La Jolla 03/12/2017 - Kayak Fishing Adventures on Big Water’s Edge

adamlawless · 03-13-2017, 04:06 PM

First time fishing la Jolla and it was awesome. There are bait fish everywhere and the red crab are as well. The red crab even come up to the surface of the kelp and you can grab them if you want to use them as bait. I only used hookup baits. Best bait out there in my opinion. Looks weird but works. I caught 7 legal bass (only kept 2), 20 mackerel (some 15+ inches). Caught a couple bass just under 14". I tried to paddle out and troll with a live mackerel however it seemed more of a free meal for the sea lions. They are everywhere those butt holes. I went through 5 mackerel before I gave up. If anyone has any tips to outsmart the sea lions please share. Other than that it was awesome. The current was moderate and the fog was insane. There was about 100 meter visibility clearing up around 1300. Since it was my first time fishing LJ I went out in the fog and did not know where to launch back into. Lucky for me the golf course is red. Waves were around a foot launching and coming back in.

Iceman · 03-13-2017, 04:48 PM

looking forward to trying the Hookup Baits I got at FH..........I had this idea to discourage sea lions. What if you put a small treble just like you would with a trap rig, but do not have it tied, they sometimes ignore the trap rigged bait but sometimes grab the tail and let you pull the hooks out. they definitely eyeball the bait good before taking it.

I know one of the OG used to swear by wrapping some wire or a bread tie around the base of the tail.

FullFlavorPike · 03-13-2017, 04:59 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Iceman

I know one of the OG used to swear by wrapping some wire or a bread tie around the base of the tail.

Interesting idea. Doesn't seem to scare the

?

fishnfoool · 03-13-2017, 05:46 PM

I actually use a trap rig. I just put the treble hook as far back as I can. Usually works against the old dogs that dont want to get hooked. Sometimes the younger ones dont know any better and will take the whole thing and you have to beeak off.

adamlawless · 03-13-2017, 07:14 PM

Thanks for the advise! I might try that. I had no idea they could see the hooks and avoid them. That's pretty cool actually. I just bought some big game hookup baits so maybe that will help. I used the shad White 5/8 oz for most of the fish but the 3/8 oz yellow green worked well too if anyone is looking for them. I wouldn't go less than 5/8 because it doesn't sink very well with the current. I'll post if the treble works.

03-13-2017, 04:06 PM	#1
adamlawless Junior Join Date: Mar 2017 Posts: 2	La Jolla 03/12/2017 First time fishing la Jolla and it was awesome. There are bait fish everywhere and the red crab are as well. The red crab even come up to the surface of the kelp and you can grab them if you want to use them as bait. I only used hookup baits. Best bait out there in my opinion. Looks weird but works. I caught 7 legal bass (only kept 2), 20 mackerel (some 15+ inches). Caught a couple bass just under 14". I tried to paddle out and troll with a live mackerel however it seemed more of a free meal for the sea lions. They are everywhere those butt holes. I went through 5 mackerel before I gave up. If anyone has any tips to outsmart the sea lions please share. Other than that it was awesome. The current was moderate and the fog was insane. There was about 100 meter visibility clearing up around 1300. Since it was my first time fishing LJ I went out in the fog and did not know where to launch back into. Lucky for me the golf course is red. Waves were around a foot launching and coming back in. Attached Images

03-13-2017, 04:48 PM	#2
Iceman Administrator Join Date: Mar 2005 Location: 1-2 miles off the point Posts: 6,943	looking forward to trying the Hookup Baits I got at FH..........I had this idea to discourage sea lions. What if you put a small treble just like you would with a trap rig, but do not have it tied, they sometimes ignore the trap rigged bait but sometimes grab the tail and let you pull the hooks out. they definitely eyeball the bait good before taking it. I know one of the OG used to swear by wrapping some wire or a bread tie around the base of the tail. __________________

03-13-2017, 05:46 PM	#4
fishnfoool Senior Member Join Date: Jan 2014 Location: Long beach Posts: 302	Keeping dogs off I actually use a trap rig. I just put the treble hook as far back as I can. Usually works against the old dogs that dont want to get hooked. Sometimes the younger ones dont know any better and will take the whole thing and you have to beeak off.

03-13-2017, 07:14 PM	#5
adamlawless Junior Join Date: Mar 2017 Posts: 2	Thanks for the advise! I might try that. I had no idea they could see the hooks and avoid them. That's pretty cool actually. I just bought some big game hookup baits so maybe that will help. I used the shad White 5/8 oz for most of the fish but the 3/8 oz yellow green worked well too if anyone is looking for them. I wouldn't go less than 5/8 because it doesn't sink very well with the current. I'll post if the treble works.