WOW...the CALICO BITE Is On….Plus SHARK EVENT Footage! - Kayak Fishing Adventures on Big Water’s Edge

iethinker · 08-04-2016, 07:13 AM

This is a Kayak Fishing Report form Solana Beach on 7/30/2016.

At first light, I made my way out of the river mouth into the surf zone managing to fill the bathtub twice. I definitely did not time this well but punched through fully upright none the less. There was definitely a stronger surf than two days ago.

Today's mission was to catch fresh GBMs for some forthcoming surf shark fishing and then to focus on Bass inshore. Given the inadequate performance of the Kastmaster on GBMs last Thursday I brought a Sabiki Today. Well, the Sabiki definitely hooked-up catching GBMs, Anchovies, Lizzard Fish and Bonito.

For some alternative SHARK entertainment, you can (click to see my shark video here).

I always enjoy a good sunrise while fishing for bait. This is looking back towards the river mouth at Del Mar and edge of Solana Cliffs. The conditions were smooth early on.

Three Bonito on a Sabiki is quite a fight:

The wind and swell picked up considerably mid morning and I caught this cool shot of a fellow Kayaker on the horizon as a swell approached. I wonder who it is?:

OK...let's get to the Bass.

Today, was one of the hottest Calico Bass bites I have ever experienced. I did not count but had to have caught at least 20 Calicos in a relatively short session with 75% easily being legal or well above.

While everything I threw got hit, the champion lure was my green & silver swim bait as shown in my prior report. It landed only legal sized versions again and again and again. (click here for report showing specific lure). This lure ultimately became tattered and torn and then the hook mostly ripped out of it. Fortunately, I had a 6-inch Kaelin's White grub that fit on the same jig head and continued the fun.

I threw the 1-oz Kastmaster (you know I had to) for some smaller Calicos along the inner kelp. I tossed a 5-inch Hot Carl Big Hammer for not so much love being just one catch. Finally, I dropped one of my live GBMs down and hooked up to the final little monster of the day.

Here are some of the highlights:

Smaller Calico caught on a Kastmaster:

Small Sand Bass caught on a Kastmaster shown for variety:

20-inch (measured) Calico Bass from the bottom by a bush on Kaelin's 6" grub:

21-inch (measured) Calico Bass hit my live GBM by a special spot:

The last two photos don't do justice because the fish are curved (shortened perspective) down in my kayak well. Between their size and the wind chop at those moments they were too difficult to capture in full glory by holding them in front of my smartphone. I wish I had a few more opportunities for some on the water shots from fellow yakers as those are the best of all.

Bonus SHARK EVENT Video Here:

Thanks
Matt

.

08-04-2016, 07:13 AM	#1
iethinker Senior Member Join Date: May 2013 Location: Inland Empire Posts: 370	WOW...the CALICO BITE Is On….Plus SHARK EVENT Footage! This is a Kayak Fishing Report form Solana Beach on 7/30/2016. At first light, I made my way out of the river mouth into the surf zone managing to fill the bathtub twice. I definitely did not time this well but punched through fully upright none the less. There was definitely a stronger surf than two days ago. Today's mission was to catch fresh GBMs for some forthcoming surf shark fishing and then to focus on Bass inshore. Given the inadequate performance of the Kastmaster on GBMs last Thursday I brought a Sabiki Today. Well, the Sabiki definitely hooked-up catching GBMs, Anchovies, Lizzard Fish and Bonito. For some alternative SHARK entertainment, you can (click to see my shark video here). I always enjoy a good sunrise while fishing for bait. This is looking back towards the river mouth at Del Mar and edge of Solana Cliffs. The conditions were smooth early on. Three Bonito on a Sabiki is quite a fight: The wind and swell picked up considerably mid morning and I caught this cool shot of a fellow Kayaker on the horizon as a swell approached. I wonder who it is?: OK...let's get to the Bass. Today, was one of the hottest Calico Bass bites I have ever experienced. I did not count but had to have caught at least 20 Calicos in a relatively short session with 75% easily being legal or well above. While everything I threw got hit, the champion lure was my green & silver swim bait as shown in my prior report. It landed only legal sized versions again and again and again. (click here for report showing specific lure). This lure ultimately became tattered and torn and then the hook mostly ripped out of it. Fortunately, I had a 6-inch Kaelin's White grub that fit on the same jig head and continued the fun. I threw the 1-oz Kastmaster (you know I had to) for some smaller Calicos along the inner kelp. I tossed a 5-inch Hot Carl Big Hammer for not so much love being just one catch. Finally, I dropped one of my live GBMs down and hooked up to the final little monster of the day. Here are some of the highlights: Smaller Calico caught on a Kastmaster: Small Sand Bass caught on a Kastmaster shown for variety: 20-inch (measured) Calico Bass from the bottom by a bush on Kaelin's 6" grub: 21-inch (measured) Calico Bass hit my live GBM by a special spot: The last two photos don't do justice because the fish are curved (shortened perspective) down in my kayak well. Between their size and the wind chop at those moments they were too difficult to capture in full glory by holding them in front of my smartphone. I wish I had a few more opportunities for some on the water shots from fellow yakers as those are the best of all. Bonus SHARK EVENT Video Here: Thanks Matt . Last edited by iethinker; 08-19-2016 at 07:11 AM.