WSB article from 2004 - Kayak Fishing Adventures on Big Water’s Edge

Iceman · 04-15-2006, 01:28 PM

Here is the unedited version of an article that I wrote a couple years ago for PCS, not as good as what ended up in print, but not too shabby for a wannabe journalist

Targeting the Big Croakers of La Jolla

My bait tank is full of swirling, splashing Mackerel desperately trying to escape. I drop one back and slowly start paddling my way up the kelp line. A few moments later the reel’s clicker makes a couple weak clicks and the rod tip bounces around from what has become a decidedly nervous bait. As I pull the rod from the holder a series of short, sharper runs follow. While releasing the clicker, I lightly place my thumb on the spool until line is flowing at a steady pace. I engage the reel and allow the line to come tight before taking a swing. The rod quickly bends and nearly places the tip in the water. The sight and feel of line being pulled against the drag has my heart racing. Water slaps the hull as this huge unstoppable fish tows the kayak. That powerful fan of a tail continues to pull, looking back it seems I’ve traveled 100 yards or more. By exercising the now familiar pump and reel, I slowly get on top of the fish. Just when my line is straight up and down another run spiraling downward followed by another and another. Then the task becomes more like a tug of war with the fish’s weight, a swish of the tail or shaking of the head at one end and me at the other. Finally on the surface, nearly half the length of the kayak, I nervously gaff this enormous, silvery giant that I’ve somehow triumphed over and can’t help but let out a loud "WOOOHOOO!"

Small surf and its close proximity to prime fishing grounds make La Jolla Shores an ideal beach launch for kayaks as well as small skiffs. On any weekday I would normally be pleasantly surprised to find another kayak fisherman making ready to launch. This particular weekday morning in early April, I find a dozen trucks on the beach, kayaks unloaded, rigging up by the light of a flashlight or headlamp. As much as some would like it kept quiet, the word is out. The white Seabass are here, they are biting and, oh yeah, some are big!

While Catalina Island and other hotspots to the north rely heavily on live Squid to bag the giant Croakers. Unique to La Jolla is how readily the WSB strike fin baits, Mackerel in particular. Also unique is that a very large percentage of the catch is taken from kayaks. It has been speculated that the silent moving kayak does not spook these wary fish and that the slow trolling presents live bait more naturally. I also believe that not only is any deterrent lacking, but also that like the powerboat's prop wash raises offshore species, the more subtle swirl of the paddle through the water entices these fish in a similar way. They are drawn to investigate the possibility of feeding taking place.

The most common method for targeting La Jolla WSB starts with making bait. Jigging a Sabiki rig with a 1-2 oz. torpedo sinker usually yields good results. Look for coves or pockets along the kelp edge. Bait usually congregates around the thermocline, in the Spring that is usually 10-15 feet down. Spanish Mackerel are the most abundant bait and work very well. The Greenback Mackerel although less abundant arouses more confidence as a bait, perhaps the Greenback’s erratic and lively swimming make it more easily noticed by it's prey. Sometimes Sardines can be caught, usually casting at a surfacing school. Unfortunately Sardines don't fare as well in some smaller tanks with inadequate flow, but a lively one is not likely to be ignored.

Tackle is somewhat of a personal preference. Heavier line and a stouter rod may help turn the bigger fish that are prone to head for the kelp but lighter line and a soft tipped rod absorbs the headshakes and may keep the hook from tearing out of the croaker’s soft mouth. Many times the hook will fall from the mouth of a gaffed fish as it is raised from the water, a testament to never allowing slack line. Circle hooks and live bait hooks are both used and each have their following. Bait is usually fly lined, nose hooked, and slow trolled on a long line and periodically soaked. If you choose to run a second line it should be run shorter or weighted to avoid tangles. Variety is a good idea and can help you cover more area.

Live bait seems to work best, but bigger Fish Traps can be trolled and cast along the kelp as well as Krocodiles and Irons in Mackerel patterns. Trolling Rapala CD14s or 18s or Yozuri Hydro-Mags can also produce results.

