Fishing Trips This Weekend

I went fishing on both Saturday and Sunday this past weekend.  In both cases I was fishing between Oyster Point and the San Mateo Bridge.

On Saturday I used freeze dried bait from Big 5 without success.

On Sunday I used frozen and live bait and caught several soupfin sharks.

I had a great time on the water.

One of the regulars at Coyote Point said he caught 6 strippers 1 fairly large.  I need to figure out what he is doing!!!

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6 Winter Fishing Tips

Although many people associate fishing with spring, summer and fall, there are many fish that are actually easier to catch during the winter months. This is particularly true in California, where temperatures regularly drop just a little below 50 in most areas. This climate makes it a lot easier to withstand winter fishing and many fish will be more than ready to take your bait. Here are some tips to help you make the most out of your winter fishing.

1. Look for the right fish.

Bass are excellent winter fish, as are crappie and bluegill. Every once in awhile you may also come across some salmon, but these three will be the most likely catches. In fact, many bass fisherman prefer to fish in the winter simply because it is a lot easier to increase your take. If you have other fish in mind, make sure you do a little research into their winter habits before heading out.

2. Use the right bait.

Fish are much hungrier during the winter months, so you won’t have to worry too much about them being picky. However, live bait usually works best in this situation and will increase your chances of getting a successful catch. Minnows are an excellent choice, or another type of small fish. Worms will be a little harder for the fish to spot, which brings us to our next tip.

3. Use a bright or reflective lure.

Winter months are usually overcast, so you’ll need to take advantage of a bright or reflective lure in order to get the attention of the fish. Keep in mind that it’s going to be pretty dark down there, and the more you are able to draw their attention upward, the better your chances are of landing some great fish.

4. Slow it down.

Bass fishing in particular requires a little more patience in the winter months. The fish are a bit more sluggish due to the colder temperatures, so this can work in two ways. First, they are of course easier to catch, but second, they will take longer to get to your bait. Make sure you set up a good spot and then wait awhile before trying a new one.

5. Look in the right places.

Bass and crappie will tend to be near the edges of the lake during the warmest parts of the day, but you can also find them under outcroppings and piers.

6. Dress appropriately.

Even in California it is possible to get way too cold. Make sure that you bring plenty of warm clothing and consider bringing a thermos with a hot beverage. It will help you stay out longer. If you plan on camping through the night, you will need to bring extra gear in order to stay warm, particularly if you will be fishing in the mountains where nighttime temperatures can fall into the thirties. No one likes being miserably cold, but it’s easy enough to prevent this with the right gear.

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Trolling Fishing Techniques

Trolling is a great way to catch fish, in lakes, rivers or even out on the ocean. If you have never tried this type of fishing before, it’s actually quite enjoyable and chances are, you’ll be able to catch quite a few fish. There are a lot of different trolling methods that have been used throughout the centuries, but there are a few techniques that everyone can use to improve their trolling. Here are some great tips to get you started.

First off, let’s talk about bait. That is an essential part of successful trolling. After all, if the fish just aren’t interested in your bait, you can troll all day and never catch a thing. We have found that live bait works best, but there are those that swear by dead bait. However, the key can be found in the size of the bait that you are using, as well as the type.

Mackarel works best and is just about the right size. For ocean trolling, we definitely recommend squid, especially during the summer months. You can play around with different types of bait until you find the one that works best with your own methods. The larger sizes will probably work best, depending on the type of hook that you are using.

Speaking of hooks, this is also an important part of trolling successfully. Since the bait is moving ahead of the fish, this allows the fish to strike at it, and if you don’t have the right hook, it can simply strip the bait and head for the hills. To prevent this, we recommend using a little bit larger hook, and you may want to thread the line through your bait to increase your chances of a successful catch.

Now, let’s take a look at your speed. While you will be moving, it is essential to check your speed to make sure that you are not going too fast. It is much easier to troll when you are going about 3 knots. Any slower and you’ve defeated the purpose, and any faster, you’ll be outrunning many of the fish you’re trying to catch.

Your line is also very important when it comes to successfully trolling for fish. You’re going to want to make sure that the test weight is durable and that it won’t break under pressure. Go for a little bit heavier line to err on the side of caution. Most of the fish that you will be trolling for will require at least a 30 pound test weight so this is a great place to start. Again, in many cases, experimentation works best to find the right weight.

Last but not least, it is important to hold your rod correctly. If you keep it too close to your body and your line is too tight, you may miss out on the first strike. It is best to hold the rod at an angle away from your body and keep the line a little slack. You can snap to when you feel the strike, but stay relaxed until you do.

