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Topic: Sand Dab Fishing  (Read 1550 times)

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TenCrabs

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I found the post below and it seemed to have a lot of great information in it however I guess it was deleted by the person who posted it? I have been searching around for more info but I can't seem to find a good write up. If someone can send me a link to a good write up I would appreciate it.

We have been going out in about 120 feet and had good luck with dabs but sometimes the bite drops off or the school moves on. I have read about using a larger hook so only the large ones get hooked etc. I have used that 12 hook setup however that thing would hook into everything on the yak including myself so we cut those in thirds and also use Sabiki rigs. It seems like they just bite on the bottom 2 or 3 hooks anyway. Just looking for more info about preferable tides, equipment, etc...

Sand Dabs are one of my favorite fish to eat.





Topic: Kayak Fishing for Pacific Sand Dabs  (Read 21912 times)
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February 06, 2010, 02:11:09 PM
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Fish Master1

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Type sand dabs in the search function lots of info there. We will be heading out for them in Monterey real soon! :smt006
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bigtuna

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In addition to the weight on the bottom, put a weight on the top of your sabhiki so all the hooks get down to the bottom rather than just dragging the bottom two hooks.  I tip them with squid, not sure if it matters.  I find they will be at certain depths and not others depending on the day.  ALSO, I find that bigger ones will be at a different depths than smaller ones.  Generally speaking, the farther out I go, the bigger they get.  But at least 120 all the way up to well, as far out as you can go.  The pin in the map marks the general area on the map below where I usually go out of moss.  I think its around 150. Sandy areas only, that's why moss is a good bet. I start at 120, drifting deeper till I find some decent size and then try to stay in that same depth. I dont bother with bigger/smaller hooks.  If you have bigger hooks, the small ones may rob your bait.  If you keep getting small ones, then move to the next spot, maybe deeper.  Fish with braid, otherwise you may not even feel the bite.  I think that's it


TenCrabs

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Thanks, I have been searching but was just wondering if there was a write up I was missing, saves search time.  That write up looked great but all the info is missing.

That is all great information and I really like the second weight idea. I'll start heading out deeper...


TenCrabs

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This is the best write up I have found:

https://skyaboveus.com/fishing/Sand-Dab-Fishing

He has some interesting information like bouncing your weight on the bottom to make them take notice of the bait and to use a pyramid weight  so it wont move in the current.

Does anyone know where to find underwater topographical images like the one Jasksonbigtuna had in the post? I searched NOAA, Google, etc but have not found anything detailed.


Live2Fish

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U can use navionics app for topo maps.  When I’m targeting flatfish I’ve been working across the contour lines until I find the depth where they’re biting, then start working along that depth. 


fishingsowong

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Thanks, this really helps a lot. I always wanted to fish for Sanddab  from a kayak but don’t know where or how to look for them. Thanks a lot.


TenCrabs

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U can use navionics app for topo maps.  When I’m targeting flatfish I’ve been working across the contour lines until I find the depth where they’re biting, then start working along that depth. 

That's an interesting app, I'll check it out. I was looking for something I could check out on a pc as well.

Thanks, this really helps a lot. I always wanted to fish for Sanddab  from a kayak but don’t know where or how to look for them. Thanks a lot.

I'll keep posting info on dabs here if I come across something interesting. They are great eating fish



matanaska

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Also if you don't get bites in a couple minutes then move on.  It's usually really easy to catch more than enough dabs using pieces of squid.  Tentacles work the best.  Whole to half anchovy for petrale sole and rock sole which are better eating and bigger.
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TenCrabs

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Also if you don't get bites in a couple minutes then move on.  It's usually really easy to catch more than enough dabs using pieces of squid.  Tentacles work the best.  Whole to half anchovy for petrale sole and rock sole which are better eating and bigger.

I agree 100%, I have had much better luck when using squid. I usually cut a ring of squid, cut that in half, then run the hook through it a couple of times. I usually don't use the tentacles, I'll use those first next time. I would like to go after sole, do you usually find them deeper?

 


fishingsowong

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Thanks, TenCrabs. That would be awesome. I have gone on party boat fishing for sand dabs  but it's expensive considered how little time was spent on fishing.