Spottie Killers: March 2011

most successful techniques to use when fishing for Calico's is using plastic swim baits. When fishing the kelp beds pick a open hole or line donw the kelp and cast into the hole. Let the plastic sink. Uusually the fish will take the bait while it's sinking. Retrieve fast enough to get over the kelp with the tip rod up to One of my favorite fish to catch from the open party trips is the Calico Bass. One of my favorite and avoid snags.

When hooking a fish first try reeling fast and short pumping to get them through the kelp. The key is patience if the fish wraps you in the kelp. If this is the case, keep pressure on the fish and wait. Sometimes you may need to alternate between pressure and slack. Usually the fish will come out then reel fast and keep pole tip high.

If the fish are being shy try lighter line (though riskier because of line breaks in the kelp). Most reels like the popular Penn 500 Jigmaster has quick change spools. Line type is a whole other article but in general whether using braid with a top shot of mono or flurocarbon or just staright mono as I use always have fresh line and drags set properly before fishing. Especially true for the kelp where line takes a beating and snags or common. The reward fishing the kelp on plastics is big old timer bull Calico's.

Simialr rules apply when anchored in the open water. Don't be obsessed for a stern rail spot. I rarely bother and instead take my favorite spot mid boat behind the wheelhouse and in front of the bait tanks. This way if the boat starts draggin on the anchor, the boats will drift over the original stern spot and meter marks. Pick the rail side with the wind to the back of the head. If lines down the rail are wndering under the boat change sides. You want your bait or plastic to drift or swim away from the boat.

Now cast up current and let the bait sink and drift back toward your position taking up slack as needed. This is when strikes ususally occur so watch your line for "pick -ups" and wait to feel the strike a coule seconds then set the hook (or just starat reeling if using circle hooks). Fish can throw a bait or plastic if you let slack in the line so keep it taught and if they run let the drag do the work.

I have a lot of respect for Calico Bass and usually keep only one good fish for a taco and let the rest go. They grow slow so I tend to catch and release this fish more than any other specie.

For tackle I use an 8ft G-Loomis Saltwater Series for fishing plastics with 15lb - 20lb test. The standard rental rod or similar 6 foot rod with a Penn Jigmaster 500 or Squidder work just fine, are sturdy and very reliable. For bait casting use a #2 or so bronze hook with a 1/4 ounce to 1/2 oz sliding egg lead weight. It's all trial and error and a lot of patience with Calicos which makes it a lot of fun. If you get in an area with thick mackeral or Barri's more weight will take the bait to the Calicos or Sandies without losing your bait.

If you're fishing the stern usually you can just give the plastic a flip and let it drift back in the current. This is a good time ot expect a bite. Mix up the retrieve with speed and depth and if something works keep doing it.

Over the years, with much success after 100s of days fishing and working local party boats out of San Diego, I have found varying technique and color plastic in a good current brings good results. You will find a color and technique that works for you regardless of what anyone may tell you. I have pulled my biggest fish ( and I always release carefully these enormous "old timer" Calicos) on bigger size baits or plastics while the boat sets the chumline. Fish the inside of the chum circle until the boat achors.

The swimbait color (purple) I generally use is usually for fishing for Albies on the slide. When fishing out of Oceanside, the plastic of choice is a cody, green or red with a yellow head for big sandies of calicos. Purple doesn't work so well out of North County spots. I have found the bite is much different in North San Diego waters off Camp Pendalton down to the treatment plant in Carlsbad. Hope these tips are helpful. Thanks for your interest. Good luck!