Mission Bay 6/21

[jwacky]

Today’s lesson learned is that I should probably keep at least a little bit of an eye on surf conditions before heading out. South Mission Bay at the peak of morning high tide was brutal. Heavy surf, lots of grass.

A small 3” bait fish of some sort washed up at my feet at some point so I’m not counting this as a skunk session, lol.

My reel broke. Unsure of the terminology but it seems that the drag/lock mechanism broke? There is zero drag, the line just unspools without resistance. But that’s ok; I told myself I’d run my older reel into the ground testing surf and waters so to speak, just happened a bit sooner than anticipated. Looking at a Penn IV 4000 as a replacement (to a Zebco 808) and a Penn Squadron III surf rod (since I’ll need a spinning rod now).

I ain’t mad, all things considered. New gear and a nice morning at the beach. Beats not getting out there at all. Handful of other folks were also out there battling the seaweed, hopefully someone else had a bit of luck!

[William Ritchie]

https://surffishingsocalsd.com/surf-fis ... al/page/2/ . This is a link to a very good surf fishing site . Nick is a local , well written . There are very good articles about gear in particular that may help with the decision . The fishing articles are very good as far as info goes . He is also a guide if that fits your learning curve . Good luck in your search .

[jwacky]

https://surffishingsocalsd.com/surf-fis ... al/page/2/ . This is a link to a very good surf fishing site . Nick is a local , well written . There are very good articles about gear in particular that may help with the decision . The fishing articles are very good as far as info goes . He is also a guide if that fits your learning curve . Good luck in your search .

Thanks for this! I’ve actually gotten lots of good tips from following him on YouTube, didn’t realize he also has a site. Will definitely read through it.

[blackcloud9]

The inshore buoys were showing 6 to 7 feet this morning. Probably the biggest surf we'll see until October. The beaches fish better when the buoys are reading below 3'.

Some conditions links here: https://larryl.com/la-jolla-kayak-conditions

[jwacky]

ok good, at least I know it wasn’t “just me.” That was bananas out there.

The inshore buoys were showing 6 to 7 feet this morning. Probably the biggest surf we'll see until October. The beaches fish better when the buoys are reading below 3'.

Some conditions links here: https://larryl.com/la-jolla-kayak-conditions

[blackcloud9]

ok good, at least I know it wasn’t “just me.” That was bananas out there.

The inshore buoys were showing 6 to 7 feet this morning. Probably the biggest surf we'll see until October. The beaches fish better when the buoys are reading below 3'.

Some conditions links here: https://larryl.com/la-jolla-kayak-conditions

Agreeing with the legend William above -> Once you get some actual surf fishing equipment, the BEST MONEY ever spent would be booking a knowledgeable fishing guide. In the long run, its actually cheaper than NOT booking a guide, I promise you. Especially if you want to actually catch something in the surf.

[jwacky]

ok good, at least I know it wasn’t “just me.” That was bananas out there.

The inshore buoys were showing 6 to 7 feet this morning. Probably the biggest surf we'll see until October. The beaches fish better when the buoys are reading below 3'.

Some conditions links here: https://larryl.com/la-jolla-kayak-conditions

Agreeing with the legend William above -> Once you get some actual surf fishing equipment, the BEST MONEY ever spent would be booking a knowledgeable fishing guide. In the long run, its actually cheaper than NOT booking a guide, I promise you. Especially if you want to actually catch something in the surf.

I believe this 100%. I’m a road biker and something similar applies. You can buy something blind, ride it, and be in lots of pain because it doesn’t fit. You can ride, tinker, ride, and tinker some more. Some rides will hurt more, some less, and eventually you might dial it in. Or, you can go get fitted and rides will actually be enjoyable, with pain relegated to muscles you’ve never used as opposed to full body soreness because of horrendous fit.

Seems like the same applies here. Get the right equipment to give yourself (myself) a fighting chance. Then, a running start, if you will. Thanks again!

[Mike M]

There are so many rods and reels to choose from. For me, Okuma's Celilo 9'6" ML paired with a 2500 or 3000 size spinning reel is a great value. The rod is perfect for perch, corbina, croaker and other surf species. I like the cork handle better than longer handled, East Coast style surf fishing rods.

[Perch killer]

Exact same rod & reel setup I use Mike. Really like it. Back up is a well used 9' old ugly stick with a 3000 Kast King reel which works just fine.

[Bendo]

I think all this is good advice, I use a 8/12 foot “Steelhead Rod” rated at 8 to17 pound test, fast action. I mostly use 6 pound mono running line and 8 pound fluorocarbon leader. This is for sight fishing Corbina in the Surfline. The six pound isn’t much affected by wind, the Eight pound Flouro leader is stiffer and doesn’t roll over on itself creating overhead knots in the leader. I’ve landed White Seabass and Stripers up to 15pounds, giant Corbina, even the odd Halibut that sucks down a Sand Crab.
For Halibut, it is the same length, rated 10-20 pound, I use 10 pound mono and blood knot on 15 pound flouro leader, similar 2500 size reel. I even landed a 17 pound Yellowtail on this rig, back when you could fish Main Beach Laguna. Almost spooled me several times as I followed it into the ocean belly deep several times. I throw white Swimbaits for most all of my Halibut. Keeps on working.