Like Father, Like Son: Fishing with Dad
Every now and again, life seems to move too fast to keep up with. In fishing, I’ve found myself guilty a few times of getting caught up in the pride of it all rather than the peace. Luckily, each time I find myself edging toward the pride rather than peace, I snap myself back into it rather quickly. This past week offered a timely and sobering few moments that I’ll look back on to keep my fishing endeavors centered around peace and it’s purity. Also, I want to take the time to wish all the dads out there a Happy Father’s Day as we approach your day.
If you’ve followed the blog long enough, you’d know I don’t tend to write much about my client sessions as a guide. I like to keep as much of what I publish to be timely, relevant, and educational. In this case, I felt that the story met all the standards- so here we go.
There’s something special about fishing that brings men together. I’m not saying it can’t or doesn’t do the same for women, but whether it’s the primitive feeling it elicits or its ability to submerse one in nature, it holds a special bonding power. That bonding power is at work in many father-son relationships and I’ve had the pleasure of witnessing so many unique examples.
Thursday (6/3) Surf Fishing Report
I met Bill and Sterling just before 6 am and we made our way onto the sand for our 6 am-10 am session together. They were both relatively new to surf fishing and they spent the last couple days fishing local beaches (light tackle) leading up to our session together. The goal: Catch a leopard shark for Bill’s son, Sterling. Like any good dad, Bill wasn’t here to feed his passion for fishing, but to feed his son’s passion. By the end of the day though, I’d see that notion reciprocated.
We fished a falling tide (3.7 feet at 5:02 am) and (0.6 feet at 11:29 am). The surf height was a predicted 3-4 feet which was not ideal, but definitely not the roughest conditions to fish in. Water temp was 65-67 degrees, seaweed was light for the most part and the current was moderate to moderately strong pulling from south to north. Overall take: Conditions for light tackle were perfectly fine… conditions for sharking were a little rough but doable. My biggest concern for the day was the current. I use 8-ounce pyramids for my sharking weights and they work great for what I do.
Typically, if the conditions don’t allow for my pyramids to hold, (if I were on my own) I would elect to fish to the conditions and stick with light tackle for the day. Today, there were expectations and a let-down is never fun. For this reason, I’ve been considering switching over to sputnik weights or a similar style.
A Nice Start
After setting up the shark rods, we rigged the light rods up for some Carolina rig action in the mean time. Leading up to our session together, Bill and Sterling had been fishing a couple times in the previous days and had caught 2 or 3 fish cumulatively. Although the goal for the day was to get a shark for Sterling, within the first hour, they’d already caught some 5 or 6 fish (yellowfin croaker and perch). I can’t take too much credit for the light tackle productivity as my attention was split between manning the shark rods and making sure all was good for light tackle. I’d like to take credit, but for the most part, I think we just found a good spot and the fish were there. Here’s the gear We use for light tackle:
- Rod: Okuma Celilo (8’6″ MA) or the Okuma SST (8’6″ MA)
- Reel: Penn Battle II or III 4000 series
- Mainline: 15-pound monofilament
- For Bait: Carolina Rig:
- Leader Line: 15-pound fluorocarbon
- Swivels: 15-19mm barrel swivels
- Hooks: size #2 or #4 owner mosquito hooks
- Weights: 1-oz egg weight
- Beads: 8mm fishing beads
- For Lures: Lucky Craft FM 110 and Shimano WM 115 SP
- Other best surf fishing rods and best surf fishing reels
Long Story Short
The next three hours were just as exciting as the first. Sterling was lighting up and the two were having (seemingly) an awesome time. Sterling mentioned to me that they were approaching their best day of fishing ever in terms of numbers and all they needed now was a leopard shark! I of course was thinking the same thing… we need a leopard! Bill was impressed with the level of productivity and made his appreciation known to me. By 10:20 am, the two of them had combined for some 11 fish (corbina, yellowfin croaker, perch, and stingray) but the target fish had still evaded us.
