On The Fly Fishing Charters — Local services in San Diego

After weather killed a December trip, Cap'n Dave set me up for a full moon trip on Friday, June 13, 2014. Dana Landing Market is a perfect place to meet, as it has a nice deli with great sangwiches, fishing licenses, and all the snacks and refreshments you'll need for the day. After an easy ride a handful of miles offshore, Cap. Dave set up a chum slick, describing the how's, where's and why's along the way. After a few hours of conversation, a 6ft torpedo became visible in the swells, methodically making its way towards the source of the slick. Cap'n Dave got him riled up on a mackerel teaser, and instructed me to flop his signature fly near the bait. Almost immediately, the mako took an interest in the orange and yellow fly, bit, turned back upswell, and Cap'n Dave yells "STICK HIM!" Fish on. I have never seen that much backing disappear off a reel that quickly. The fish took off on a blistering run, taking with him at least 300 yards of backing, then performing an acrobatic 20' backflip in addition to a few shorter, but no less impressive jumps. After twenty or thirty minutes dancing around the bulletproof 23' Mako center console, we persuaded the fish to the boat, where he promptly released himself after Cap'n Dave grabbed the leader. My first mako on fly, an extremely memorable catch and undoubtedly the beginning of an addictive habit! We moved locations after we drifted off structure, attracted another, smaller fish. Cap'n Dave proved himself a professional cameraman after affixing my go pro to a gaff and capturing the bite on film. I cannot say enough about Cap'n Dave's knowledge and professionalism. He is very passionate about his craft, easy to talk to and get along with, on time and runs a tight, clean, top notch operation. If you want to catch a mako on a fly rod, THIS is the outfit you want to use. I will definitely be rebooking for another trip, at least annually, now on the quest for the elusive grander...

In 2012 my wife and I wanted to do something crazy for our 10th wedding anniversary. After talking with Dave on the phone I realized he was an up front and honest guy. We booked our full day shark trip for later that year. We fished with Captain Lou and had an amazing time. Lou was absolutely incredible! He was so laid back and easy going that it felt like we were fishing with an old friend. My wife has not fished as much as I have and Lou walked her through exactly what to expect and how to react to the shark. He was incredibly knowledgeable and patient with the both of us and calmly walked us through each encounter with these amazing fish. My wife landed the first fish of over 150 lbs and we boated many more!! Needless to say, we were HOOKED! Since that initial trip we have fished multiple times each year with both Lou and Dave and have recommended On The Fly Fishing Charters to many friends and family who all have had amazing trips! Here in Utah, I am a part time hunting and fishing guide myself and full time salesman. I have a good idea of what it takes as a guide to do everything possible to have a successful trip and these guys consistently exceed my every expectation. My only caution is be forewarned, you won't fish with these guys...

Fly fishing for mako sharks in San Diego?!!! I thought the same thing when I found this charter while in Afghanistan. I just lived a dream I didn't even know I had. I caught 60-110lb sharks all day, on a fly rod! This was one of the greatest fishing experiences I have ever had in my life. Dave was professional, knowledgeable and a real class act guide. I have used guides for salmon, deep sea bottom fishing, tuna, and pike; but On The Fly Fishing in San Diego was the best experience I have ever had with a guide. I was happy to pay my bill and I look forward to my next trip with my sons. Dave knows how to treat people, and especially the military clients. On The Fly Fishing was the only guided shark guide I found in California who offered a military discount. Thanks for the support for the troops and thanks for...