San Clemente Pier - May 30th

[Fishman Fishman]

Overcast morning. Fished a receding tide. Water was a rust brown color. Kind of unusual for this location.

Caught two Spotfin Croakers, both 15 inches, with mussel on a high/low rig. A Sandbass, also 15 inches, with a chunk of mackerel on a fish finder rig. Two Jacksmelt on a sabiki rig.

A couple of regular fisherman were catching Jacksmelt on mussel.

Good luck everyone!

 

[bassfanatick]

Very nice!!! Can you help me Fishman, I want to catch croakers like that but I am not going to use fresh mussel, can you show me the best rig and bait other than mussel and ghost shrimp? Serious question, thank you.

 

[Fishman Fishman]

Very nice!!! Can you help me Fishman, I want to catch croakers like that but I am not going to use fresh mussel, can you show me the best rig and bait other than mussel and ghost shrimp? Serious question, thank you.

My best luck with Spotfin's have been with mussel on a high/low rig. I have caught a few Spotfins using pieces of cut anchovy on a high/low rig.

Next I have caught Spotfins with mussel using a fish finder set up. I haven't tried ghost shrimp or lug worms. Many variations of high/low or fish finder rigs on Google. Check out the different types and experiment. You will find something that works for you.

The majority of fishermen that I have observed targeting Spotfins have used fresh mussel.

Hopefully other fishermen will share their experiences and knowledge with you. Good luck!

 

[Mahigeer]

Berkley Sand Worm (crack) is also known as a good artificial bait.

On a hi/low rig, so it can be seen from distance.

 

[bassfanatick]

Thank you Fishman and Mahigeer, I will try those!!!!

 

[tbae]

Lugworms on reverse dropper loop are also very effective for catching spotfins. Thread the worms through the wormhook like a sock with hook hanging out near the end of the worm on one end and thread the worm well past the eye of the hook on the other end.

 

[Bendopolo]

I’ve caught a lot of Spotfin on Sand Crabs, the ones with Orange Eggs work the best.

 

[bassfanatick]

Thank you tbae and Bendopolo, I will try those. I think the problem with me not catching spotfin is mainly I will not sit still long enough for a bite, I am a move and find a bite type of guy with artificial baits LOL, I have to sit my butt down and just chill, thanks again!!!!

 

[MisterT]

Thank you tbae and Bendopolo, I will try those. I think the problem with me not catching spotfin is mainly I will not sit still long enough for a bite, I am a move and find a bite type of guy with artificial baits LOL, I have to sit my butt down and just chill, thanks again!!!!

I'm the same way. I acknowledge that bait fishing catches fish and perhaps more so than artificial baits / lures but I'm not the type to sit and wait. I enjoy reeling, casting, and moving around.

 

[TheFrood]

Same here. I have fished the shore far more frequently than piers over the last few years, and when I'm walking the shore rather than
encamping one spot I'm usually fishing artificials of some type.

 

[Bendopolo]

I’m an antsy fisherman too. I still catch plenty of Spotfin by concentrating on areas where they thrive. There is a greater population off San Onofre State Beach and Bolsa Chica State Beach. They are mostly just outside the Surfline but sometimes we sight fish them. I get 90% of mine throwing Sand Crabs on 6 pound line, with 8 pound Flourocarbon leader and a #4 mosquito hook. It is important to keep a tight line and strike as soon as you feel anything. They fight hard and you need to tie them out before attempting to land them. Good luck, they are a special fish, enjoy them, and only take what you need. They don’t seem to freeze well.

 

[evanluck]

Nice fishing! Gorgeous sand bass! Thanks for the report!