still catching em…

A few custom Beach Bugs tied by Al Q photo by Al Q

photo courtesy of Ryan White

photo courtesy of Ryan White

I got a nice email from Ryan White this morning and want to share it…It’s unfortunate UMPQUA has retired this fly from its production line, it still continues to catch fish all over the world not just in California.  Thanks for the kind words Ryan, I am glad you got into the slab perch, they are really fun on the fly…

Hi Al,

Long-time fan, first time caller. Just wanted to drop you a note of appreciation for sharing such a great pattern.

While on vacation last week, I snuck off from family duties for a quick morning session in the surf near Santa Cruz. In a little over an hour, but Q’s Beach Bug did a number on a dozen local perch, including two slabs in the two-pound range (I thought I finally had a striper and started backing up the beach to get it on the reel, but it finally surfaced as a porker of a surfperch). They finally shredded half the estaz off and it was still catching fish.

Anyway, the pattern has been killer for me wherever I’ve used it in the surf, and I really appreciate how generous you are with patterns, knowledge and helping other along in the sport.

Cheers,
Ryan