Meet Captain Spencer Johnson

Growing up walking the sandy shorelines of San Francisco, the lead guide behind Strip Set Fly Fishing Adventures developed a deep, early connection to the local waters. What started as exploring coastal beaches as a young kid evolved into a true obsession during his teenage years when he first picked up a fishing rod. With over 15 years of fly fishing experience along the San Francisco Bay and Pacific coastline, he has spent countless hours studying the tides, reading the surf structure, and tracking the subtle movements of coastal game fish.

Over his past two years as a professional guide, his primary focus has been sharing that lifelong passion with others through hands-on education. Nothing brings him more genuine satisfaction on the water than coaching an angler to land their very first fish on a fly. Known for his patient, encouraging instruction, he excels at breaking down line management, water reading, and casting mechanics into practical steps. Whether working with complete beginners or helping seasoned casters adjust their double haul against coastal winds, his dedicated coaching ensures every guest builds real confidence on the water.

Having spent a lifetime along these shorelines, his knowledge of the local fishery goes far beyond basic fishing spots. He deeply values the unique lifestyle that San Francisco offers—where a productive morning reading the surf near the Golden Gate can be followed by exploring the city's celebrated culinary scene and fine dining locations. His intimate understanding of the Bay Area allows him to select the best shoreline locations based on real-time conditions, putting guests in the right position to target Striped Bass, California Halibut, and Barred Surfperch while gaining authentic insight into the surrounding ecosystem.

While traditional charters operate from a vessel, Strip Set Fly Fishing Adventures delivers a dedicated, 100% land-based experience where the beach itself serves as your platform. By keeping your feet planted on the sand, you avoid crowded boat decks and seasickness entirely while enjoying direct access to active nearshore troughs. Every trip is fully outfitted with high-performance fly rods, reels, custom-tied flies, and specialized leader material built for coastal saltwater species. This grounded setup offers a comfortable, educational, and deeply connected way to experience the best fly fishing the San Francisco coast has to offer.