Around 10:30 am I made my way over to Bill, gave him the time and asked if he’d be willing to stick around another thirty minutes in an attempt to get a leopard on the sand. He agreed and just as I turned my head back to the shark rods, I saw it.
We’re on!
The closer rod is in full bend and I run as fast as I can! I pick up the rod, give the drag a 1/2 turn and lean back to provide adequate tension for a circle set. As Bill and Sterling reach me, I hand the rod to Bill and Sterling watches in excitement. Five minutes later and we’ve got her on the sand. Mission accomplished!
Gear and Tackle for Sharking:
- Rod: Fiblink Moonsniper (12 or 13 feet)
- Reel: Penn Battle 6000 or 8000 (II or III)
- Mainline: 50-pound braid
- Top shot: 100-pound nylon coated mono
- Shark Rig: (Buy Here)
- Hooks: 7/0 Circles
- Swivel: 3-Way Barrel Swivel
- Crimps: AFW #6 Crimps
- Weight: 8-ounce pyramid or 6-ounce sputnik
The excitement on their faces was enough for me to feel good about the session, but after we got the photos and sent her back out to sea, Sterling said something that resonated with me. We had just regathered ourselves and I told Bill we might as well get one more bait out there while I break down some of the other rods. Sterling was with me at this point and he said, “Nick, you’re awesome! You make my dad so happy!”
Those words brought me full circle. Bill’s goal was to get a shark for Sterling. Sterling’s goal was to get a shark for his dad. The bond couldn’t have been more clear. I’m sure Bill was excited to show his wife and his friends the photos of Sterling next to the “huge” shark they’d caught, but more apparent was the equal desire from father to son and son to father for each’s happiness.
The Cherry On Top
As soon as I get another bait out in the water, it’s taken and we’re on once more! With our target species acquired, this is 100% Sterling’s fish. I hand the rod over to him and do my best to help when I can but the kid didn’t need much help. Five minutes later and we’ve got her on the sand. We take some photos, get a quick measurement and with smiles across the board, she swims off.
Over the years, I’ve had the pleasure of fishing with many father-son duos (and even grandfather-grandson duos). It’s always fun to pick out the similarities, pick out the differences and watch the different styles of communication. I personally never had much of a father-son fishing relationship but my dad was always shocked with what I’d pull out of the surf. My mom actually got me started on fishing and I didn’t really take it and run with it until my buddy introduced me to the surf. From that point on, I was hooked. I had the pleasure of taking my dad out one time prior to an unfortunate natural event that took him from us far too soon. It wasn’t the most successful day but I’m glad we were able to make it happen. I got a photo of him representing my college sport and my life passion.
Fishing (and especially fishing the surf) truly does hold a special bonding power. Nothin’ like getting out there with the ones you love, catching a couple fish and sharing a beautiful day at the beach. It’s experiences like the one portrayed today that keep me doing what I’m doing and doing it for the right reasons. A big thanks to not only all the father-son duos I’ve fished with, but also to everyone I’ve fished with. Thanks for reading and I look forward to all the memories to come.
Check out my newest video for the San Diego Beaches Series: Surf Fishing Solana Beach.
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Okay, Nick, that post made me cry, but all for the good memories. Thanks for remembering Dad today. May fishing provide you with many more peaceful times (and lots of fish, too). Dad would be so proud of you, as am I. Happy sharking! Love, Mom
Thanks mum🥲
I swam with leopard sharks so many times. These sharks are more like koala bears. I hope you released the poor animal.
Go for some tiger sharks instead please!
All sharks are released. Will keep doing what I’m doing. Just know that all data is kept for personal research and all sharks are handled with more care than you could imagine.
Great post and always love watching fathers and sons catching fish. I have been fishing the surf and the bays with my 14 year old son over the past year and it has been great. There is a special bond which forms that you elude to that comes out of fishing. I have 3 younger daughters who also fish who are 11 and 6 year old twins. My younger ones have caught fish on light tackle in the surf with just little 4.5 foot rods especially in warmer months and at higher tides. I kind of have a practical question though. I tend to let my youngest girls try to cast out to the surf with some variable success. I often end up casting it out for them so they can get their line a little further out to where the fish are. I was wondering what kind of set up you had for Sterling out there as my 6 year old twins can’t really hold my 8.5 foot Celilo and even my 11 year old daughter says its way too big. They have little 4.5 foot rods with spin cast reels that kinda work for them but not all the time (they insist on using them because they are THEIR rods). They are growing quickly though and I imagine they will graduate to something a little bigger but they will probably be 12 or 13 before they can comfortably hold an 8.5 foot rod.
