I need some wisdom! - Kayak Fishing Adventures on Big Water’s Edge

PapaDave · 09-06-2016, 08:18 AM

I've fished Dana now from kayak for about 5 years now. I have a few techniques that work fairly well for bass and halibut.

First, I usually use live bait from the receiver, usually sardines.

For calico bass I will usually use a a light setup. Typically this setup is comprised of 20-25lb braid with a 2-3' 15lb floro leader attached with a swivel (to keep the sinker from going forward) and a 1/2 to 3/4oz sliding sinker. I look for kelp, or these days bottom structure and drift over it while flylining the bait about half way down.

For sand bass, the same setup only using a 2-3oz sliding sinker and drift over or to the side of the structure either bouncing the weight along the bottom or slightly off the bottom.

For halibut, I use the same setup only using slightly heavier floro leader, about 25lb and a 4-5oz sinker. I drift this on the outside edges of the structure and keep it on the bottom as much as possible.

I use a sliding sinker setup because in my experience out there it doesn't get stuck on the rocks or bottom as much as a dropper setup.

I also have done fairly well using plastics and hard baits. Trolling a Rapala Shadow Rap Deep 11 in mackerel, olive green or perch colors over the kelp or structure areas is very effective. The perch one looks a lot like baby WSB, the calicos love em...

Most important s to explore the area, you'll find fish all over if you look.

09-06-2016, 08:18 AM	#13
PapaDave Senior Member Join Date: Apr 2011 Location: Menifee, CA Posts: 1,473	I've fished Dana now from kayak for about 5 years now. I have a few techniques that work fairly well for bass and halibut. First, I usually use live bait from the receiver, usually sardines. For calico bass I will usually use a a light setup. Typically this setup is comprised of 20-25lb braid with a 2-3' 15lb floro leader attached with a swivel (to keep the sinker from going forward) and a 1/2 to 3/4oz sliding sinker. I look for kelp, or these days bottom structure and drift over it while flylining the bait about half way down. For sand bass, the same setup only using a 2-3oz sliding sinker and drift over or to the side of the structure either bouncing the weight along the bottom or slightly off the bottom. For halibut, I use the same setup only using slightly heavier floro leader, about 25lb and a 4-5oz sinker. I drift this on the outside edges of the structure and keep it on the bottom as much as possible. I use a sliding sinker setup because in my experience out there it doesn't get stuck on the rocks or bottom as much as a dropper setup. I also have done fairly well using plastics and hard baits. Trolling a Rapala Shadow Rap Deep 11 in mackerel, olive green or perch colors over the kelp or structure areas is very effective. The perch one looks a lot like baby WSB, the calicos love em... Most important s to explore the area, you'll find fish all over if you look. __________________ So long and thanks for all the fish...