Jan 2, 2020 · With the morning sun peeking over the coastal mountains, a strong tide off the rocky shoreline of California’s Palos Verdes peninsula bent the thick kelp forest sideways. Right after idling into position, Capt. Ben Florentino cast a light metal jig known locally as surface iron.

You just attach them to a lead jig head of 1/2oz-1oz or so and cast them into the kelp. Let them sink a bit and then retrieve them steadily. When something bites, set the hook immediately and crank like crazy to get them out of the kelp before they wrap you up.

Aug 27, 2023 · Use different baits, such as sardines, anchovies, mackerel squid, and queenfish to attract them. Artificial lures you can use include streamer flies and a metal jig with a whole squid. As for the fishing gear, use a 7-foot medium heavy rod and a size 300 baitcasting reel.

The best methods to use for catching kelp bass include trolling, drifting, and still-fishing from an anchored boat or kayak. Other methods to try include bait casting, bottom bouncing, saltwater jigging, and spin casting.

Calico Bass (Paralabrix clathratus), more properly called, Kelp Bass are the mainstay of the Southern California inshore recreational fishery. This grouper-like Seabass is popular for excellent table fare and the skill required to hook and land them consistently.

Jan 2, 2020 · My go-to for Calico Bass are 5" swimbaits. However, I target them in the ocean in the Kelp Beds. With that being said, when I'm fishing the bays I also used swimbaits, they are just 3" models for Spotted Bay Bass.

Based on Kelp Bass’s natural food, rig up metal jigs with a whole squid and streamer flies. Chumming is an effective way to creating attention and attracting kelp bass. However, chumming is often effective several days to a week up to the day of fishing.

Jan 17, 2025 · Winter calico bass typically attack the jig-squid combo as it flutters down through the water column. Many times, the lure simply stops descending short of the bottom, an indication that a suspended fish has slurped it down.

Aug 27, 2018 · Calico bass average about two pounds but double digit fish are occasionally taken by conventional gear anglers using lead head jigs. The largest documented fly caught calico is a 9.4 lb lunker taken in 2016 by Southern California angler Al Quattrocchi on 12 lb. tippet that is …

Jan 8, 2020 · While they are rare that far north, the Calico Bass species is most abundant in Southern California, thriving in the shallow waters along rocky structure and kelp beds. These slow-growing fish are aggressive feeders and a perfect cast in ideal conditions is almost always rewarded with a nice calico.