Blitz - There are tradeoffs both ways, the plastics/bucktails will certainly
work with no scent or bait added. I always want the 'bait profile' to be as
large as possible when down "in the zone", but adding squid strips slows the
sink rate. I can't even decide what my preference is here, it really
depends.
As I usually mention, once you get finding rockfish basics down, I think
the key to good local rockfishing is
not hooking/reeling/catching the little
ones. Sounds simple, but its not always easy. I use bigger baits (or 2, or
3), bigger hooks (8/0, 10/0), and especially have tons of patience before
setting the hook - really ignore the nibblers and tail-nippers - wait for
that big headshake "thump" of a solid fish.
I'm still doing a lot of experimentation and change up rigs depending on
the depth and the current. Its usually a dropper loop rig with a big circle
hook and 6 oz torpedo, or, a 2-6 oz bucktail or plastic.
I have a video in the works but its pretty boring, so I may just skip it.