As promised, here are some questions and thanks in advance for the help!
I've been reading through the old posts and finding some info about what gear you guys like to use for rock and ling cod. Since none of my gear is a direct match, i thought 'd ask for a little guidance. I think I'm pretty good on reels and terminal tackle like shrimp flies and swimbaits, but where I'm lacking is info on rods.
I know Bryan likes abu reels and I have some in the sizes he mentions, but they are not spooled with braid, so I'm gonna bring a penn 965 with 30lb braid and a 975 with 40lb braid as a close approximation. Matching rods are ugly stik tiger lites in 6'6" 12-30lb and 7' 14-40lb, too light or will these work fo the shallows stuff 65' and under?
For deeper stuff, I've gotta pro gear 251 with 50lb braid, or a 2500 pacifica with 65lb. (I saw that BT has a new "secret" weapon, his new Tsunami.) Possible rod to match up would be an okuma battlecat 7'6"(it's my big catfish rod) rated for 15-60lb mono and 1-8 ozs. I've been casting it in the park with a 6oz sinker using the 2500 and I'm afraid to really load up on the rod cause I dont wanna hit anyone on the other side of the park!!! A light to medium cast is hitting 55-60 yards. But I don't need casting on the boat, so the soft tip that's great for slinging the big lead might be too soft for bottom bouncing 16 ozs of lead...
I don't have a swimbait rod, what do you guys recommend for general specs? wanting to use it with the big 6, 8 and 10oz jigheads I'm bringing
I have two other rod options, but not sure if they fit this application. Loomis pelagic series 7' 30-50 line, it was a local find at a pretty good price. Last option is a seeker classic 670 7' in 30lb rating, heavy fiberglass rod.
Besides rods, I'm also not sure how much gear to bring on the boat. I know the basics from the Landing's webpage, but are you guys using soft tackle bags? How big?
Last question for now, footwear?
Thanks
I have limited to little experience in saltwater compared to the people that will shortly chime in! But, that being said, I have allot of fishing under my belt. I have Calstars, United Composites, Daiwas and a Phoenix.....but also a few Tiger Lites...for the money they are awesome!!!! For limited inshore fishing for rockfish and ling's I think you'll be fine...like I said more experienced people should help out soon.....but,you cant go wrong with the ol' Ugly Sicks for the $$$
Brett
Rods N Reels? All you need is 6'6" to 7' #30/40 stuff with 300yrd. + line capacity ... We will be fishing 200-300ft. deep & using 8oz. to 16oz. iron. Alan will say a 7/0 hook with 16oz. sinker and whole squid is all you need, and he may be right. I fish jigs, someimes jigs only & win the Golden Carp ;D But somtimes win the money ;D You can easily go with lighter tackle, but the with depth and currents you want at least one heavier rod.
#secretweapons
BT
Brett, i know some people hate ugly stiks, but i don't. They are basic rods, but have done well for me in the past. Simple, inexpensive and mostly indestructable, sometimes thats all i need in a rod. Other times, i get a little snotty and want a fine tuned stick that perfectly matches the application. I'm glad there are choices.
BT, Thanks for the advice, it helps. I know I'm the new guy, but i don't wanna look like the new guy😁
Rogan, it sounds like you are equipped for probably 90 % of any fishing someone will ever do short of large pelagics. I have a lot of fancy stuff, but the Ugly def has its place. I have at least a dozen, and for their price new guides can be economically wrapped on if ever needed. I think with braid to a pound of lead, you will have enough sensitivity. A lingcod bite is hardly as subtle as an 8" trout based on my very limited experience (one trip with Alan where they creamed rockfish on the way up).
John
Love my Ugly Sticks, good blend of quality and economy. If ya do getta chance to fish in less than ~80 ft. depths latter in the season, for rockfish/lings./cabezon, etc., a bass/trout rig, say 10-20lb., is alotta fun. Usin 1-2 oz. jigs on a spinning reel is a nice, easy on the arms, finesse-type of way to get 'em. Until, a course,you hook that 5+ lb. linger, then it's "challenging" fun.
I think your heavier Ugly Stick, Okuma Battlecat and the Seeker will be fine for this trip. What you need to remember is that there is no overhead casting allowed so don't be too worried about overloading the rods. I don't think you need a specific rod just for swimbaits as the rods you have will do fine....but if you want an excuse to buy new gear who am I to tell you no ;D
My reels have either 50 or 65# braid with 30/40# topshots/leaders.
