Wink:


Even though the fish count was nonexistent, it's good to hear that the SWAT guys came away with some interesting stories (Mike's new friend? A 20' GW...I've gone free diving there!!! :Shocked::EyePop::Surprised:) and everybody had fun!

I might have my own shield design coming up soon as well... any ground rules for the contest Commander Wingnut that we should know about?
Too bad you couldn't make it out there with us Marc, we had a great time regardless of the fish count. The rules to the S.W.A.T. shield design is simple... the one that I like the most, is the WINNER! :Big Grin:


Guys (Arthur, Mike, Phoung, Steve)

Thanks guys I had a great time. I wish the fish could have joined us out there but some how they managed to avoid us all day. The skunks must of caught wind of our attack and warned the enemy before proceeding to hi-jack our mission. The enemy seemed to have fled the area before we could get to them. We will get them next time. Looking forward to our next mission

Jerry

Jerry, good times indeed... lots of laughs all around, that's for sure. No worries, we have found the cause of the intel leak and it has been plugged. :Wink: The enemy cannot hijack the feed to the S.W.A.T. Predator Drone any longer. :ROFL: Can't wait until the next mission! :Twisted:


Hey bones i decide what i like better the birds nest or sand reel,,,,,,lol,,,,,,,,,,,
I like them both Bob... classic. :Big Smile:


Holy crap you guys are beast! crazy didnt know you could fly fish the surf! thts pretty kool! Amazing job out there both of u S.W.A.T. is insanly good...
Beast...? I must be getting old, can't keep up with the hip lingo anymore. :LOL: Thanks PVT, keep up the good work out there! :Cool:

gletemfeelsteelgary
01-07-2010, 12:27 PM
nice work on all those feesh...

Way ta go on the flyrod.....brings me back to my old school days when I used to tie fly's..

looks like you were on 'em..

Great job...

Salute
Gary

Wingnut
01-08-2010, 12:25 AM
nice work on all those feesh...

Way ta go on the flyrod.....brings me back to my old school days when I used to tie fly's..

looks like you were on 'em..

Great job...

Salute
Gary

Man, I don't think that I have enough patience to tie my own flies... plus the eyes is getting a little old. :LOL: Just slinging the loops from time to time is enough for me. :Cool:

Greg Madrigal
01-12-2010, 08:27 AM
Dang Arthur. Youre an animal! 1 Question tho....Why didn't you "net" the legal?! LOL! J/k
Thanks for taking her out on trip one, but not trip 2. I saved the pics for my woodworking file. Sweet deal, and congrats on the fly 'butt.

Wingnut
01-12-2010, 10:19 PM
Dang Arthur. Youre an animal! 1 Question tho....Why didn't you "net" the legal?! LOL! J/k
Thanks for taking her out on trip one, but not trip 2. I saved the pics for my woodworking file. Sweet deal, and congrats on the fly 'butt.

Greg, the legal Hali would actually fit in the net, the head at least. :Wink: But they're pretty smart and would take off as soon as the net hit the water. Much easier to back up to the sand and beach them. :LOL: I love your custom net... now we have to negotiate how I can get my hands on one of those black wood models that you are working on. :Envious:

Rakie
01-22-2010, 04:04 PM
Always wanted to try fly fishing, I have a fly reel but no rod. Too bad the rods' the expensive part!


Tight lines
~Rakie.