>Hey Aztec,
>
>you seem to be one of the few that fishes in the SD area on
>a regular basis, I was wondering how often you use ghost
>shrimp in the surf and what kind of luck you have... We kind
>of have different profiles, as I have fished the grubs
>almost exclusively and used the natural baits only
>occasionally (read virtually never). I have a pretty good
>spot for finding the ghosts of any size (from the tiny ones
>to mammoth size of your middle finger types). Kind of tired
>of looking soooo hard for the sand crabs. and was thinking
>of using some natural baits when surf fishin (for a little
>while anyway)
>
>
>Any dope you can pass on would be greatly appreciated....


Calico Pro,

Let me start off by saying that Ghost Shrimp are IMHO one of the best all aroung baits for all inshore species found here in San Diego County. I used to pump them up in the Hedionda Lagoon in Carlsbad until the City put the brakes on my little hotspot and closed it down. So now because I don't know of another place close by I don't use them.

But I'll tell ya what. I have found nothing that is as dependable as fresh and I mean fresh rock sea mussels. I prefer those over the Bay Mussels because they stay on the hook much better. I get mine on a good minus tide. There are several great natural baits out there sand crabs, blood worms, razor clams, to mention a few but in my book fresh mussel is the best. Don't ever buy the frozen crap its worthless. One nice thing about Mussel is that they are available the year around so when you can't find sand crabs or your local ghost shrimp spot has been policed you are still in business. Hope this has been helpful.

Tan your hide in Oceanside!

Aztecwin