i'm pretty new to fishing plastics. i'd like to fish bass (preferrably calicos) off a 1/2 day open party boat such as the souther cal (pierpoint). any advice on colors, leadheads and technique would help. btw, i once heard someone talking about bassing with spinnerbaits. anyone wanna shed some light on that?

for calicos and sand bass, i fish fishtrap's 5 in. "channel island chovie" but when the fish are aggressive, you can throw any colors and they'll hit. from my experience, calicos are more pickier than sandies.i usually use 1 oz. to 1 1/2 oz. leadheads.



hope the info helps,

-aaron

Aaron
Gimme

Attachment #1, (.jpg file)

You might want to check out the big hammer site for some great info in the technique section (the 5-5-5 article for basics and also the Winter/Early Spring article). I would try some of the 5-inch big hammers in browns, oranges and reds for this time of year as the forage is more bottom critters. Some colors I fish are #5, #37, #49, #52 and put them on 1 to 1.5 oz Hammerhead jig heads (formerly Fishco brand) and 15# line. I just use plain finish with eyes, some guys like red in winter. I have been getting all my fish as of late pretty near or right on the bottom. Just cast out and let it sink all the way down and then reel 5-10 cranks and freespool it back down--many strikes come on the sink. If you fish the kelp, cast between the stringer lanes and med retrieve at varying depths from surface to down a few feet--use a lighter 3/4 to 1 oz jig head. As I mentioned before, most bass will be on the bottom if you fish spots like the Horseshoe. Good luck.

David

Big Hammer Swimbaits-Fishco/Hammerhead Jigheads
www.swimbait.com
Pro-Cure Scents
www.pro-cure.com

I agree with the recommendations suggesting that you start by reading the articles mentioned. I know it was mentioned but the importance of choosing the right lead head will effect your level of success dramatically. Here's a few tips.

- Winter fish will be closer to the bottom structure, rocks, or kelp dependting where your fishing.

- Winter fish are non aggresive, and less willing to chase your bait so you want to present it slowly.

- For recommendation on color for winter I recommend clear with redflake. This color will is a good choice warm or cold but in the winter it seems to be more consistant than others for me.

-Don't be discouraged if your not catching much it's not the best time of year for fishing plastics. Stick it out and your success will improve as the bite improves.

-Fish these baits in free spool. Most bass bites will occur as the bait is falling. Keep your line tight so you can feel the bait falling at all times and thumb the spool to slow the baits descent.

-Make sure you hook the bait on straight and try it to make sure it swims straight before you waist valuable fishing time on a plastic with a broken neck.

-Scents are optional but I believe they can make a difference.

-Last but not least fish these baits on light line. 12lb - 15lb are good choices for this type of fishing.

Good luck,