Good mack size for bait - Kayak Fishing Adventures on Big Water’s Edge

oneyedeer · 03-14-2012, 08:51 AM

was able to take the yak out for the 1st time...caught a couple of undesized sand bass and lots of mackerals.....they were huge tried to make bait but all i got were 12+inchers......what size are good for halibuts?

xpresso2am · 03-14-2012, 09:03 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by oneyedeer

was able to take the yak out for the 1st time...caught a couple of undesized sand bass and lots of mackerals.....they were huge tried to make bait but all i got were 12+inchers......what size are good for halibuts?

Hola Oneyedeer! congrats on your first trip. Thats a big Mackeral for sure, but hey its alive and still great bait!! you never know..like they said "big Bait, Big fish"

RK · 03-14-2012, 09:16 AM

Your obviously gonna wanna match the hatch, use your senses to see what kind of baits poppin and what the fish are eating....
Thats one of the main reasons the kayak fisherman do so well.
Depending on what bait is at what column could be a good indicator as to which fish are feeding on what.

Im gonna go ahead and steal a line from my fishing buddy after recent epiphanies that keeps resonating in my head he should have patented it.....

With halibut.....

Big Baits and Big weights get big strikes.......

The little sand dab sized halis hit like girls but the big boys will suck down a big bait and put that rod tip straight in the water pinned to the rail....

Obviously this is up to scrutiny but in some avenues in fishing somethimes the bigger fish will only hit micro baits...

But in California coastal kayak fishing most of the trophies we hunt have massive mouths and will no doubt inhale a 12"+ bait with ease. Ive caught fish on 6"macs and on 14" macs....That is if they are eating macs.

Ill tell you another tip, when targeting big fish match the hook size to the bait your using..

Last tip... Halibut definately seem to fancy a nice juicy lively sardine.

Hopefully that helps

taggermike · 03-14-2012, 10:05 AM

The bigger macks, 10-12" let you target larger fish but have thier draw backs, You can't fit many in your bait tank. 1 bite and few sea lion drive byes and you're out of bait. I have rather soft clickers on my reels and the big macks just chrip and run and drive me crazy. Maybe I need a lever drag. And like RK said, match hooks to bait size. You can used up to 7 or 8/0. You can usualy get away with heavier line as well. I worked in the hubbs hatchery for many years and have fed WSB, YT, and Halibut brood stock. They will eat big baits. Mike

oneyedeer · 03-14-2012, 11:50 AM

Thanks xpresso! Bait tank didn't work fishfinder didn't power up hehe lots went wrong but I had lots of fun. The main purpose of the trip was accomplished. RK the only thing that seems to be eating anything was the king size baits. Unfortunately I didn't bring any big hooks but will do the next time.

Like always thanks for the replies tips and feedback! You guys are awesome.

03-14-2012, 08:51 AM	#1
oneyedeer Senior Member Join Date: May 2011 Location: Orange County, ca Posts: 684	Good mack size for bait was able to take the yak out for the 1st time...caught a couple of undesized sand bass and lots of mackerals.....they were huge tried to make bait but all i got were 12+inchers......what size are good for halibuts?

03-14-2012, 09:16 AM	#3
RK Senior Member Join Date: Sep 2010 Posts: 736	Your obviously gonna wanna match the hatch, use your senses to see what kind of baits poppin and what the fish are eating.... Thats one of the main reasons the kayak fisherman do so well. Depending on what bait is at what column could be a good indicator as to which fish are feeding on what. Im gonna go ahead and steal a line from my fishing buddy after recent epiphanies that keeps resonating in my head he should have patented it..... With halibut..... Big Baits and Big weights get big strikes....... The little sand dab sized halis hit like girls but the big boys will suck down a big bait and put that rod tip straight in the water pinned to the rail.... Obviously this is up to scrutiny but in some avenues in fishing somethimes the bigger fish will only hit micro baits... But in California coastal kayak fishing most of the trophies we hunt have massive mouths and will no doubt inhale a 12"+ bait with ease. Ive caught fish on 6"macs and on 14" macs....That is if they are eating macs. Ill tell you another tip, when targeting big fish match the hook size to the bait your using.. Last tip... Halibut definately seem to fancy a nice juicy lively sardine. Hopefully that helps

03-14-2012, 10:05 AM	#4
taggermike Senior Member Join Date: May 2007 Location: Chula Vista Posts: 1,589	The bigger macks, 10-12" let you target larger fish but have thier draw backs, You can't fit many in your bait tank. 1 bite and few sea lion drive byes and you're out of bait. I have rather soft clickers on my reels and the big macks just chrip and run and drive me crazy. Maybe I need a lever drag. And like RK said, match hooks to bait size. You can used up to 7 or 8/0. You can usualy get away with heavier line as well. I worked in the hubbs hatchery for many years and have fed WSB, YT, and Halibut brood stock. They will eat big baits. Mike

03-14-2012, 11:50 AM	#5
oneyedeer Senior Member Join Date: May 2011 Location: Orange County, ca Posts: 684	Thanks xpresso! Bait tank didn't work fishfinder didn't power up hehe lots went wrong but I had lots of fun. The main purpose of the trip was accomplished. RK the only thing that seems to be eating anything was the king size baits. Unfortunately I didn't bring any big hooks but will do the next time. Like always thanks for the replies tips and feedback! You guys are awesome.