With the swimbait, a matching leadhead is used that has a corresponding size and shape to the swimbait. A few of the favorite swimbaits/plastic lures at Long Beach Sportfishing are the 3- to 5-inch AA/Optimum single tail with a 1⁄4- to 3⁄4-ounce tri-head, the old school “Wham-style” single tail swimbaits with a 1⁄4- to 1⁄2- ounce “Cotee-style” yellow lead-head, or a 1⁄4-ounce to 5/8-ounce Hookup Bait. As far as jigs go, it is good to have a few surface irons as well as a couple yo-yo- style jigs in your box. For surface fishing, our go-to jig is either a Tady C or Tady 45 in mint or mint/white colors. But what’s more important than color is the way the jig swims. A great swimming jig will catch fish whether it be yellowtail, barracuda, calico bass, bonito, and even tuna.
For yo-yo fishing we usually go with a Tady4/0, the Salas 6x Junior or 6x, with blue/white, mint/mint white or scrambled egg being the top three producing colors. Generally, when fishing the yo-yo jig, drop the jig down very deep, put the reel in gear, and start winding as fast as you can through the water column. When bit on the jig, do NOT set the hook. Instead, keep turning the handle until the fish makes his first initial run, keeping a bend in the rod, and hold on. The reasoning is that a fish will generally grab a fleeing bait on its side, and if the fish does this to your jig, it is best to just keep winding steady and not set the hook — the jig will slide through the fish’s mouth, to the hooks, resulting in a hook-set. If you set the hook when bit, you will more than likely just pull the jig out of the fish’s mouth.
Fishing line on your reels is very important. Whether it is braid, fluorocarbon or monofilament, make sure it is fresh for your trip. Loading reels with braid provides options to use different topshot sizes depending on the bite. Monofilament and co-polymer line provide a less expensive option to topshot your setup. Fluorocarbon is always great to have for those days when the fish are very line-shy, having very low to no visibility to the fish, and it also adds extra abrasion resistance with additional strength. A pair of cutters, or “dikes,” are needed to have for cutting line, as well as a pair of needle nose pliers to help remove a hook or jig from your fish. A few other recommended items are sunglasses, sunblock and a hat for those hot, sunny days on the ocean.
In closing, remember to always listen to the crew, as they are out there every day and know what is going on and what has — and hasn’t — been working. Don’t “expect” to catch fish, as every day is different, just enjoy being out on the water away from all the stresses and worry that you left on land. Finally, make sure to tip your crew, regardless of how fishing was that day — they work hard every day to make sure you have the best trip possible.