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How to Catch Rainbow Trout

Rainbow trout are plentiful in California and this is a fish that is particularly fun to match wits against. If you are completely new to trout fishing, or just look for some great new tips, there are a few sure methods that you can employ to increase your success rate with rainbow trout. There is a lot to be said for technique and with these methods, anyone should be able to start catching more rainbow trout consistently.

Before we get started, it is important to discuss the time of year when you will be most likely to catch a rainbow trout. Although some have success in the summer months, this is a fish that is going to be easier to catch when it is a bit colder outside. We recommend late fall and throughout winter as the best seasons to catch rainbow trout. Early spring can also be a great time to try your luck. Although you can catch them at any time of the year, you’ll be able to have a lot more luck when it is colder outside.

Now, let’s talk about bait. We prefer to use live bait for rainbow trout, but there are a few good synthetics out there that will get the job done. For live bait we highly recommend using smaller sized baits, such as minnows. We’ve had the best luck with nightcrawlers, but blood worms also work very well. Some people swear by maggots, but that’s a little too much for most people.

It is important to note that rainbow trout will not respond to dead bait. This is one of the main reasons that synthetic baits just don’t work as well. If you are using this type of bait, you’re going to need to get some that are lively in color and have a bit of movement. Otherwise, you’re going to be wasting your time. Look for synthetic bait is as realistic as possible.

Your line is also very important. This is not a fish that you’re going to want to manhandle and heavy test weights aren’t needed. You can go with around a six pound line, or even lighter. Any heavier than that and your luck will go straight out the window. It is also important to work on how you hold the line. Lightness is the key, and the wrist plays a very vital role. You’ll want to practice holding your line still and keeping it pretty loose. However, you’ll want to be able to snap that wrist into action once you get a nibble. With a little practice, this becomes second nature.

Lastly, a big part of your success rate will come with where you are fishing for rainbow trout. Look for coves and outcroppings of land out on the lake. This will most likely be the best spot to land your rainbow trout successfully. This is a tricky fish, but with a little practice and a lot of patience, you can be successful.

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How to Catch Yellow Fin Tuna

If you eat tuna, then chances are you’ve already sampled this delicious variety of the popular fish. While blue fin tuna are also popular, yellow fin tuna are by far the most commonly caught variety and the one that is commonly used in commercial foods. While you may not have the same equipment as a commercial fisherman, that doesn’t mean that you can’t go out and catch your own Yellow Fin tuna. With the right gear and the right techniques, you can sample a fresh caught tuna and see just how delicious this fish can be.

To get started, you’re going to need to make sure that you have the proper equipment. This is a very large fish with a lot of fight and your standard rod and reel will not cut it. You’re going to need to need at least a 50 pound class trolling reel at your disposal, and a line that can stand up to this fish. Most weigh north of fifty pounds, with fully mature fish getting close to 150 pounds, so keep this in mind when you are shopping for your gear.

The right kind of line is also vital for catching a yellow fin tuna. They can be pretty fierce, and they are usually found only in very deep water. We recommend using a 50 pound test line, especially for deep water fishing. It is not uncommon to have to go to a depth of 600 feet to catch a Yellow Fin tuna, so you’ll want to make sure that your line can stand up to this kind of struggle and depth.

The hook is also key to successfully landing a Yellow Fin tuna. This fish has a very large mouth and they are very adept at slipping hooks. Go for the biggest hooks you can find, usually in the range of a Number 10. It should be at least three inches long, and preferably, a little bit longer than that.

For bait, your options are pretty open here. A Yellow Fin tuna will bite on dead or live bait, but we have found that live bait works pretty well. Go for larger chunks of bait to ensure that they will catch the hook. Otherwise, they can bleed you dry pretty quickly. This is a smart fish, so you’ll need to be pretty wily in your own right to get one.

Squid works very well for catching Yellow Fin tuna, and is pretty easy to find. If all else fails, you can use smaller fish as bait, such as mackerels. You may need to check for any restrictions on using this type of live bait before you get started. Some areas will not allow live baiting, while others do not care.

To find your Yellow Fin tuna, look for large disturbances in the water. They like to travel in big groups and it is not uncommon for them to make quite a bit of noise, which attracts sea birds and other creatures. Spotting them is not terribly difficult but these tips will make catching one a lot less difficult.

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How to Catch Ling Cod

If you have never heard of the Ling Cod before, this is a fun fish to try to catch that can be found anywhere along the California coast, as far south as Baja. This is a popular fish that gives a lot of sport and the size is well worth the fight. It’s a little different from other types of cod, so you’ll need to use a few special techniques in order to successfully land this fish. Here are some tips to get you started.

