Saltwater-Index

swimbait colors on coldwater sunny days for halibut and bas

Summer is now approaching and I've been trying to go get a feel for what is going on. I have been fishing in and around the Santa Barbara harbor but the water is still a little cold and It's still kinda hard to induce bites. I have landed a couple of shorts lately on the 3" smelt but no luck on bass yet. I have tried bigger sizes, various techniques and a few different usually productive colors. If anyone else out there has anything for me help a brother out. thanks

Replies to This Discussion

Permalink Reply by John on May 15, 2009 at 8:16pm

Hey kyle, you might want to try a crocodile spoon in chrome with the hologram on one side, or the anchovie color, I have used these in the harbor and nailed some shorts a couple keepers. they are the light ones, about 3 in. long and 1/2 oz. so cast out, let it sink, then raise the rod tip up jigging it and fluttering while winding in slack and letting it sink back, this is when it gets hit, simulating a injured bait, and the light hits it and it flashes. hope this helps.

Permalink Reply by Edard J Shelton on May 17, 2009 at 6:13pm

My luck has always been on root beer colors and blue white ... never seem to miss ...

Permalink Reply by kyle jones on May 19, 2009 at 6:29pm

sweet thanks I'll try those this weekend. I've done well on sandbass with the rootbeer but haven't fished one yet this year.

Permalink Reply by Robert K. Kirby on June 3, 2009 at 6:20pm

I agree with John, use the crocodile. I've caught sea bass and halibut with it last year. If that doesn't work try Berkley Saltwater Gulp Jerk bait. Rig it Carolina or Texas style it has been doing really good up here in the Cold water.

Permalink Reply by QBNFRANK on June 12, 2009 at 1:52pm

If the bite is slow I always use a crank bait (the floating kind) to really anoy the fish.
Usually if it crosses thier path you will intise them to bite. Radical jerk movements but always give it a 1-2 second puase once you jerk on it.
I'm not no pro but Ive cuaght alot of bass n flattys like that when the bite is slow!

Hope thats helps bro
peace
FRANKIE G.

Permalink Reply by jiM Kracky on April 15, 2010 at 1:59am