Recent content by HookedUp!

Maybe it's because of capacity. From checking today's fish count, most Bay Area boats went out with less than 20 anglers, while most SoCal boats (excluding the 6-pack charters) went out with 20-30 anglers, and even the boats with less than 20 anglers still have the capacity to carry a far...

I was at the Shun Fat Westminster Superstore Thuận Phát today and saw what appeared to be Barred Surf Perch and Spotted Bay Bass being sold. The fish looked frozen for a long time and were labeled "Product of China". Is it legal for a store to be selling these fish? I have never heard of a...

I have seen a large Jack Mackerel that was roughly 1.5 ft caught at San Clemente Island a couple of years ago, larger than any I have seen from a pier. Maybe it was the isolated location that produced such a large fish?

Although my fishing experience is limited compared to others, I still have a few fish that I would describe as my "best". My first fish, a California Halibut at the Bolsa Chica State Beach, came years ago. I was using a cheap, curly-tailed grub, of which I am unsure of how I acquired it, and a...

That sign has been up for a while. I think they just mean no overhand casting, as I have underhand cast in front of lifeguards and police officers before and they did not react (although I was at the end of the pier far from any surfers or swimmers).

There is fishing allowed on the Pacific Coast Highway bridge crossing the Santa Ana River inlet, the Warner Ave bridge crossing the Bolsa Bay (only the westbound side), and the Marina Drive bridge crossing the San Gabriel River inlet. While these spots do not offer as much fishing space as other...

Oh darn. Behind the restrooms at HB Pier has been my go-to spot, as the restrooms offer shelter from the wind while allowing me to fish inshore. Hopefully, there is still some space behind the building after the renovation.

I've never fished behind the tackle shop before, as that is usually where the wind is the strongest, but I am opposed to yet another restaurant. The Broad Street Oyster Company is a downgrade from Ruby's, as the restaurant does not offer a take-out menu, and there is nothing on the menu that is...

Which pier were you on? I've been to San Clemente on opening day and found it to be too crowded, so I just left without even setting up. Meanwhile, the Dana Point Pier does not seem to have too many anglers and is a great place to go on opening day. However, last time I was at Dana Point Pier on...

Maybe the predator was a mullet? I've seen mullet running around the Dana Point Pier before. I have caught several Jack Mackerel at the pier, and have seen Pacific Mackerel, but only at the incoming tide.

I usually just disassemble the reels, rinse them off in the sink, and then spray them with WD-40. I leave it to sit overnight, then the next day spray the reels again with water, reassemble them, and either put the reels in storage or back on the rod.

Glad something was biting, despite the red tide. I grew up surf fishing at Bolsa Chica and loved catching the Barred and Walleye Surfperch. I'm happy to hear that they're biting again.

Glad to hear about some action at Belmont! How big was the Sand Bass?

Besides outright snagging or netting them, I'm honestly not sure. I have seen Striped Mullet sold in fish markets, so they are most likely good eating. The only time I have ever seen anyone catch a Striped Mullet was actually at the Dana Point Pier on the boat dock almost four years ago, but the...

I've never caught the snails before, but I have seen people catch them as bycatch in hoop nets while targeting lobster. Some people keep them, while others release them. Once the lobster season starts, the giant snails will probably be gone. As for the fish jumping, they were probably Striped...