First, you’ll need to make sure that you are looking in the right place. If you’re sitting by the shore hoping for the best, you’ll probably be disappointed unless by some fluke of nature, a Ling Cod happens to swim by. This fish loves the depths and will commonly be found on rocky bottoms, and in very deep locations. The best depth to try is around 300 feet, but they can actually go much deeper than that.

Since you’ll be fishing so deep, you’ll need to make sure that you have the right equipment with you. This is especially important since this fish can weigh more than twenty five pounds. You’ll need to make sure that you have an appropriate type of line for deep fishing and one that is strong enough to hold up to the hearty fighter. We recommend a 25 to 30# test line, which should be sufficient.

For a rod, you’ll also want to make sure that it is sturdy or you may end up with a snapped rod for your troubles. For reels, we highly recommend going with a 40 reel when you’re going after Ling Cod. The right combination of rod, reel and line will vastly improve your chances of successfully landing this fish.

Now, let’s talk about bait for a minute. The Ling Cod is definitely a fish that likes live bait, and they have a pretty large mouth. You’re going to want to use larger chunks so that there is a higher chance of hooking them properly. This fish has a particular fondness for shrimp and crab, so a bait consisting of crab meat is probably going to be your best bet.

For jigs, look for a heavier weight and a bright metallic color. This will be more visible on the bottom and the heavier jig will help keep your line deep enough to attract a Ling Cod. You’ll need to be pretty patient once you cast, and stay alert for a slight tub. The smaller Ling Cod may barely be felt when they are first nosing around.

Last but not least, once you have your Ling Cod, you’ll need to be a bit careful when you are gutting them. Stay away from the gills since they contain some very sharp teeth-like projections that can cut you if you are not paying attention. The meat of the Ling Cod can also look a little disturbingly blue, but this is completely normal and to be expected.

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3 Tips to Catch Striped Bass

striped bassOut of all of the fish ever created, the striped bass is one that is both infuriating and incredibly fun to try to reel in. If you have never been bass fishing before, or you are just trying to perfect your technique, there are a few tips that you can use to make sure that your next fishing trip is successful.

1. Pick your time carefully.

Striped bass are easiest to catch during their spring runs. They are hungry, there are bunches of them and the odds are in your favor. While fall bass fishing is challenging and fun, your odds of landing a striper are going to go way down during that time. It is also essential to pick the right kind of bait for the right season. For example, using live bait in winter will dramatically increase your odds for success. However, during spring and summer, you’ll want to stick with lures instead. The best method is to keep a log of what you are using and the success rates you have.

We also recommend visiting the lake where you will be fishing a day early. Don’t fish, just sit and watch the activity. You can start to formulate your plan for the next day by logging the hours when the bass are most active. Talk to the other striper fishers in the area and see what they’re using, what techniques they’re trying and how much success they’re having. This is a great way to go out prepared for the next day.

2. Don’t forget the art of the tease.

Striped bass are lively little creatures and if you want to interest them in your bait, you’re going to have to master the art of the tease. The key is to place your teaser about two feet away from your actual bait. This gives the appearance of two baits, and you’ll be much more likely to spark the interest of your bass. Be patient, don’t rush it. You can use bucktail hair, or even a regular bright colored lure. Just make sure that the teaser is lighter in color than your actual bait.

3. Speed it up and slow it down.

In spring, when the striped bass are at their most ferocious, you’ll need to move quickly to get the biggest haul. They are on the move and if you want to attract them, you’ll need to use quick and sharp movements. This changes as the season winds down. Towards the fall months, you’re going to want to slow your movements down, and use more deliberate strokes. This will make a huge difference in your success levels.

Catching striped bass is challenging and incredibly rewarding. When you’re using the right combination of the best tools and techniques, you’ll be much more likely to have a brand new fish tale to tell at the end of the day. Try changing it up a bit and see what works best for you – logging each change you make for future reference.

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San Francisco Bay Halibut And Leopard Shark [pic]

Captain Perry and the Sea Turtle is back with a picture of his deck hand (Larry Rivera) and an unnamed favorite customer.  The customer is an avid sportsman, knows how to catch fish, and loves to hunt waterfowl.  These fish were caught during the summer live bait drifting the Berkley flats.  San Francisco Bay Halibut and Leopard Shark

Join Captain Perry Kerson of Sea Turtle Sport Fishing 6 pack trips focusing on catching world class sport fish in and around the waters of the Golden Gate including the Marin County Coast, San Mateo County, the Gulf of the Farallones, and San Francisco Bay.  The Sea Turtle fishes out of the Clipper Yacht Harbor — Sausalito, CA

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