Newbie to Lobstering

[Johnny Hirn]

Hey everyone.
This year i want to further my adventures out at sea and get into lobstering. I kayak fish and I am no newbie to the ocean, however I would like to skip as many steps as I can in the learning process for hooping lobster. The easiest places for me to get to are from malibu to ventura. Here are the questions I have so far (feel free to give any advice).
-What are the best traps fro the money (preferably set up already because I am a student in highschool therefore am very short on money)
- what is the best bait to use?
-what are some very productive spots i can try (not asking for secret spots)
-is it better to go at night, and if so how late into the night.
-Once my traps are down, can i fish as well?

As i said before. ALL KNOWLEDGE IS WELCOME. I would love to hear from you guys.
Tight lines,
Johnny

[DanaPT]

Oct thru march are not summer months. Think cooler and rougher seas.

Consider finding a partner. Rethink everything... night kayaking is different.

Lobster when you can wherever you find rocky structure. I prefer shallow spots vs deeper spots. To each teir own. Bugs are night feeders. All hours of the night. Some hit it right when sun drops others whenever their chores are done and kids are in bed.

When I hoop I do bring a pole to catch macks. My preferred bait. Forget cat food, chicken, salmon heads or bacon grease covered whatever.... fresh dead macks are my go to.

Promar ambush conical nets. Are the way to go. On a budget ? Look used IF you can find them. Forget the bait cage. Consider the Drake Puck idea ((search on this site).

Check out a promar hooping seminar hosted by BWE member Jim Salazar. Im certain that will get you on track.

It took me a couple of seasons after kayaking to jump on the hooping band wagon. It's a lot of fun, had some close calls but find it worth the effort.

[Johnny Hirn]

Originally Posted by DanaPT

Oct thru march are not summer months. Think cooler and rougher seas.

Consider finding a partner. Rethink everything... night kayaking is different.

Lobster when you can wherever you find rocky structure. I prefer shallow spots vs deeper spots. To each teir own. Bugs are night feeders. All hours of the night. Some hit it right when sun drops others whenever their chores are done and kids are in bed.

When I hoop I do bring a pole to catch macks. My preferred bait. Forget cat food, chicken, salmon heads or bacon grease covered whatever.... fresh dead macks are my go to.

Promar ambush conical nets. Are the way to go. On a budget ? Look used IF you can find them. Forget the bait cage. Consider the Drake Puck idea ((search on this site).

Check out a promar hooping seminar hosted by BWE member Jim Salazar. Im certain that will get you on track.

It took me a couple of seasons after kayaking to jump on the hooping band wagon. It's a lot of fun, had some close calls but find it worth the effort.

Awesome! Thanks for the help
-Johnny

[Hunters Pa]

I was looking for the schedule for Jim's (SabaSlayer) seminars but am not finding it. His book (Hoopin it up) will help, but hard to beat one of his in-person events to shorten the learning curve. There was also a decent article in yesterday's Western Outdoor News. I did not go through the whole paper yet, so there may be a seminar schedule in there somewhere, either a stand-alone ad or promoted by the tackle store hosting that session.

DISCLAIMER: I work the Fred Hall Show for Promar/Ahi

I like the smaller rigid Promar conical nets. Less moving parts and easier to handle when your butt is at the waterline. You may want to start slow, take 2 or 3 nets the first time, or do some daytime crabbing to get the feel of dropping and pulling from a kayak.

Make sure you look at the updated regs, get your lobster card and mark it when you start your hooping session.

[Mahigeer]

I too would like to add my 2cnts if it is ok.
Just a reminder that as recreational angler, we are not allowed “traps” in southern California. I know you meant hoop net. Just wanted to make sure that you are not using crab traps that are allowed in northern California.
Jim’s seminars and his book are a great way to start.
You will need—Current season lobster card--about $10.00 this season. Be sure to fill it before dropping the nets except the catch number. Also use a new line when moving to different location listed on the card. Send it in after the season is over.
A lobster gauge, (5) hoop nets are allowed per person from boat or kayak per person. (10) Max per boat.
On pier only two are allowed. I like the Eclipse model since it collapses for transporting in my car. Ambush nets are easier to setup, but take a lot more space due to rigid (welded) construction.
I catch mackerel and bonito in summer and vacuum pack freeze for the bait.
If you going on kayak, Scotty puller is a great help to have.
I go to Catalina for my hooping from pier. I bought a kayak to go from mainland, but have not done it so far.
Lobster season is in fall and winter. It could get rough out there. They are rarely caught during light hours.
Good hunting.

[JamesM]

Johnny, Thanks for starting this thread. I couldn't be much helpful as I'm trying to learn it as well. For those of you who do it regularly, what is the chance a newbie will score? I am heading down to SoCal for Thanksgiving and thinking to bring my Outback with me. Scoring a Dungeness crab is not difficult up north, but I have heard lobster is kind different. Thanks! James

[Mahigeer]

If you have the right bait (which is different per many), all you need is the right place.

Rocky area next to sandy flats seems to be the best. Other wise it is very easy.

F&W rules differ from north to south.

No traps, snag lines, or tools if you are diving is allowed. Only hoop net, or hand if you are diving.

BE ON THE LOOKOUT FOR EELS OR SCORPION FISH, when reaching into the hoop net. Especially if it is full of kelp. Glove are always recommended.

Good luck.

[Johnny Hirn]

Originally Posted by Mahigeer

I too would like to add my 2cnts if it is ok.
Just a reminder that as recreational angler, we are not allowed “traps” in southern California. I know you meant hoop net. Just wanted to make sure that you are not using crab traps that are allowed in northern California.
Jim’s seminars and his book are a great way to start.
You will need—Current season lobster card--about $10.00 this season. Be sure to fill it before dropping the nets except the catch number. Also use a new line when moving to different location listed on the card. Send it in after the season is over.
A lobster gauge, (5) hoop nets are allowed per person from boat or kayak per person. (10) Max per boat.
On pier only two are allowed. I like the Eclipse model since it collapses for transporting in my car. Ambush nets are easier to setup, but take a lot more space due to rigid (welded) construction.
I catch mackerel and bonito in summer and vacuum pack freeze for the bait.
If you going on kayak, Scotty puller is a great help to have.
I go to Catalina for my hooping from pier. I bought a kayak to go from mainland, but have not done it so far.
Lobster season is in fall and winter. It could get rough out there. They are rarely caught during light hours.
Good hunting.

Thanks for the great and detailed comment! And yes i meant hoop nets not traps. Silly me
Tight lines,
Johnny

[Johnny Hirn]

Thanks everyone so far for all the input. I am defietly more interested. I just need to score a few hoop nets that wont bankrupt me, get a lobster card, and make a light pole and I'm golden.
Feel free to keep throwing in your experience!
Tight lines,
Johnny

[Hunters Pa]

I think Jim is on Let's Talk Hookup tomorrow. If he doesn't say when and where his seminars will be call in and ask

Also, I was on the Promar company charter today and I asked for the schedule. I will post it, or a link, when I get it

[Mahigeer]

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In English please.