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2.5 day trips are really the way to go. you can get so much more fishing in, plus change up and do different things without losing out. think this will be my 5th trip. each one gets better as you become more familiar with the where's and how's.
first, consider what you plan to target primarily. for me that's calico. and they are always there: big, hungry, and mean. the pelagics might be around, and that's something to check the water and other conditions prior to the trip. it might not be worth it to focus on yellowtail all the time as they might not be on then. I might not even bring the bait tank. depends on whether I think I'll need it.
since you can leave things on the boat, bring way more than you need for any one session as you can always retool or shift things around. here's what I plan on bringing.
for bass: slug rig (65# spectra/short top shot 30# flouro. yeah, it's kinda specialized, but calico on the slugs. ain't nothing else like it.) 2 swimbait rigs, minimum 20#. usually I have them rigged either with different weights or colors. one lighter spectra rig for the weedless jigs. that's 4 for the bass, but it's what I focus on. you might need less. bass are big and you want to leave the light stuff home. 4-5 lbr's are normal. and you fish close to structure or the shore. you better be able pull to them away!! one of the 20# rigs I can also use to throw light iron or krocs if bonito roll through.
bring lots of plastics, different colors and such. some surface and/or weedless plastics. also gulp jerk shad in dark colors.
I'll also bring a bait stick and a jig stick, both 30#-40#. again, I usually don't fish bait much (and didn't at all last two trips) so the bait stick can double as a yoyo rig. I'll keep one with a yoyo or heavy iron, one with a surface iron.
that's 6, which sounds like alot, and I guess it is. it's more being able to adjust to opportunity.
one rule: never be without a jig stick. stick it in the back, out of the way if needed. but don't get caught without a jig stick.
the variety is awesome. if you're a halibut guy, there's some beasts there. if you are a bass nut like me, it's paradise. if you want yellowtail, and if they're there, then it's awesome. figure what you plan to primarily target.
other thing is clothing. you never know what the conditions will be like. I recommend waders, or at least paddle pants and a good dry top. a couple of layers of clothing too. it can get a little breezy and sometimes a little chilly. also, rod leashes. last trip a guy flipped and lost a couple of grand in gear. it's open water, and if you're not familiar with open water or waht not...it's not rough by most standards, but it's not a lake or harbor either.
see you in june. can't wait. should be awesome as always!!
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