Need some help prepping for 2.5 day mothership trip!

[AZYakNewb]

Sweet! Good info all the way around - and i will definitely remember the rubbermaid bin/charger/powerstrip advice. Got a few clarification questions though...

1. Got it on the line ratings, but what about the rod? How heavy a stick do you need (especially the Calico bass)? I'd rather be on the lighter action side of things for the fight, but I sure don't want to heavy hand them!

2. Jigging stick.... I am fairly confident a Jig stick for Largemouth bass is NOT gonna do the trick, so what am I looking for? There is a little clearance sale action going on at the local Sportsmans Warehouse and I can get a Seeker 7ft with a Penn 525 Mag (spooled with 30lb mono) for under $200. Is this worth risking divorce, or will the Heavy St Croix and Penn GT320 suffice?

So Freak'in excited...And the LTC just signed the leave slip! GAME ON!!!!!

[PescadorPete]

Unless it's a "Lake Pacific" weekend, the fight will be more with the current, thick kelp and putting it in reverse as the swell pushes you up against the boiler rocks. For the bass, I use a Seeker 20# rod and a Graftech 25# rod, one rigged with mono and one rigged with spectra kelp cutter rig.
I wouldn't buy a 7' rod as a jig stick, it is too short for a really effective jig stick. Normally a 8, 9 or 10' rod and a bigger 40# class reel is more like it.
If you're going to fish live bait, you need a bait tank or at least a Plano Bait bucket.

[robmandel]

Originally Posted by AZYakNewb

Sweet! Good info all the way around - and i will definitely remember the rubbermaid bin/charger/powerstrip advice. Got a few clarification questions though...

1. Got it on the line ratings, but what about the rod? How heavy a stick do you need (especially the Calico bass)? I'd rather be on the lighter action side of things for the fight, but I sure don't want to heavy hand them!

the calico bass are big and you fish around alot of kelp and structure. 20# minimum. something fast action that can handle 20# is the ticket. largemouth bass are nothing compared to the calico. for one, the big guys that live under the boilers or along the shoreline are in a rough environment and are built to survive it. the others live in and around the kelp, and they know how to use it. they must have some fish school or something. seriously. you'll see a steady diet of 4-5 lb bass there. trust me, you won't be heavy handing them.

look for a good inshore type rod. typical bassin' rods are a little on the lighter side. but, go with what ya' got. no need to buy a rod for one trip. though I've been known to...

Originally Posted by AZYakNewb

2. Jigging stick.... I am fairly confident a Jig stick for Largemouth bass is NOT gonna do the trick, so what am I looking for? There is a little clearance sale action going on at the local Sportsmans Warehouse and I can get a Seeker 7ft with a Penn 525 Mag (spooled with 30lb mono) for under $200. Is this worth risking divorce, or will the Heavy St Croix and Penn GT320 suffice?

if it's the 270 class (12-30#) then will be a little light. if it's the 870 class (15-40#) then it's good. with the 525, it's probably the 270 though. big 5 has some decent sabre branded rods on sale for like $50 which would be fine. of turner's (out here in socal) has their house brand of californian rods which are realyl good, like $80-100. would be fine with the 320 for bait, but the levelwinds might not cast well enough. look for a minimum 8' jig stick. and you can get penn 500's for pretty cheap, fill it with 30#, and you'll be fine.

again, before you bust out for a new rod and reel, check first to see if you'll need one. last year, trip about the same time, no yellows. only wsb were speared by the skipper shane. so, it might not even be needed. heck, if it's that important, pm me the day before the trip. I can throw another jig stick in the car. like I'd ever need it

Originally Posted by AZYakNewb

So Freak'in excited

me too!!

[Hunters Pa]

Oh, and get a vhf radio if you don't have one. Big benefit of this trip is being able to radio back for a fish pickup, more bait, or a beer delivery. They buzz out in the skiff.

And bring an appetite. The food is insane