Fishing with live bait - trolling vs bottom fishing?

Hello,
I'm testing and practicing different technics, and it has been a great fun to fish in the Ocean out of a Kayak.

I'd really appreciate any comments or feedback on the following ...
I've seen people trolling or bottom fishing with live bait, and I have a very basic question as I was unable to find the answer on the web: when/how would you decide one over the other?

I personally like bottom fishing and I was wondering if I need to consider any rule/tip?

Cheers,
C-

im no pro, but i think your target fish has a deciding factor to this at some point.

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i think your target fish has a deciding factor to this at some point.

Definitely! 

I'm guessing Zelda is referring to halibut but could also be talking about rockfish.  I'm no pro either, especially at halibut or rockfish, but I can speak for salmon.  Generally, when the fish are scattered or not being metered, most people will troll to cover water and hopefully find them or their food source.  When the fish are schooled up, many people like to mooch but it should be noted that trolling is still very effective.

Sure ... I'm more looking for rockfish. I think I don't have the right skills for Halibut or other game fish.
C-

for rockfish ideally you want a bit of movement.  Usually drift from current or wind will move you enough, but if its dead calm, I like to do a SLOW troll.  Pay attention though or you will hang up on the rocks.

Sure ... I'm more looking for rockfish.

In that case, most people jig or bottom fish upon finding the appropriate structure.  And sometimes if people have an exact destination in mind, they'll troll until they get there.  Otherwise I think most are scout the terrain via their FF and drop down when they find something they like.

Hopefully this makes sense.  And what Eugene said!

If you got live bait use it.There is nothing like the real thing. I would agree on the snag. Once you're on the bottom, reel it up a couple times and float over the structure. Most lings, and RF will come after bait. It will reduce your snagging the rocks.

I wouldn't "waste" precious live bait for RF, as they'll pretty much eat anything.  But then again, we've seen halibut caught on some funky stuff, like Aaron's Christmas tinsel thingamujiggy.  Same as what others have said- depending on target species.  But then again, if halibut will surface to eat saltwater flies or other bait, anything's possible.  sorry for rambling.  Oh, btw, I'm probably the least experienced of the guys who have replied.  Did I mention I'm 0 for 4 on halibut this year using live bait, dead bait, artificials...

For RF, just use a swimbait, grub, scampi (something similar) with a shrimp fly on top, tipped with squid.  That's what 90% of us do.   

what was your question again?  sorry, I was thinking about Albion while typing... 

sorry.

Im the worst halibut angler to reply John. Im like 0 for the last 10 years for santa cruz, capitola Halibut. Seriously Im trying again friday!

5 for 5 in the bay though.

Porky, the word is that the bite has been at Oneills and outside sponge bob. Good luck on Friday! I get luck on the outside of the kelp beds too. -L.A.

 A member recently wrote that kayak fishing is more paddling than fishing, and I was relieved. I thought it was just me, and that's why my arms hurt so much . Lesson: I'm moving a lot; I better learn how to control suspension and presentation, with a paddle.
Kayak fishing was going to make catching fish easier? Ha. Part of the "Madness" is the complexity of the 'possibilities' that yak fishing makes possible. Drift fishing is a big part of that Madness.

I have had better luck with live or freshly dead bait for both rockfish, lingcod, and halibut.  I love using live bait for two reasons.  Lots of natural movement from the bait, and if you do decide to troll, live bait tracks well and dead bait has a tendency to swirl and tangle up your rig.  I usually drift or troll very slowly when going for bottom fish.  If you are fishing in a snagy spot it is nice to be able to drift with fishing pole in hand.  This will allow you to control the depth of your hooks during swells and keep your weight on or near the bottom without the hooks sitting on the bottom and snagging every two seconds.  One of the great things about fishing from a kayak is that in the event of a snag all you have to do is paddle opposite of your drift and you will be able to un-snag yourself  9 times out of 10.  Just try not to set your hook during a snag as you could sink the hook into something on the bottom and make it impossible to un-snag.

Okay.. so yeah, target species it is.  I mainly use swimbaits, and or plastics for RFing, for the butts? a slow troll but then again, I haven't really went out for butts either this year.  As for your arms, you just have to get used to it.  Fishing out of a yak just adds more to the excitement and hooking on something that will take you for a ride is just fun.  But really though, there's nothing like fishing with a bunch of friends on here on our yaks, that's gotta be the best part.

pern