Not an incredibly fast swimmer, the WSB relies on ambushing bait along the kelp or using its lateral line in low visibility water and also being opportunistic on its prey. The pelagic red crab is an easy meal and I believe their influx greatly contributes to the amount of WSB that congregate along La Jolla. As the current sweeps the red crab through the kelp forest, they latch on to the stringers. Divers have told me that the WSB pick them off kelp stringers like tomatoes from the vine.

Although sometimes seen as a nuisance, barracuda are a good sign. The WSB will feed on the wounded baits the barracuda have slashed. More than once, I have witnessed how a WSB will eat wounded bait that is tossed back out. If you come upon an area holding bait, time can be well spent soaking a Mac, while you toss a F/T or iron. Barracuda, Bass or even Yellowtail can keep you very busy, while waiting for that big hookup. When you are stationary that fly lined bait will slowly settle deeper in the water column. To raise it and instill some activity paddle a few strokes every so often. An obvious current slick is another good area to soak your bait or slow troll parallel to. Often holding bait these "roads" harbor wondering game fish as well. I don't think there can ever be too much bait in the water. When a predator fish comes upon a school of bait, in defense the school acts and moves as one. Your bait dragging the hook and line will be singled out, viewed as a weaker, easier meal.

Most fish are hooked very close to the kelp. Smaller keepers of around 10-20 lbs are definitely more user friendly, as a whole they tend to run away from the kelp and usually are incapable of running deep enough to get you in trouble. Your biggest threat may be attracting the attention of a Sea lion. The bigger trophies definitely have to be played very close to the limits of your tackle. They seem to have greater survival instincts, running headlong into the kelp and I've seen as many lost as I have seen landed.

When things get crowded out there, finding your own quiet area is a smart bet. WSB can and often are caught well off the kelp along the ridge that drops into the La Jolla canyon. If using a meter following the 150 foot contour running East to West can do the job and when you hook up out there, unless there are lobster buoy lines to contend with, you have nothing but time.

The presence of these spectacular and prized fish will certainly tempt the inexperienced to venture out. Just remember, you can run into trouble even before you have cleared the surf zone. Never go alone and try to go with someone who is experienced.

If the trend of the last few years continues, another stellar season is just getting underway. Late April through mid-may seems to be the peak season, but the big croakers should continue to bite throughout the Summer months. Which leaves just one question: What will you be serving with those gourmet fillets?

Arne · 04-15-2006, 02:28 PM

Great article Andy. You should go pro on the journalism thing as well - you've definitely got a knack for capturing the moment.

I've lost count of the times I've heard the patented Iceman "WOOOHOOO!" followed by the victory cigar.

Well done.
Arne

DESTROYER · 04-15-2006, 03:39 PM

Andy- Where is that great picture of me to go along with that article. It's been a long time since I have hooked a WSB that big. My back is feeling much better so you might see a rare Matt Moyer sighting. The only problem I am having is that my wife heard about the Big GWS sighting and she is thinking that I am going to get eaten by JAWS. I will be out there soon....And yes, I got some rod leashes for my new gear

Nice Article....Thanks for sharing again!

Matt

Dean Machine · 04-15-2006, 06:09 PM

Great article. This is the stuff that might give me a chance to tell my story of landing the big one when it happens. Nice tips. Articles like this one help and remind me why I am out on the water when the wind and sun are beating me down and the water is slapping over my hull.

Dean Machine · 04-15-2006, 06:25 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by MOYER THE FISH DESTROYER

And yes, I got some rod leashes for my new gear

I know what you mean about the leashes. Just make sure you use them even if it means turning around to go back home to get them. EVEN if you are launching from the harbor. You might still need them and I'll leave it at that. OK., yes I did flip my extreme in open water for the first time AND left my rod leashes home for the first time but atleast it happened OUTside the harbor.

ops: Anyone know where I can get just the half of the leash that attaches to the rod? :lol:

ops:

MKNOTT · 04-15-2006, 07:22 PM

thanks for posting that Andy. MKNOTT

lamb · 04-15-2006, 08:10 PM

Great WSB material Andy. Super work on LJ too. Had the old stuff memorized already - love the last paragraph. I hope you’re right.

aguachico · 04-15-2006, 10:55 PM

Quote:

Although sometimes seen as a nuisance, barracuda are a good sign. The WSB will feed on the wounded baits the barracuda have slashed.

