A BOUNTY IN THE SURF PLENTY TO CATCH OFF AREA BEACHES FOR FLY-FISHERMEN.

Byline: BILL BECHER

While those watching Baywatch reruns believe Southern California beaches are for swimming, sunning, surfing and smooching, locals know that some great fishing and even an occasional fish dinner is available fly-fishing for corbina, surfperch, halibut, yellow fin croaker and many other species at beaches in Los Angeles and Ventura counties.

Fly-fishing in the surf can be tough. The water is cold in winter, waves knock you off your feet and many times the fish don't cooperate. But those who take the time to learn to read the tide tables, the water and present the right fly can be successful.

And, unlike exotic tropical fishing adventures, you don't need a passport and a visa and a big credit line on your VISA.

I fished on a rainy weekend afternoon with Gary Bulla, Mu Young Lee and Brian Hastings, all local surf fly-fishing aficionados. We met north of Ventura to try our luck for barred surf perch and halibut. Although fish are present year round off the beaches of Southern California, different species appear at different times of the year.

We suited up at a spot frequented by surfers. Bulla, who guides local surf fly-fishing clients, pointed out some likely spots where fish might be holding.

Like most kinds of fly-fishing, reading the water is essential. Bulla says that trout fishing knowledge is transferable to the surf, as the places where inshore fish hold are similar to where trout hold. ``Look at the ocean as a stream, and it's easier to read,'' he says. ``Look for structure, current seams, rip tides, holes, lower spots, rocky points and sand bar troughs.''

Bulla pointed to a spot close to shore where waves were not breaking, a sign that the water is deeper. We waded out on a sand bar and cast into the low spot. According to Bulla, this is the time when California halibut come inshore to spawn. In a couple of months they will be roaming the coast feeding on newborn surfperch. Barred surfperch are one of the few fish species that give live birth to fully developed young, and the halibut know this and chow down on the young perch.

In a few minutes Hastings, a former guide who has originated a number of fly patterns for local salt water, hooked up. His ``Surf Rat'' fooled a five-pound halibut. Brian could have kept this fish; it was bigger than the 22-inch total length minimum for California halibut. But he released his. We saw several halibut jumping in the shallow water.

Hastings and Bulla wade aggressively, and both found themselves floundering at different times in deeper water. ``Wading the surf is like running barefoot in the dog park, you need to be careful about where you step,'' said Bulla.

We were all wearing neoprene or Gore-Tex fishing waders and wading boots. In extreme conditions Bulla says he wears a wetsuit, which is easier to swim in. Knowing how to swim and being comfortable in the surf zone is a requirement for this kind of fishing.

``Keep moving, it's an active sport,'' Bulla said. ``Cover as many spots from as many directions as possible. Get some exercise.''

Another halibut and a white sea bass, a nice fish but far from a keeper, rounded out the afternoon's catch.

We finished the day watching the surfers' graceful moves on the waves and a great sunset. Not a bad outing for a half-hour's drive from home.

IF YOU GO

Pick up a copy of a local tide table. Some of the best fishing occurs with the biggest tide changes during the new and full moon phases (spring tides). An incoming high tide is often the most productive, especially for barred surfperch. Unless it's a really warm summer day, most surf fly fishers wear waders and flats or regular wading boots. Waders offer protection in case you catch your leg with a fly, which is another reason to use barbless hooks. A stripping basket helps keep line under control when casting. You can buy one or make a stripping basket out of a plastic dishwashing pan, drill drain holes and attach web belt with rivets or just use a bungee cord. Don't forget a California fishing license with Ocean Enhancement stamp.

An eight- to 10-weight rod with a 200-300 grain sink tip line is usual, depending on conditions where you are fishing. Intermediate lines are good for calmer water. Your reel should be able to handle salt water, but doesn't need to be too fancy because you'll probably hand-line a lot of fish. Put your money in a good, fast action salt-water rod.

Ken Hanley's book `` fly-fishing the Pacific Inshore'' has information about surf fly-fishing. The Internet has a number of sites with fishing information, as well as tide tables, surf forecasts and information about beach contamination, something to watch for after heavy rains.

Almost any beach can be fished, but you need to be mindful of others on your back cast. So, early mornings and less crowded beaches are a good idea.

Gary Bulla guides and instructs on surf fly-fishing. Visit www.garybulla.com or call Bulla at 805 933 1366 for more information. Local fly shops - including Malibu Fish N' Tackle, 3166 E. Thousand Oaks Blvd. in Thousand Oaks, 805-496-7332, and fly-fishing Specialties at 14411 Burbank Blvd, Van Nuys, 818-787-7306 - stock tackle and flies for surf fly-fishing.

CAPTION(S):

2 photos, box

Photo: (1 -- color) Gary Bulla of Santa Paula tosses his line in the waters north of Ventura while looking for sea bass and halibut.

(2 -- color) Fly-fisherman Brian Hastings of Santa Barbara catches a halibut in the surf near Ventura.

Bill Becher/Special to the Daily News

Box: IF YOU GO (see text)