New to the area

[MATTUSMC]

Hello to fellow yak fishermen (and women),

I just got re-stationed out here in SoCal and brought my Hobie with me from Virginia. I have spent the last three years chasing reds, striper, flounder and specks throughout the Chesepeake Bay and now it is time to get serious about fishing the Pacific. I have already been out of LJ twice and ended up with an approximate 15# WSB in one trip, some whitefish, and some macs. But now I have quesitons,

1) What size Macs do you use for yellowtail?

2) How do you hook them? Through the nose, through the back, do you use a stinger or tail hook?"

3) When trolling them, how fast do you go?

4) How big of a piece of cut squid do you use for rockfish?

5) Is trolling a rapala or any other kind of billed stick bait while transiting between areas worth it?

6) Is there a "smart card" for size and bag limits? I have seen in other states where all the size limits, seasons and bag limits are on one piece of paper. Looking throught the rule book here is confusing and you constantly have to go back and forht referencing different sections.

I think that is it for now, I am sure there will be more to follow...

[dmrides]

Welcome. It looks like you already got the hang of it!

When I use macs, I like 8-10" the best, but you will still catch plenty of fish on 12" as well. I hook 'em through the nose when trolling, if I want 'em to go down a bit I shoulder hook them. I use an egg sinker if I want them deeper, or a torpedo sinker for dropper loop. I only use a stinger if I am fishing for buts and getting raked baits.

Trolling speed is just a gentle paddle, but don't stress since you can't go all that fast on a yak, you just want to keep the line tight and go for a nice easy cruise.

Unless I am running low, I always use a whole squid for rock fishing.

You always have a better chance of catching fish with a line in the water. Threshers love the rapala types, but you will usually tail hook them with these. If given the choice, I would rather have a mac in the water and since I never target threshers, I don't use rapalas.

I am not sure if there is a smart card that shows the limits and sizes, but lots of guys make their own.

Best of luck to you!

[Smthtnnr]

8-10 inch Macks are perfect. You will find the yellowtail grounds.. Normally there will be a couple kayakers there. Rapalas aren't that effective on yellowtail, but you never know. I always use whole squid, tends to keep the dinks away a little bit better. I always nose hook my baits, nothing too complicated there. Picking the right bait is really important, you want one that will stay alive and swim well. Also make sure you are using 65lb power pro to deal with the kelp. Good luck out there see you on the water