YUP! They hang under the cuda, They also eat small cuda like candy. I was shocked seeing small 12" cuda in the belly of a WSB. Though I haven't used them for bait :roll: . I will put on a weight to go under the school of pesky cuda.

What's your take on the mouth?
Tuesday I pulled the a J hook on a small YT. I was using a J hook becuase I don't like circles on WSB. Friday I used a 5/0 circle and lightened the drag - which worked. Boating the WSB I noticed the circle was cornered, but not embedded. The hook was easily removed. The hinge point of a wsb is fleshy, soft and easily torn. The lower jaw bone is HUGE, too big for a circle. I can rember previous WSB coming to gaff by the skin like your pic.

Treble? gorilla? siwash?

thanks for the tips

AC

bigderel · 04-15-2006, 11:13 PM

Great article...the part about the barracuda is something I'd never heard about. I will continue to absorb as much info as I can until it finally pays off for me!

Matt, I'm in the same boat as you. I saw that guy last Sunday on my paddle out (I convinced myself it was my imagination until I heard the other reports) and withheld the info from my chick...but told my dad who later left a message on the answering machine--- "hey, I hope you aren't out hunting that shark'...busted! Now I really have to convince her I NEED to go fishing, not want. :lol: Hey, whatever it takes to get my first yakseabass.

Iceman · 04-16-2006, 08:43 AM

Quote:

What's your take on the mouth?

Art, that is a 3/0 live bait hook in the picture. My other fish was on a 3/0 circle. I really have only fished circle hooks for rockfish. Thought I would try them this season for the big fish. The only thing I usually do differently when tageting WSB is I go up one size on my hook. I usually use a 2/0 for YT, so a 3/0 for WSB. I think you have a better chance of getting the hook into more than just the webbing. Seems like most of the WSB that I have lost have been midway, when they pick another direction and I am scrambling, reeling as fast as I can to keep some pressure. When the line comes tight the hook pulls.

reel fun · 04-16-2006, 10:26 AM

you should write a book with mini stories of fish youve caught kayak fishing. i'd buy it...

Pat · 04-17-2006, 10:05 AM

Andy,

Thanks for sharing again.

This article from PCS was what got me to purchase a kayak and start fishing here. The pic of Matt and his fish helped too.

Best thing I ever did!

Pat

Useful Idiot · 04-17-2006, 05:58 PM

Awesome article Andy, very well written.

Matt- the sealant on your kayaktank is drying as I type 8) Brent will be giving you a call tomorrow.
-Brian