Awesome stuff, Gustavo! Sterling was using a penn pursuit 3 4000 series combo (7ft rod) for the most part we would cast out for him but he was most definitely competent with it. 7 ft is a nice universal size.
Thanks for the info Nick and keep up the blogging. I look forward to getting that email each Sunday night!
Thanks, Gustavo!
Great article Nick, seeing little Sterling holding up that fish says it all…good job.👌
Have a peaceful week my friend, looking forward to next month on our session.
Thanks, Richard. Have a awesome week.
My love of fishing certainly comes from my dad. I grew up fishing from boats, barges and piers with my dad. Curiously, we never fished the surf! Now, my saltwater fishing is 90% plus from the surf. Great post Nick…..
So awesome to hear! Thanks for the comment.
Great read as always, Nick. This was very timely for me, as my son and I just had our best surf fishing outing together yet. He caught his first corbina! We used your tips for sand crabs with colander and water bottle….very helpful
Thanks for the credit, Matthew! Keep putting the time in. Seems you’re doing well.
Isn’t this why most of us fish? To have fun. Sharing it with others is a bonus. Sharing it w/someone special just makes it so much better. And catching your target fish goes beyond that.
Well done Nick!!!
Thanks, Bob. Tight lines out there!
always great info in your posts nick, but what are you using for bait when targeting leopards? I’m assuming cut mac or something like that.
Anything cut bait works. Typically if I or a client gut(s) a fish on any given session and it’s unsavable, they come home with me into the bait chest. But Mack works too and so does most other cut bait. This article might be of value to you: https://surffishingsocalsd.com/leopard-shark-fishing/
thanks buddy
Thank you for sharing this story. Absolutely beautiful and it truly hits home what fishing is all about, creating bonds and memories that last a lifetime. I have learned a great deal from your tips and blogs. I got into surfing from ex boyfriend and the excitement of him landing something big was always exciting to me but even more so when I would catch it because I think he took some pride in knowing that he had something to do with it from what he taught me. I still have so much to learn but practice makes a pro. Thanks for sharing this place with us all.
Thanks for commenting! It’s always a thrill and hopefully you get on some big ones this summer.
I know this weekend was the anniversary of your Dad’s passing. This story tells it all about what type of kids he and your Mom raised and your priorities in life. He’s looking down proudly at all of you.
Thanks for the kind words. I appreciate that and know he is.
Good morning Nick reading your article again and seeing the picture of your dad and reading your story about your father touch my heart.. I lost my father also and we did have a couple fish outings together over the years and I still think about them… your father was taken way too soon but it was his time, and I guarantee you will see him again but not yet..
Thanks Richard. I really appreciate the gesture and I don’t doubt I’ll see hike again. I look forward to meeting you in person soon.
Thanks for the heartwarming story, Nick. I’m sure it feels great to have personally helped strengthen their father son bond through the love for fishing. What a special day for all 3 of you. Keep up the great work!
Thanks, Kurt. Same goes to you. Keep slayin.
That post made me tear up thinking about my son and how thoughtful and caring he is (like Sterling). There’s nothing more special in this life than our family and friends.
You’re a treasure to the surf fishing community. Your reports, videos, and guides are fantastic. Keep up the great work!
Thanks so much, Ryan. Love to see fishing bring out the best of people and it’s comments like this are always super encouraging.
Hey my son been doing surf fishing for the past ten plus years. Biggest fish was a ten feet shark. That’s his passion. Since he was in diapers ….. From fresh water to salt water. Fish on. Best stress release anybody can have.
100% agree man! Thanks for posting.