I went to the west jetty of Hueneme Harbor on Friday. While walking out to the jetty, I tossed a swimbait and a camo sandworm into the surf on Silver Strand Beach, without a nibble. Using mussel on a #8 baitholder, on a dropper loop, my bait was getting stripped by nibblers. I switched to a #10 circle hook (which looked huge for a #10), and caught two blacksmiths (about 5 & 6") and a bright red giant kelpfish (about 12").
These were the second and third blacksmiths for me (the first was also caught here). Pictures don't do these fish justice. It was also my first giant kelpfish. As I held it by the lower jaw to get the hook out, I became very aware of numerous small, sharp teeth in the jaw. This would suggest a piscivorous diet to me (sharp teeth to grab slippery prey). Does anyone have have any information about their diets? I am also curious about the advantage of being a bright red fish in shallow water.
These were the second and third blacksmiths for me (the first was also caught here). Pictures don't do these fish justice. It was also my first giant kelpfish. As I held it by the lower jaw to get the hook out, I became very aware of numerous small, sharp teeth in the jaw. This would suggest a piscivorous diet to me (sharp teeth to grab slippery prey). Does anyone have have any information about their diets? I am also curious about the advantage of being a bright red fish in shallow water.
