LJ 7/4 - Kayak Fishing Adventures on Big Water’s Edge

wavster · 07-05-2007, 09:07 AM

I don't agree with the small bait comment. Bigger baits attract bigger fish, so they say.

I've caught 4+lb Calicos on 8 inch greenies...

Personally, I believe the 5-6inch are probably the best, but I try all sizes.

That being said, I've still caught 90% of my fish on artificials.

Adam · 07-05-2007, 11:25 AM

In my experience, when there is a ton of bait in the water (as there has been in La Jolla) it can be better to use lures (irons, etc.) My theory is that the plefora of live bait in the water creates too much competition for the one bait fish with a hook in its nose. Hence it may be better to use something different (a lure) that will get the attention of the target species.

Just a theory - I'll probably change my mind about this next time I catch a large fish on live bait. Lately I've had good luck fishing irons.

Adam

nmbrinkman · 07-05-2007, 11:37 AM

I used to prefer small baits to big baits. I'm beginning to believe that a hungry YT will eat whatever is in it's face. I'll be interested to hear what the experience here has to say...

lamb · 07-05-2007, 12:44 PM

Interesting to hear the water wasn't crowded as it usually is on the 4th. Gas prices???

On bait discussion - I went back and forth on it, but I think the size doesn't matter.

It does seem to matter what kind of bait the fish are keyed into any given day... Any bait may get hit if you're in the right place at the right time. I agree there are days when artificals may provoke the strike better, but that doesn't seem to be the case all the time.

Sherm · 07-05-2007, 02:03 PM

I like the bigger baits when fishing the YT. I like to use the same live bait that is in the water and being fed on. My biggest fish this year came while paddeling through a large school of macs on the surface. When it comes to too much bait in the water. I would have to disagree. The fish will usually hit the bait that is acting a little diferent. It is easier to eat a bait that looks like it would be easy to catch than the rest of the free swimmers. On the other hand I usually don't know crap

Mi dos centavos

Sherm

zeelaagee · 07-05-2007, 02:39 PM

i'm no seasoned expert, but i would not adhere to the smaller bait is better bait theory.

my one and only experience:

three weeks ago i was fishing. while making bait, i hooked what i think was a large jacksmelt- about 12" or so. also made plenty of 6" spanish too.

my buddy pins on a spanish and i picked out the big daddy with 2oz weight. he paddles out away from the kelp and 5 minutes later i follow. 5 minutes later my clicker goes off and 25 minutes later i boat a nice 25lb yeller. my first yt ever and a personal best fish.

decide for yourself. as for me... i'm looking for some good large baits.

JrBasser · 07-05-2007, 06:07 PM

Smaller bait is better when thats what the fishing are feeding on. Thats an unarguable fact. And right now, the fish are feeding on smaller baits.

Brett D. · 07-06-2007, 04:33 PM

Hey BBrown, Was that you that gave me the battery?
I had the same results as you. Trolled some live macs around for about two hours then headed into the kelp for some calicos. I finished the day with 6 calicos and 8 rockfish. I was surprised at how few kayakers were out. The grassy area behind the Lifeguard station was a tent city at 4:45 am. But parking was no problem.
Brett D.

madscientist · 07-09-2007, 05:23 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by JrBasser

Smaller bait is better when thats what the fishing are feeding on. Thats an unarguable fact. And right now, the fish are feeding on smaller baits.

unarguable? I know a bunch of larger YT that would beg to differ (or beg not to have eaten the big greenies that were their undoing).

07-05-2007, 11:25 AM	#2
Adam Junior Member Join Date: Jun 2007 Posts: 27	Another thought... In my experience, when there is a ton of bait in the water (as there has been in La Jolla) it can be better to use lures (irons, etc.) My theory is that the plefora of live bait in the water creates too much competition for the one bait fish with a hook in its nose. Hence it may be better to use something different (a lure) that will get the attention of the target species. Just a theory - I'll probably change my mind about this next time I catch a large fish on live bait. Lately I've had good luck fishing irons. Adam

07-05-2007, 12:44 PM	#4
lamb Senior Member Join Date: Mar 2005 Posts: 2,568	Interesting to hear the water wasn't crowded as it usually is on the 4th. Gas prices??? On bait discussion - I went back and forth on it, but I think the size doesn't matter. It does seem to matter what kind of bait the fish are keyed into any given day... Any bait may get hit if you're in the right place at the right time. I agree there are days when artificals may provoke the strike better, but that doesn't seem to be the case all the time. __________________ [------------------------ <)))< ....b-a-a-a-a

07-05-2007, 02:39 PM	#6
zeelaagee Member Join Date: Jul 2006 Location: Carlsbad Posts: 37	i'm no seasoned expert, but i would not adhere to the smaller bait is better bait theory. my one and only experience: three weeks ago i was fishing. while making bait, i hooked what i think was a large jacksmelt- about 12" or so. also made plenty of 6" spanish too. my buddy pins on a spanish and i picked out the big daddy with 2oz weight. he paddles out away from the kelp and 5 minutes later i follow. 5 minutes later my clicker goes off and 25 minutes later i boat a nice 25lb yeller. my first yt ever and a personal best fish. decide for yourself. as for me... i'm looking for some good large baits. __________________ Totally addicted!!!

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07-05-2007, 09:07 AM	#1
wavster Senior Member Join Date: Feb 2007 Location: Encinitas Posts: 562	I don't agree with the small bait comment. Bigger baits attract bigger fish, so they say. I've caught 4+lb Calicos on 8 inch greenies... Personally, I believe the 5-6inch are probably the best, but I try all sizes. That being said, I've still caught 90% of my fish on artificials.

07-05-2007, 11:37 AM	#3
nmbrinkman Work Sucks! Join Date: Mar 2006 Location: San Diego Posts: 559	I used to prefer small baits to big baits. I'm beginning to believe that a hungry YT will eat whatever is in it's face. I'll be interested to hear what the experience here has to say...

07-05-2007, 02:03 PM	#5
Sherm Senior Member Join Date: May 2007 Location: San Diego Posts: 490	I like the bigger baits when fishing the YT. I like to use the same live bait that is in the water and being fed on. My biggest fish this year came while paddeling through a large school of macs on the surface. When it comes to too much bait in the water. I would have to disagree. The fish will usually hit the bait that is acting a little diferent. It is easier to eat a bait that looks like it would be easy to catch than the rest of the free swimmers. On the other hand I usually don't know crap Mi dos centavos Sherm

07-05-2007, 06:07 PM	#7
JrBasser Senior Member Join Date: May 2006 Posts: 260	Smaller bait is better when thats what the fishing are feeding on. Thats an unarguable fact. And right now, the fish are feeding on smaller baits.

07-06-2007, 04:33 PM	#8
Brett D. Member Join Date: Mar 2005 Location: Santee Posts: 44	Hey BBrown, Was that you that gave me the battery? I had the same results as you. Trolled some live macs around for about two hours then headed into the kelp for some calicos. I finished the day with 6 calicos and 8 rockfish. I was surprised at how few kayakers were out. The grassy area behind the Lifeguard station was a tent city at 4:45 am. But parking was no problem. Brett D.