04-15-2006, 01:28 PM	#1
Iceman Administrator Join Date: Mar 2005 Location: 1-2 miles off the point Posts: 6,943	WSB article from 2004 Here is the unedited version of an article that I wrote a couple years ago for PCS, not as good as what ended up in print, but not too shabby for a wannabe journalist Targeting the Big Croakers of La Jolla My bait tank is full of swirling, splashing Mackerel desperately trying to escape. I drop one back and slowly start paddling my way up the kelp line. A few moments later the reel’s clicker makes a couple weak clicks and the rod tip bounces around from what has become a decidedly nervous bait. As I pull the rod from the holder a series of short, sharper runs follow. While releasing the clicker, I lightly place my thumb on the spool until line is flowing at a steady pace. I engage the reel and allow the line to come tight before taking a swing. The rod quickly bends and nearly places the tip in the water. The sight and feel of line being pulled against the drag has my heart racing. Water slaps the hull as this huge unstoppable fish tows the kayak. That powerful fan of a tail continues to pull, looking back it seems I’ve traveled 100 yards or more. By exercising the now familiar pump and reel, I slowly get on top of the fish. Just when my line is straight up and down another run spiraling downward followed by another and another. Then the task becomes more like a tug of war with the fish’s weight, a swish of the tail or shaking of the head at one end and me at the other. Finally on the surface, nearly half the length of the kayak, I nervously gaff this enormous, silvery giant that I’ve somehow triumphed over and can’t help but let out a loud "WOOOHOOO!" Small surf and its close proximity to prime fishing grounds make La Jolla Shores an ideal beach launch for kayaks as well as small skiffs. On any weekday I would normally be pleasantly surprised to find another kayak fisherman making ready to launch. This particular weekday morning in early April, I find a dozen trucks on the beach, kayaks unloaded, rigging up by the light of a flashlight or headlamp. As much as some would like it kept quiet, the word is out. The white Seabass are here, they are biting and, oh yeah, some are big! While Catalina Island and other hotspots to the north rely heavily on live Squid to bag the giant Croakers. Unique to La Jolla is how readily the WSB strike fin baits, Mackerel in particular. Also unique is that a very large percentage of the catch is taken from kayaks. It has been speculated that the silent moving kayak does not spook these wary fish and that the slow trolling presents live bait more naturally. I also believe that not only is any deterrent lacking, but also that like the powerboat's prop wash raises offshore species, the more subtle swirl of the paddle through the water entices these fish in a similar way. They are drawn to investigate the possibility of feeding taking place. The most common method for targeting La Jolla WSB starts with making bait. Jigging a Sabiki rig with a 1-2 oz. torpedo sinker usually yields good results. Look for coves or pockets along the kelp edge. Bait usually congregates around the thermocline, in the Spring that is usually 10-15 feet down. Spanish Mackerel are the most abundant bait and work very well. The Greenback Mackerel although less abundant arouses more confidence as a bait, perhaps the Greenback’s erratic and lively swimming make it more easily noticed by it's prey. Sometimes Sardines can be caught, usually casting at a surfacing school. Unfortunately Sardines don't fare as well in some smaller tanks with inadequate flow, but a lively one is not likely to be ignored. Tackle is somewhat of a personal preference. Heavier line and a stouter rod may help turn the bigger fish that are prone to head for the kelp but lighter line and a soft tipped rod absorbs the headshakes and may keep the hook from tearing out of the croaker’s soft mouth. Many times the hook will fall from the mouth of a gaffed fish as it is raised from the water, a testament to never allowing slack line. Circle hooks and live bait hooks are both used and each have their following. Bait is usually fly lined, nose hooked, and slow trolled on a long line and periodically soaked. If you choose to run a second line it should be run shorter or weighted to avoid tangles. Variety is a good idea and can help you cover more area. Live bait seems to work best, but bigger Fish Traps can be trolled and cast along the kelp as well as Krocodiles and Irons in Mackerel patterns. Trolling Rapala CD14s or 18s or Yozuri Hydro-Mags can also produce results. Not an incredibly fast swimmer, the WSB relies on ambushing bait along the kelp or using its lateral line in low visibility water and also being opportunistic on its prey. The pelagic red crab is an easy meal and I believe their influx greatly contributes to the amount of WSB that congregate along La Jolla. As the current sweeps the red crab through the kelp forest, they latch on to the stringers. Divers have told me that the WSB pick them off kelp stringers like tomatoes from the vine. Although sometimes seen as a nuisance, barracuda are a good sign. The WSB will feed on the wounded baits the barracuda have slashed. More than once, I have witnessed how a WSB will eat wounded bait that is tossed back out. If you come upon an area holding bait, time can be well spent soaking a Mac, while you toss a F/T or iron. Barracuda, Bass or even Yellowtail can keep you very busy, while waiting for that big hookup. When you are stationary that fly lined bait will slowly settle deeper in the water column. To raise it and instill some activity paddle a few strokes every so often. An obvious current slick is another good area to soak your bait or slow troll parallel to. Often holding bait these "roads" harbor wondering game fish as well. I don't think there can ever be too much bait in the water. When a predator fish comes upon a school of bait, in defense the school acts and moves as one. Your bait dragging the hook and line will be singled out, viewed as a weaker, easier meal. Most fish are hooked very close to the kelp. Smaller keepers of around 10-20 lbs are definitely more user friendly, as a whole they tend to run away from the kelp and usually are incapable of running deep enough to get you in trouble. Your biggest threat may be attracting the attention of a Sea lion. The bigger trophies definitely have to be played very close to the limits of your tackle. They seem to have greater survival instincts, running headlong into the kelp and I've seen as many lost as I have seen landed. When things get crowded out there, finding your own quiet area is a smart bet. WSB can and often are caught well off the kelp along the ridge that drops into the La Jolla canyon. If using a meter following the 150 foot contour running East to West can do the job and when you hook up out there, unless there are lobster buoy lines to contend with, you have nothing but time. The presence of these spectacular and prized fish will certainly tempt the inexperienced to venture out. Just remember, you can run into trouble even before you have cleared the surf zone. Never go alone and try to go with someone who is experienced. If the trend of the last few years continues, another stellar season is just getting underway. Late April through mid-may seems to be the peak season, but the big croakers should continue to bite throughout the Summer months. Which leaves just one question: What will you be serving with those gourmet fillets? __________________