The rods I use are as follows:
Tsunami Airwave Elite Braid Select Rod 6'6", 50-130# line, 2-8oz lure rating (http://www.srmo.com/mm5/merchant.mvc?Screen=PROD&Product_Code=T101508)
Shimano Trevala Jigging Rod 6'6", 50-100# line, 110-240g lure rating
(https://www.tackledirect.com/shimano-trevala-jigging-spinning-rods.html)
St Croix Mojo Jig Rod 5'8", 80-200# line, 275-400g lure rating
(https://www.tackledirect.com/st-croix-mojo-jig-rods.html)
These are just what I use and there are 100's of options....If you want to try out any of my rigs during the trip feel free.....
PJ
Quote from: pjstevko on March 14, 2018, 03:08:56 PM
I think your heavier Ugly Stick, Okuma Battlecat and the Seeker will be fine for this trip. What you need to remember is that there is no overhead casting allowed so don't be too worried about overloading the rods. I don't think you need a specific rod just for swimbaits as the rods you have will do fine....but if you want an excuse to buy new gear who am I to tell you no ;D
My reels have either 50 or 65# braid with 30/40# topshots/leaders.
The rods I use are as follows:
Tsunami Airwave Elite Braid Select Rod 6'6", 50-130# line, 2-8oz lure rating (http://www.srmo.com/mm5/merchant.mvc?Screen=PROD&Product_Code=T101508)
Shimano Trevala Jigging Rod 6'6", 50-100# line, 110-240g lure rating
PJ did you put the mother-of-pearl Jiggy 501 on the purple Mojo. I have a 7'8" Mojo. nice rod.
(https://www.tackledirect.com/shimano-trevala-jigging-spinning-rods.html)
St Croix Mojo Jig Rod 5'8", 80-200# line, 275-400g lure rating
(https://www.tackledirect.com/st-croix-mojo-jig-rods.html)
These are just what I use and there are 100's of options....If you want to try out any of my rigs during the trip feel free.....
PJ
Really the best advice any of us could give you, is don't go overboard. Just keep it simple.
;D ;D ;D
BT
Quote from: Big Tim on March 14, 2018, 03:52:04 PM
Really the best advice any of us could give you, is don't go overboard. Just keep it simple.
;D ;D ;D
BT
EXACTLY ;D ;D ;D ;D ;D
Realistically you could show up with no rod or reel and still have plenty of gear to use/borrow......this group tends to over prepare!!!
Guys, thanks for all the responses. I think i'll be ok based on your feedback.
QuoteQuote from: pjstevko on March 14, 2018, 04:01:42 PM
Quote from: Big Tim on March 14, 2018, 03:52:04 PM
Really the best advice any of us could give you, is don't go overboard. Just keep it simple.
;D ;D ;D
BT
EXACTLY ;D ;D ;D ;D ;D
Realistically you could show up with no rod or reel and still have plenty of gear to use/borrow......this group tends to over prepare!!!
PJ, i do the same thing, looks like i'll be in good company
Footwear......
You can get away with a pair of old sneakers or hiking boots but be prepared for the possibility of wet, slimy and bloody shoes.
A lot of people wear deck hand style boots (something like https://www.xtratuf.com/)
If you're gonna go buy the really cheap kind from Walmart do yourself a favor and buy good inserts for them....
Quote from: pjstevko on March 15, 2018, 11:17:20 PM
Footwear......
You can get away with a pair of old sneakers or hiking boots but be prepared for the possibility of wet, slimy and bloody shoes.
A lot of people wear deck hand style boots (something like https://www.xtratuf.com/)
If you're gonna go buy the really cheap kind from Walmart do yourself a favor and buy good inserts for them....
PJ I got these...Sweet & I have bad feet
https://www.xtratuf.com/xtratuf-performance-rubber-ankle-deck-boot-xt.html
Rogan you might think these guys are exaggerating but it is not uncommon to see Big Tim or Alan get on the boat
with 4 + setups. There will be plenty of gear.
Tackle , I have been known to go both ways using an old school hard box or a multi tray soft case or both😎
I have seen guys get on the boat with just a plastic grocery bay half full of stuff and do quite well.
Of course Alan will tell you,
"All you need is some #7 shrimp flies , assorted weight lead, some leader material and whole squid. Done."
Maybe hard to admit but I think all of us have caught very big fish using this method , even us big jig fans.
