How-To Fish the Kelp

[JeffB]

I like to trailer 3/4oz- 1 1/2oz warbaits with 6" grubs. I will either jig them down deep,or cast them out as far as I can parallel with the kelp and into the current. I will let it sink down about 15'-20' and swim it back slowly. This is one technique that has produced the most and biggest Calico's for me. Also I like to bounce 5"-6" swim baits around the outsides of the kelp and shallow rock piles for Calico's and sandies. I found 50-65lb braid with a 20lb floro leader spliced by an Albright knot is an awesome combo.

Originally Posted by JeffB

I like to trailer 3/4oz- 1 1/2oz warbaits with 6" grubs. I will either jig them down deep,or cast them out as far as I can parallel with the kelp and into the current. I will let it sink down about 15'-20' and swim it back slowly. This is one technique that has produced the most and biggest Calico's for me. Also I like to bounce 5"-6" swim baits around the outsides of the kelp and shallow rock piles for Calico's and sandies. I found 50-65lb braid with a 20lb floro leader spliced by an Albright knot is an awesome combo.

I do the same thing but use 12lb leader just in case they are a litle line shy.

[kixchad]

There's no need to get to the bottom super quick either. With a good pair of polarized, you can sometimes see calicos hunting up high, or find them biting mid level. I like to start at the top and count a few more seconds each time I drop before the retrieve.

[Jimmyz123]

I sometimes like to pull up to some big kelp and tie on, and then drop to the bottom and basically do a Yo-Yo with them as well. I have had some good results with that. Biggest Calico I've ever caught was taken this way.

[HiLife619]

Hey Jimmy I was wondering about tying off to a kelp so you dont drift away...do you use a clamp? if so where do you get those clamps at? just wondering because clamping into the kelp is good for when u find that honey hole with for instance sheephead...

[FishNinjaY]

Originally Posted by HiLife619

Hey Jimmy I was wondering about tying off to a kelp so you dont drift away...do you use a clamp? if so where do you get those clamps at? just wondering because clamping into the kelp is good for when u find that honey hole with for instance sheephead...

http://www.kayakfishingsupplies.com/...word=kelp+clip

There are cheaper DIY solutions too, but I'm still researching that..

[steveooo]

Originally Posted by FishNinjaY

http://www.kayakfishingsupplies.com/...word=kelp+clip

There are cheaper DIY solutions too, but I'm still researching that..

That clip is good, or the cheapest DYI solution is to simply grab a stringer and put it under your leg

[Jimmyz123]

Originally Posted by HiLife619

Hey Jimmy I was wondering about tying off to a kelp so you dont drift away...do you use a clamp? if so where do you get those clamps at? just wondering because clamping into the kelp is good for when u find that honey hole with for instance sheephead...

You can get the clamps at Harbor or Home depot. I usually just take a rope with me and do a quick release knot. Either way the clamp of the release knot work the same. I use this meathod anytime I wand to vertically fish in the kelp. I've actually watched Calicos dart out from the kelp chasing the bait as it drops or comes up.

[maui jim]

Triggersnap clip works well Just bring an extra leash..

[Nic D]

Originally Posted by Jimmyz123

I sometimes like to pull up to some big kelp and tie on, and then drop to the bottom and basically do a Yo-Yo with them as well. I have had some good results with that. Biggest Calico I've ever caught was taken this way.

while bass fishing never tie up to the kelp for two reasons:

1) calicos are structure orientated fish and are using that kelp to hide in. When you start pulling on that kelp its going to send vibrations down the stalk and spook the bass.

2) the name of the game is covering water. tying up makes you stationary.

Seabass fishing is another story...

good luck,


and I never ever fish anything less than 30lb fluoro, most of the time 40 or straight spectra.
Nic

[ctfphoto]

I use a bungee cord to tie off to the kelp because it has some stretch in it. Very cheap and works great.

[Jimmyz123]

Originally Posted by Tamarack Studios

while bass fishing never tie up to the kelp for two reasons:

1) calicos are structure orientated fish and are using that kelp to hide in. When you start pulling on that kelp its going to spook the bass.

2) the name of the game is covering water. tying up makes you stationary.

Seabass fishing is another story...

good luck,


and I never ever fish anything less than 30lb fluoro, most of the time 40 or straight spectra.
Nic

Thanks for the tip man.