04-15-2006, 06:09 PM	#4
Dean Machine Senior Member Join Date: Jul 2005 Location: San Clemente Posts: 162	Great article. This is the stuff that might give me a chance to tell my story of landing the big one when it happens. Nice tips. Articles like this one help and remind me why I am out on the water when the wind and sun are beating me down and the water is slapping over my hull. __________________ "Good luck and tight lines!"

04-15-2006, 07:22 PM	#6
MKNOTT Senior Member Join Date: Mar 2005 Location: Persian Gulf Posts: 263	thanks for posting that Andy. MKNOTT __________________ When I grow up I want to be, One of the harvesters of the sea, <O I think before my days are done, I want to be a fisherman.

04-15-2006, 08:10 PM	#7
lamb Senior Member Join Date: Mar 2005 Posts: 2,563	Great WSB material Andy. Super work on LJ too. Had the old stuff memorized already - love the last paragraph. I hope you’re right. __________________ [------------------------ <)))< ....b-a-a-a-a

04-16-2006, 10:26 AM	#11
reel fun Junior Member Join Date: Sep 2005 Location: La Jolla Posts: 17	you should write a book with mini stories of fish youve caught kayak fishing. i'd buy it... __________________ nice oceanwhitefish at guadelupe island deeeei

04-15-2006, 02:28 PM	#2
Arne Senior Member Join Date: Mar 2005 Posts: 223	Great article Andy. You should go pro on the journalism thing as well - you've definitely got a knack for capturing the moment. I've lost count of the times I've heard the patented Iceman "WOOOHOOO!" followed by the victory cigar. Well done. Arne

04-15-2006, 03:39 PM	#3
DESTROYER Senior Member Join Date: Mar 2005 Location: "The Table" Posts: 976	Andy- Where is that great picture of me to go along with that article. It's been a long time since I have hooked a WSB that big. My back is feeling much better so you might see a rare Matt Moyer sighting. The only problem I am having is that my wife heard about the Big GWS sighting and she is thinking that I am going to get eaten by JAWS. I will be out there soon....And yes, I got some rod leashes for my new gear Nice Article....Thanks for sharing again! Matt

04-15-2006, 11:13 PM	#9
bigderel UberMember Join Date: Mar 2005 Location: On the water Posts: 71	Great article...the part about the barracuda is something I'd never heard about. I will continue to absorb as much info as I can until it finally pays off for me! Matt, I'm in the same boat as you. I saw that guy last Sunday on my paddle out (I convinced myself it was my imagination until I heard the other reports) and withheld the info from my chick...but told my dad who later left a message on the answering machine--- "hey, I hope you aren't out hunting that shark'...busted! Now I really have to convince her I NEED to go fishing, not want. :lol: Hey, whatever it takes to get my first yakseabass.

04-17-2006, 10:05 AM	#12
Pat Senior Member Join Date: Mar 2005 Posts: 283	Andy, Thanks for sharing again. This article from PCS was what got me to purchase a kayak and start fishing here. The pic of Matt and his fish helped too. Best thing I ever did! Pat

04-17-2006, 05:58 PM	#13
Useful Idiot Senior Member Join Date: Apr 2005 Posts: 286	Awesome article Andy, very well written. Matt- the sealant on your kayaktank is drying as I type 8) Brent will be giving you a call tomorrow. -Brian __________________