10/29 Dana Point Fish report. . .

[steveooo]

Originally Posted by DanaPT

When looking for Calico in/around the kelp what is a good technique when no live-bait is available?
Casting with lead head and quick retrieve? Problem with letting it fall are unseen stringers I get caught up in.
Is jigging swim bait the better solution? Seems to be less hang-ups.

I think it is really about finding what works that day.
Couple of suggestions for Dana. Bait can most always be made- if not outside the kelp, inside the kelp is usually always good for a few spanish mac's. I use a high quality sabiki from hayabusa with smaller hooks and fish skin flies when bait is really tough to make.
When you are going artificial only, it helps to pay attention to which way the current is moving. The current will usually push the kelp stringers in a certain direction, creating little channels that you can cast the swim bait in between. Once you get past the top layer of salad, and you can figure out the way the stringers are laying, its usually no problem to work a swim bait in the kelp. The slower the retreive the better right now...
If you want to fish right in the kelp, modified vertical jigging is usually the best option. Let the swim bait fall slowly, pausing at different depths. Pay attention, because you will often get picked up on the drop. When you hit the bottom give it a few bounces, and then slowly start working it back up. When you do feel a hit or you get picked up, pay attention to what you were doing, because that is probably how you will get bit again. Experiment with different colors and sizes of swim baits too.
At Dana, I prefer to work the outside edges of the kelp, so I can cast and move, cast and move, without really ever having to deal with the kelp. Its usually productive enough to get the skunk off while i figure out my game plan.
If you are going to spend some time in the kelp, a spectra rig is really helpful. Kelp isnt too strong @ Dana, so i use 30 lb spectra most of the time without any problems.
If you are really getting desperate, dead squid is always a good back-up plan, or the less messy option- Gulp.

Good luck out there.