San Diego & SoCal Fishing Forums

Been really eager to try and get a calico out of the surf. Planning on going on a negative low tide or right at 0 feet or so. But I need some help. I’m thinking of going to swamis or stonesteps. Not sure if it matters but maybe one of you can help me decide which beach to go to. I also plan on only fishing lures. Thinking of throwing a 5” MC swimbait weedless, while standing and wading on the exposed reef. I’ve never done this before and could use any tricks, tips or help. Thank you!

I have no experience with those areas, but your plan is spot on. Find the reefs, find the checkers

There are calicos at Swami's. I went in May. Casted into a deep pocket and landed 2 calicos and 1 black perch in about 1.5 hours. I'm a bait guy and used shrimp.

Many surfers at the southern end of the reef. Fewer of them in the north.

No experience at stone steps.

Zhao wrote: Thu Jul 20, 2023 3:05 pm There are calicos at Swami's. I went in May. Casted into a deep pocket and landed 2 calicos and 1 black perch in about 1.5 hours. I'm a bait guy and used shrimp.

Many surfers at the southern end of the reef. Fewer of them in the north.

No experience at stone steps.

PXL_20230513_201948772.jpgPXL_20230513_205737287.jpgPXL_20230513_211201581.jpg

Hmmmm. So I was actually at tabletop’s yesterday evening and a guy came in fro spear fishing with a corbina, a huge opaleye sand 2 Sargo, I asked if she saw calicos and he said he saw plenty but none were legal. So now I want to go to swamis and tabletops. I guess I’ll give tabletops an hour or so then go to swamis

BassbruiserDylan wrote: Fri Jul 21, 2023 6:43 am

Zhao wrote: Thu Jul 20, 2023 3:05 pm There are calicos at Swami's. I went in May. Casted into a deep pocket and landed 2 calicos and 1 black perch in about 1.5 hours. I'm a bait guy and used shrimp.

Many surfers at the southern end of the reef. Fewer of them in the north.

No experience at stone steps.

PXL_20230513_201948772.jpgPXL_20230513_205737287.jpgPXL_20230513_211201581.jpg

Hmmmm. So I was actually at tabletop’s yesterday evening and a guy came in fro spear fishing with a corbina, a huge opaleye sand 2 Sargo, I asked if she saw calicos and he said he saw plenty but none were legal. So now I want to go to swamis and tabletops. I guess I’ll give tabletops an hour or so then go to swamis

Hey Zhao,
Any report from Swamis?

My pics were all from swami's

Lundy wrote: Wed Jul 26, 2023 6:48 am

BassbruiserDylan wrote: Fri Jul 21, 2023 6:43 am

Zhao wrote: Thu Jul 20, 2023 3:05 pm There are calicos at Swami's. I went in May. Casted into a deep pocket and landed 2 calicos and 1 black perch in about 1.5 hours. I'm a bait guy and used shrimp.

Many surfers at the southern end of the reef. Fewer of them in the north.

No experience at stone steps.

PXL_20230513_201948772.jpgPXL_20230513_205737287.jpgPXL_20230513_211201581.jpg

Hmmmm. So I was actually at tabletop’s yesterday evening and a guy came in fro spear fishing with a corbina, a huge opaleye sand 2 Sargo, I asked if she saw calicos and he said he saw plenty but none were legal. So now I want to go to swamis and tabletops. I guess I’ll give tabletops an hour or so then go to swamis

Hey Zhao,
Any report from Swamis?