As for the big Uglies , I will almost always bring an 8' Ugly spinner with a Dam Quick Super just cause I can😁
Quote from: Big Tim on March 16, 2018, 06:08:26 AM
PJ I got these...Sweet & I have bad feet
https://www.xtratuf.com/xtratuf-performance-rubber-ankle-deck-boot-xt.html
When I was deckhand I'd occasionally accidently fill those with water when washing the deck. My current pair of Xtratuf boots have been cut down to that height and it's time for a new pair.
i'm only bringing one rod and reel..... ;D
Quote from: alantani on March 16, 2018, 05:25:00 PM
i'm only bringing one rod and reel..... ;D
I got you covered Alan ;D
Quote from: Big Tim on March 16, 2018, 06:08:26 AM
Quote from: pjstevko on March 15, 2018, 11:17:20 PM
Footwear......
You can get away with a pair of old sneakers or hiking boots but be prepared for the possibility of wet, slimy and bloody shoes.
A lot of people wear deck hand style boots (something like https://www.xtratuf.com/)
If you're gonna go buy the really cheap kind from Walmart do yourself a favor and buy good inserts for them....
PJ I got these...Sweet & I have bad feet
https://www.xtratuf.com/xtratuf-performance-rubber-ankle-deck-boot-xt.html
Tim, what color do you recommend? what works best? ;D
Steve
Quote from: alantani on March 16, 2018, 05:25:00 PM
i'm only bringing one rod and reel..... ;D
Ya right , sure you are.....
"beware the man with only one gun, .....".
Or,
"My pistol is so I can fight my way back to where I dropped my rifle."
Quote from: theswimmer on March 16, 2018, 02:54:34 PM
Rogan you might think these guys are exaggerating but it is not uncommon to see Big Tim or Alan get on the boat
with 4 + setups. There will be plenty of gear.
Tackle , I have been known to go both ways using an old school hard box or a multi tray soft case or both😎
I have seen guys get on the boat with just a plastic grocery bay half full of stuff and do quite well.
Of course Alan will tell you,
"All you need is some #7 shrimp flies , assorted weight lead, some leader material and whole squid. Done."
Maybe hard to admit but I think all of us have caught very big fish using this method , even us big jig fans.
As for the big Uglies , I will almost always bring an 8' Ugly spinner with a Dam Quick Super just cause I can😁
Thanks for the suggestions. I'm gonna try for one soft bag and a separate hard case for the lead since it's kinda heavy. But I may rearrange things after I get there.
I will hit a couple local stores tomorrow for "muck boots" cause no one here carries deck boots in stock. If they don't fit right, then I'll try for the xtratuf boots.
i have a bunch of these. they work fine. insoles help. the local ace hardware in morro bay has them.
http://www.acehardware.com/product/index.jsp?productId=1294706&cp=2568443.2568444.2598672.2601407.1260327
Finished re rigging the super Steve-O.
Quote from: swill88 on March 16, 2018, 06:15:08 PM
Quote from: Big Tim on March 16, 2018, 06:08:26 AM
Quote from: pjstevko on March 15, 2018, 11:17:20 PM
Footwear......
You can get away with a pair of old sneakers or hiking boots but be prepared for the possibility of wet, slimy and bloody shoes.
A lot of people wear deck hand style boots (something like https://www.xtratuf.com/)
If you're gonna go buy the really cheap kind from Walmart do yourself a favor and buy good inserts for them....
PJ I got these...Sweet & I have bad feet
https://www.xtratuf.com/xtratuf-performance-rubber-ankle-deck-boot-xt.html
Tim, what color do you recommend? what works best? ;D
Steve
Steve I would go with whatever color matches your handbag ;D
Tim
brutal...... ;D
Starting to Show signs of an entertaining group. ;D.
Alan, That's crazy that you posted that boot link, I just tried on those boots at my local store last weekend and told myself that if I couldn't find anything else, I would go back and buy those! :o
Quote from: David Hall on March 17, 2018, 04:38:01 AM
Starting to Show signs of an entertaining group. ;D.
I cannot wait for the polite trash talking :P
Quote from: Big Tim on March 17, 2018, 04:21:16 AM
Quote from: swill88 on March 16, 2018, 06:15:08 PM
Quote from: Big Tim on March 16, 2018, 06:08:26 AM
Quote from: pjstevko on March 15, 2018, 11:17:20 PM
Footwear......
You can get away with a pair of old sneakers or hiking boots but be prepared for the possibility of wet, slimy and bloody shoes.
A lot of people wear deck hand style boots (something like https://www.xtratuf.com/)
If you're gonna go buy the really cheap kind from Walmart do yourself a favor and buy good inserts for them....
