Finding Fish

An oceanography teacher I once had referred to open sandy beaches as underwater deserts. This has always stuck with me and you will find that the fish who live in this environment, because of its expanse, will be attracted to anything that breaks it up. Look for irregularities in the sandy bottom like troughs that form parallel to the beach between you and the breakers. These troughs are like highways for game fish searching for food. Look for any transition between shallow and deep, sandy and rocky, warm and cold. These are the places that attract fish and the organisms they feed on. Target these areas and be on the lookout for bait fish or any other food items that might be available.

Especially look for rips. These naturally occur wherever there are conflicting currents. They can usually be spotted as muddy looking currents moving away from the beach, directly towards the open ocean. These currents carry food items to waiting fish in deeper water and are highly prized by fly fishers as hot spots. Fish the edges and even in the most turbulent sections of the rip. Be prepared for action. 

Always keep an eye out for fish cruising by, you will be amazed at what you will see once you start looking. Looking into waves just before they break near shore, can also give you a quick window into another world. A good pair of Polaroid’s will really help too.

If your not catching or seeing fish after several cast move down the beach to the next whatever. Make your cast in a fan pattern covering all the water even parallel to the beach. Be patient, enjoy your surroundings, keep your fly in the water. You will find the fish!

Here is a link to another site that has a lot of good information on reading water and the sandy beach environment.

http://flyfisherman.com/northwest/khsandybeach/