I'm taking a trip to Mexico, not sure yet, exactly where, but somewhere on the Pacific side, maybe even down as far as Cabo. What would be a good weight and length for a fly rod or rods for beach fishing? What flies? Any other suggestions?

George Forster
Fort Collins, CO

If you mean on the Baja, a 7wt 9ft would be a good choice, Rooster fishing from the beach is quite popular above Cabo.

My experience has only really been over on the east side of Baja. I would not go any less than an 8 weight, and have a 10 ready to go at all times. Depending on the time of year, you can encounter some big roosters up on the beach and the 10 will be required. The 8 is great for picking around at all of the other stuff and is helpful with any breeze. The water gets really deep right off the beach on the ocean side and the steep beach behind you and surf can make it challenging to cast. I like throwing sinking lines in that situation, 300+ grains as you can haul once and shoot a bunch of line on your forward stroke. The less line you ahve in the air behind you, the better. Good luck when you go!

After a business trip to Cabo I fished north of Cabo on the Sea of Cortez a year ago, stayed here: [rancholeonero.com]

Day one (of two) we fished from a boat with 8wts (ours) and 10wts (guide's) for what felt like a day fishing at the hatchery. Nothing sporting about throwing minnows out to attract fish to your fly. No reason to use a fly rod, really. Hated it.

Next day a friend and I took our 8 weights to a beach, same one where "Running Down the Man" (http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Aos1OzC7mxI) was filmed, about a 30 minute drive. Had several miles of beach to ourselves. Caught skipjack tuna (~10lb), tons of small roosterfish (~15"), jacks (up to 20"). Our 8 weights with clear intermediate line were just what we needed (for the skipjack, 5weights would have been nice for the rest). If we'd gotten into 50lb Roosters, which are rare, we would have been woefully underpowered but would have had quite a story to tell.

Report back how it was.

Craig