Hi guys,

You are going to need a 12 weight minimum, maybe even 14 weight for sturgeon. I've targeted shallow 3ft leopard sharks in San Pablo Bay with 10 weight and shooting line with LC13 that wore me out. I can't imagine what a sturgeon would do. You are going to need to look for shallow water for this type of fishing, 15 feet or less with as little water movement as possible. I would use shooting line with either LC13 or T14 heads to get down to the bottom, with 100 yards of backing and another 300 yards of 50lb braid or GSP on top of that. Think tuna-class fly reels. If you are not a purist, go ahead and rig up a ghost shrimp with magic thread on a 6 foot leader. I would not bother flycasting this. Just let out line as you paddle.

Regarding mackerel (as well as jacksmelt), I've had hours of fun with a 5wt setup with white wooly buggers and small clousers. You can even flycast a sabiki rig with a weighted clouser replacing the sinker. Again, shooting lines and LC13/T14 to get down deep.

Let us know how it goes!

Hi Tedski,

Heh, I actually got a new carb and installed it last weekend, so the float should be good. I'm really trying to debug the lowest-cost items before I tackle the fuel pump, which is more $$$. It's a 2018 Suzuki with less than 300 hours on it. I really hope it's not the fuel pump....

BTW, it's a royal PITA to remove/adjust the float on these small outboards. That's why I had to order a new carb....cuz I damaged the old one trying to remove the float hinge pin...

So for us nearshore no joy....So May1 all of California season is open its not all broken up in different counties ?

In general, yes, on May 1, all of California is open to 20 fathom or less to rockfishing. But areas south of Point Lopez are already open since April 1st. Please check the regulations here:

https://wildlife.ca.gov/Fishing/Ocean/Regulations/Groundfish-Summary

Lol! I guess I'm in the minority. When I'm out fishing, it's for the peace and quiet. Someone once called it water therapy or fishing Zen. Having two fish on just makes me too anxious and impatient. Catching for me is secondary. At least this is what I have been telling myself (skunked 3 out of 4 last trips).

I would check out Bill Kiene's forum....

https://www.billkiene.com/forums/

You can also try calling his fly shop in Sacramento or The Fly Shop in Redding.

Thanks for the response AlsHobieOutback! Much appreciated. My main goal is to get the wife into some beautiful almond blossoms, the kayak fishing is a just side bonus. Happy wife, happy life.

Happy Valentine's day everyone!

Thanks albiec! I haven't tried the Norma yet, just the CCI and you're right I think I just need to adjust my expectations. It groups tight enough at those 30yd ranges. Do you have any preference between the CCI and the Norma?

I don't have any preference between the two, just use whatever is available on the shelf and sight in your rifle.

Lately, I've been experimenting with handloaded 38spl cartridges with Barnes or Cutting Edge 140grain bullets in a 357mag 18" barrel singleshot rifle on varmints (ground squirrels) to see what works and what doesn't. I've been practicing to get 1" groups at 40 yards, but I also don't want to depend on headshots. If I'm off and it ends up a body shot, I would still like to keep some meat. It's not quite there yet, and it might never, but it's fun to experiment during the winter.

I may end up going down .22 Hornet, but I really like the simplicity of straight-wall cartridges. The next step would be 327, but then I'd have to order a custom barrel.