From Mike (Sal) Salomone.
We woke up in Hollywood well before dawn. The excitement of fishing with my younger brother would have been enough but our destination pushed additional energy into the cool air. Packs had been loaded with fleece layers, knitted hats and rain gear. Odd items for typical southern California weather but we both knew how things can change quickly around Catalina Island. Rod tubes were strapped tightly in anticipation of a multitude of conditions. A set of Echo saltwater rods, a 7wt EPR, an 8wt Prime and 9wt EPR were loaded up to chase the Calico Bass that live in the kelp around Catalina.
Racing down to Long Beach with empty lanes is a rare experience. The absence of traffic anywhere in southern California is always a welcomed surprise. We arrived at the marina where the Catalina Express was docked well ahead of schedule. In the midst of Covid conditions masks were required everywhere. The broad spectrum regarding coherence was evident by looking around the dock. I’ve been vaccinated so there was an ease at least in my mental anxiety.
The Catalina Express departs from multiple ports on the mainland like San Pedro, Long Beach and Dana Point. (www.catalinaexpress.com) The shortest travel time is obtained from Long Beach and takes about an hour. Avalon is the main harbor on Catalina Island.
We stowed our gear and chose a pair of seats on the upper deck. Fresh air and a focus on the horizon helped to fend off the subtle effects of seasickness for my brother. He still loves the adventure. A preemptive dose of Dramamine helped too, a little. I drifted off into a nap, rocked into drowsiness by the motion of the ship. Daniel focused hard to ignore the same motion.
We arrived, gathered our packs and walked into the town of Avalon. It’s a cool place. Quiet that early but awakened quickly. People were shuffling about the harbor. Restaurants and shops were just opening up front doors. We entered a new building for breakfast, the Trailhead. Overlooking the harbor from the second floor I enjoyed a surprisingly delicious breakfast at Toyon Grill.
My anticipation was building when we walked over to Joe’s Rent a Boat on the main pier. We have rented boats from here in the past. It’s really the only choice. We loaded our gear into the 16”, 20 hsp motored skiff. Daniel drove the boat, again an attempt to discourage the effects of seasickness.
We started out of Avalon harbor and headed South along the coastline. We both smiled at familiar rock formations, the stone quarry and other productive areas from our previous trips as we traveled. The water gained some chop when we approached the tip of the island. After tucking the boat in closer to the shoreline around some kelp we started
fishing. I chose the 8wt Prime first and began stripping different colors of Clouser flies around the long kelp. Unable to tempt any Calico Bass in the first half hour of fly fishing, I reeled up my fly line when I noticed a boat motoring straight towards us at high speed.
California Wildlife Officers pulled up beside our boat to check for licenses. They immediately noticed the fly rods and were not shy about mentioning them. I always try to glean any information from people such as this when given the opportunity. Were there places along the lee side we should try? Any places for Calico Bass specifically? Any other fish around we should know about?
The Officers were very friendly and posed for a photo. My brother and I took a couple of mental notes from our discussion. One of the Game Wardens had to point out specifically, “You are trying to do it the hardest way possible.” referring to my fly rods.
After the Officers motored away we pointed the boat back to the North in search of calmer waters. The tide and growing weather had increased the size of the waves bouncing the little boat around uncomfortably. Past the mouth of Avalon Harbor, the Casino and next private cove, we continued above Frog Rock and along the open rocky coastline hoping for a safe haven.
I had all but given up on finding calmer water but my brother was persistent and found an area where we could anchor among large rocks that continued out into the deeper water. Giving us a break from the rough water we were able to cast flies against the boulder field that extended into the ocean. Kelp bordered the sides of the small cove. A small Calico Bass ate the weighted crab pattern I was throwing, success.
We caught a variety of other kelp species. I was throwing the Echo 7wt EPR with a surf line designed to cut through the waves and sink your fly quickly. The combination was working perfectly. But when my fly line stopped on a slow strip retrieve I believed I had hooked a long kelp branch. When my fly line moved more than kelp would in the tide I struck hard with a strip set.
My EPR bucked wildly as the stripped in line cleared out over the gunnels and through my guides. Headed for the rocks I worked hard to turn the heavy beast at the end of my line. My drag screamed under stress again. The fly line was being winched away in our game of tug o war. Twice I saw my backing.
I knew this fish was getting too far away. The more line I had out the higher the danger of losing the fish in the rocks or kelp. I put the drag into the game with a small adjustment and leaned into the backbone of my rod. The fish started to come my way under the steady coaxing from my EPR. Able to control the hard charges the fish was making I worked the fish back to the boat and into the net. I scanned the horizon for the Game wardens from earlier in the day while we took some photos.
After the boat was returned we chose an outside table at a pub and restaurant and reminisced. Some fish tacos and a couple Fosters lagers were the crowning jewels on a perfect day. We had completed another successful angling adventure poking around Catalina Island on the fly. A large Calico Bass destroyed my crab fly. The fish took me into my backing twice. And bulldogged me around a small, rocky cove guarded by tall forests of kelp. I thought about the Game Wardens from earlier in the day, Yeah the hardest way possible I kept thinking. And I wouldn’t want it any other way.
Catalina Island is a magnificent saltwater fly fishing destination. Located approximately 22 miles from Long Beach harbor, Avalon is a welcoming town with surprisingly delicious food and gorgeous vistas. Art, memorial parks and one of a kind water fountains provide eye candy to entertain visitors walking around town. Biking, shopping and hiking are some additional activities visitors regularly enjoy. Anglers can expect to encounter a huge variety of fish such as Spanish mackerel, yellowtail and the odd looking Midas Cichlid. However, the Calico Bass is the reigning king of the kelp.
The Echo 7wt EPR is a true saltwater performer. Loaded up with a sinking head surf line the EPR lifted the line from the depths easily for a back cast and powered the fly through the stiff winds that scour the Catalina Island coastline. The design of the cork handle helps load the rod while accommodating a variety of grip styles. Large stripper guides shoot heavy fly lines through the air with ease. The deep black finish exudes class. At the end of the day your shoulder will thank you for choosing the EPR.
ECHO EPR
Echo has developed the Prime series of saltwater fly rods to deliver faster casting and softer fighting characteristics. The no-nonsense blank color exudes an all business attitude.
Shorter in overall length to aid in capitalizing on surprising window opportunities, the 8’ 10” rod casts equally well from the front of a flats boat or off the beach. The 8wt Prime used around Catalina Island on this trip worked extremely well in the kelp and along the rocky shoreline.
I am looking forward to my trip to Florida in June. These two rods will be my primary beach snook rods. With a floating line on the 8wt and the surf line on the 7wt my snook arsenal should be top notch. After the stellar performance chasing Calico Bass around Catalina Island the 7wt EPR and 8wt Prime have proven to be excellent choices for multiple saltwater species.
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