PJ I got these...Sweet & I have bad feet
https://www.xtratuf.com/xtratuf-performance-rubber-ankle-deck-boot-xt.html
Tim, what color do you recommend? what works best? ;D
Steve
Steve I would go with whatever color matches your handbag ;D
Tim
Thank you Big Tim! I'll guess I will just have to get one in every color! ::)
Steve
Quote from: alantani on March 16, 2018, 05:25:00 PM
i'm only bringing one rod and reel..... ;D
What setup(s) are you bringing? Seriously!
Steve
seriously, one rig. that old penn fathom rod and the hotrodded tld star 15/30. ;D
Quote from: alantani on March 17, 2018, 04:54:07 PM
seriously, one rig. that old penn fathom rod and the hotrodded tld star 15/30. ;D
Don't let him fool you..... Ed's gonna bring the other 9 rods!
Check the prices on a used TLD 15/30.
I have one that makes every trip.
I'd buy two more if I could find them.
So I was able to do some additional casting work and I'll be bringing some 16oz cannonballs in addition to the jig heads. Should have enough to give everyone a couple cannonballs each. I can also make 12oz cannonballs if you want a smaller size...
And thanks for the tips on footwear. I hit a local store that "supplies" large motorized farm implements and found these on the clearance rack for 1/2 price. neoprene lined, which is good for this desert rat who gets cold anytime it dips below 75 degrees. Now I'll stay warm and dry.
Quote from: rogan on March 20, 2018, 03:30:59 AM
And thanks for the tips on footwear. I hit a local store that "supplies" large motorized farm implements and found these on the clearance rack for 1/2 price. neoprene lined, which is good for this desert rat who gets cold anytime it dips below 75 degrees. Now I'll stay warm and dry.
Those boots will be perfect!
I wear a pair just like them from a different company and they are very comfortable and warm enough with good socks
Sweet, thanks for the input. I was planning on wool socks and layers of clothes to adapt to the conditions. I've never been to the "rock" this early in the year so I don't know the weather conditions. All my past trips were in June. Colder in April, or about the same as June?
Quote from: rogan on March 20, 2018, 04:09:27 AM
Sweet, thanks for the input. I was planning on wool socks and layers of clothes to adapt to the conditions. I've never been to the "rock" this early in the year so I don't know the weather conditions. All my past trips were in June. Colder in April, or about the same as June?
Just dress in layers and you'll be fine....
Starting from bottom,
Good high quality sneaker.
Fleece or wool socks.
Quality shorts , nylon or poly etc.
Alan Tani T or equivalent.
Poly fleece Hoody or equivalent.
High quality shell.
High quality watch cap.
I cannot stess the importance of the shell.
The ability of your gear to shed the wind will allow you to continue to fish while all else retire to the cabin.
Quote from: theswimmer on March 21, 2018, 12:53:16 AM
Starting from bottom,
Good high quality sneaker.
Fleece or wool socks.
Quality shorts , nylon or poly etc.
Alan Tani T or equivalent.
Poly fleece Hoody or equivalent.
High quality shell.
High quality watch cap.
I cannot stess the importance of the shell.
The ability of your gear to shed the wind will allow you to continue to fish while all else retire to the cabin.
Thanks for the suggestions, i got a new waterproof jacket back in nov, so I'll get to try it out.
Although, i don't think i can do the shorts...gotta be pants for me
Waterproof boots are almost a must. Dry feet are happy feet. Plus there's always fish spines to contend with. Go right thru sneakers. One mis step and kick a sack of rockfish is a very painful experience could ruin your day/week/month.
Quote from: Swami805 on March 21, 2018, 02:59:19 PM
Waterproof boots are almost a must. Dry feet are happy feet. Plus there's always fish spines to contend with. Go right thru sneakers. One mis step and kick a sack of rockfish is a very painful experience could ruin your day/week/month.
Good point.
License??? I just read through the Ca government wildlife site checking out the regs for fishing. There is way too much info. I think I understand, but I wanna get your guys opinion so I'm doing it right. I plan on shore fishing Sat, boat trip on Sun, and back to shore fishing on Mon (I really, really, really want to catch a leopard or bat ray). So if I'm reading it correctly, I can buy a 10 day license, get the ocean enhancement stamp, and that allows me to use two poles from the shore?
I want to make sure, because two years ago I fished out of SD on a private boat and was told one rod only at all times by the boat owner.
Buy a license, 2 rods is fine from the beach. The regs on how many rods depends on where you are and what your fishing for. The regs are insane, there's a limit on how many sand crabs you can have for bait,how much kelp you can keep and what kind and blah blah blah. Just try and figure it out for the specific thing you're doing. The deckhands will have it dialed in on the boat so no worries there. That book gets thicker every year and can be very confusing.