There was a discussion on the FISHINGmagic Mailing List quite recently about catching sharks on fly tackle. Here, American angler Dave Hamasaki shows us how – Editor
It is a good day. The air is fresh, the sky blue, and the sand softer than I could ever recall. You see I am taking kids fishing on this glorious August morning. Not just any kids, but my young nephews, Niles and Noel Harding from Kalamazoo, Michigan. We are on the San Francisco Bay hunting Leopard Sharks and excitement permeates the air.
Before I go any further with this “take a kid fishing” thing, I must confess something–I am an absolutely selfish fly fisherman. Selfish, self centered, and egotistical. Though I get to fly fish the San Francisco Bay and coastal areas most mornings from April to November, I still feel my fishing time is severely restricted. When I get a whole day to fish, I don’t want to answer a barrage of irrelevant questions from Midwestern, neophyte, bait anglers. Nephews or not! This is my time. It belongs to me, and doesn’t need to be shared with any one else. I want to be alone and fish at my own pace, on my own terms. And I think fishing should be done with a fly rod.
Can you believe my attitude? I am truly ashamed. Who the heck am I to get up on my high horse and pass judgment on someone’s means of fishing? Who am I to pass judgment, period?
Well, I’ll tell you. I am now officially that old, crotchety, curmudgeon that I have always feared becoming. I am that pompous jerk on the river that never has the time or inclination to help a kid. I am the geezer that answers with a grunt, rather than expend any energy to say a kind word or two. I’d rather drink broken glass than give a little encouragement.
The scary part about all this is I have yet to reach my fortieth birthday! Now that’s spooky! Somewhere along the line I forgot what really mattered about fishing. I guess I didn’t really forget, but somehow got distracted from my truths. What mattered for me were three simple things: Is it fun, is it legal, and is it ethical? I want that feeling back, and since I don’t poach (anymore), I’m well on my way to getting back on track. Now that I’ve snitched on myself, here’s how our day went. 
The Drakes Beach area is a great place to study the flora and fauna, but better yet, the fishing can be awesome. And that’s what we came for. From the main parking lot, we hiked a couple of miles toward the Estero. As we neared the lagoon, a dark form that had appeared motionless in the crystal clear water slowly eased away, letting us know he was aware of our presence. The Leopards were in! There was a strong incoming tide, and fish cruise just outside the mouth of the estuary, picking off morsels that are being washed in. We rigged up and got the party started. The boys soaked whole squid and I cruised around with my trusty Sage 9-weight, wishing to sight cast to whatever crossed my path. In a way, it is almost like wading on a bonefish flat. You can actually see the 2-4 foot Leopards milling around in the current. Blind casting is the common way to fish these magnificent creatures, but sight casting is an absolute blast. Leopards get active when the tide is moving at a good pace and quick, accurate casts are essential to success.
Noel’s voice broke the silence. ” Uncle David, I got one.” I looked up and saw the deep bend in his rod. The throbbing tip and screaming reel let me know he had a good shark on. He fought it like a champion, carefully removed the hook, as they have quite a formidable set of dentures, and released it back to its home. Next, it was Nile’s turn to get in on the action. As if on cue, he set up into a hard fighting fish. He handled his fish like he had done it his whole life. These kids definitely have fishing in their blood.
Meanwhile, I cast continually to a roving Leopard. I had singled out a very active fish, which generally gives me the best chance of hooking one. It seemed totally disinterested in my fly, which is normal for these fish. Casting directly in front of the shark, or putting it “right on his nose,” can make them bolt. Sharks can be spooked, especially in this shallow, clear water. I always try to cast at least six feet slightly in front of and off to the side of the fish. They get a much better look at your offering. After the thirtieth or so cast, it turned, pounced, gobbled my fly and bolted for the estuary. A Leopard Shark in the current on a 9-weight is quite a kick, regardless of its size. They pull hard and jump frequently, especially in the shallow water at Drake’s. After landing the fish, I carefully released it and checked my tattered fly. Deciding against replacing the shredded mess of hair and feathers, (I love fishing flies that have “character”), I immediately cast to another cruising fish. He took the fly instantly! I have been fishing for decades and have never before caught Leopards on successive casts. Today I did.
A bonus was hooking and landing the biggest fly caught halibut of my life (about 12 pounds). These fish will rip you up in the shallow surf. They have the power and endurance of a run-away freight train. 
The boys caught a good number of sharks and had one hell of a time. Their enthusiasm and energy level is incredible. I deliberately hooked and landed one on bait, and man, it felt good. I may even try it again.
Making that long walk back to the Jeep gave me time to reflect on my day. I realized it took children to give me some of my sanity back. They helped me remember I should always be there for the less experienced angler, willing to hand them a few flies and a couple of suggestions, or even bait their hooks if that’s what it takes. I grew up learning and practicing the principles of helping the less fortunate angler and always being there to assist any angler. Spending a lousy five or ten minutes with a struggling stranger can make a world of difference to them. That’s what my dad taught me from day one. I lost track of what he spent years teaching me, somewhere between becoming a competent fly fisher, and becoming a bonehead.
It feels great to be back to reality. Yup, it was a good day.
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