kayak fishing tackle question
 

I have a Avet SX & MX 2 speed. I just started taking my kayak out. I want to know what rods will be good to use for calicos and for 15 - 30 lb. Yellows.

I'd say anything by Seeker or Calstar in the 7' range. For those two reel classes I am using Calstar 700XL (10-25) and 700M (20-50)

Those avet reels are kind of overkill for bass, i would recommend something smaller like a shimano curado or Daiwa coastal with 15# if you are going to fish bass alot. As for rods i have been happy with a seeker 870.

Another question. Where is it better to fish for Calicos? I've been out to Dana Point twice. I'm not experienced to launch off the beach. So I launch from the harbor. In other words, were is it good to fish for Calicos and has an area I can launch from with out having to hit them waves? LOL. Thanks for the info on the rods and reels.

Best spot is around the corner outside near the kelp (Highlands). Launching from Doheny Beach is no big deal really. Just stay to the right side near the jetty and waves are always flattened out there. Otherwise, the only other spot is Baby Beach back by the Oceanography Institute and "pirate ship". Long paddle through the harbor and then same distance around the corner west to the kelp but worth the paddle. Best to go out there with a buddy the first time if you are not confident in open ocean.

Agree with the SX comment on bass...Overkill and not great for casting plastics over and over. I use a Curado 300 paired up with Teramar Inshore rod for all my bassin' duties.

For historical sake that is not a Pirate ship. That is a replica of The Pilgrim, made famous in Richard Henry Dana's Two Years Before The Mast. Read it.

Bass were very hungry and active yesterday off the point in ~70'.

My favorite bass rig is a TN12 (w/ 30# powerpro) on a 700xl.

Is the point you are talking about to the north of the harbor? Thanks again.

Yes, Dana Point.

What did you catch the bass on? When the bass are active and you are going on that long paddle to a spot, do troll with a lure or live bait? I know I'm asking to many questions. But I'm new to kayak fishing and don't know much. I go once a year to San Quitin,baja. For that I do have some experience.

For bass around this area you can get away with using lighter gear than you mentioned. I use a Shimano Terramar 10-20lb rod with a cardiff 300 reel spooled with 12-15lb mono. I have a lighter setup with a Shimano Clarus rod rated 8-15lb with a Citica reel spooled with 10lb mono.

A buddy of mine fishes for local bass on a spinning setup with 6-8lb line.:eek:

Dont know about yellows Im still working on that one myself. Those reels you mentioned should work fine for them.

PM sent

AT, it's fishing. There's no rules (just regulations). Try whatever you'd like. I was using swimbaits. I also had some fresh dead squid. Live macks were conspicuously absent; there was smelt around. Some of the bass did puke up some sort of half-digested finbait I didn't identify. Lost 2 larger fish to kelp and bit line. Squid and plastics were equally eaten. Oh, white croakers were also pretty wide open.

Like Nike says: JUST DO IT!

I like to troll when I paddle to my fishing spot. I like the Yo Zuri crystal minnow DD are a rapala. If your paddling a long way it only makes sense.

Good morning fellas. Has any one of you used the Berkley Gulp Alive? Do they work and how would you rig them?

Dan Hernandez seems to like them...

Im sure it would work. There are many different models of that stuff... Rig however you want...drop shot, texas rigged, c-rigged or lead head?

I have caught a lot of bass and halibut using the gulp jerkshad. I like to use the drop shot rig.

Good morning. I was reading about them guys that drifted out on their kayaks. One guy had a cell phone. Is the marine radio better than the Spot? Is there a number you can call to find out how the water is going to be for the following day? I have a Hobie Sport and I wouln't want to get caught in some nasty weather.

go to central baja.....the calicos and sand bass hit everything in your box:)

Were about in central baja? We go to San Quintin once a year. You have paddle a long way out to be able to get any fishing done.