help me start using Artificials for rockfish-Lings.

i want to try.  i dont own a single artificial bait.  no jigs, nothing. @Nawm gave me some killer looking swimbait bodies - i have yet to buy the lead head jig head things.

how do you rig?  braid to a leader, with FG knot?  any swivel or hardware, or we tie directly to the lure?  i can cast a largemouth bass lure like i am being paid for it, but i want to simply drop baits to rockfish for now. 

working out a backlash in current, waves, wind, seems really not fun as all. 

i have stared at the lure selection at the shops, but it is all so unknown.  hate to throw away money.  help? 

help me find a jumping off point?

https://www.norcalkayakanglers.com/index.php?topic=93028.0

So many options!

Shrimp flies are a classic standard for rockfish.  Tie your own if you want, or they come pre-tied in any color you want for a couple bucks per setup.  Usually they are set up double dropper loop style, with a 4/0 or so J hook.  Pre tied options usually have a big swivel at the top, and a snap swivel at the bottom.  Attach a little squid strip, or not, clip on ~4 oz weight, and give it go.  I bounce the weight off the bottom, reel up a couple turns, and jig up and down very slowly.  I sometimes use a single shrimp fly as a teaser above a big jighead too, same method.  I always keep a few of these in my tackle box, just in case I run out of other options.  I just tie a big snap swivel on my braid main line and clip the assembled shrimp fly rig onto that.  I don't bother with a leader for these. 

In the link, Mel suggested a big jig for deeper waters - that usually produces for me too.  Flutter jigs, slow pitch jigs, vertical jigs, and large spoons all fit the bill.  Pretty much anything shiny that has a little wobble as it sinks is what you are looking for.  For jigs, I usually tie a big swivel onto my braid main line, and use about 3 ft of mono leader, then tie on the jig. 

Then there are the swimbait options.  Pretty much the same options you have for freshwater - rig it on a jig head or bucktail, setup with some sort of carolina rig (or sliding sinker "fishfinder" rig, if you prefer - same concept), or dropshot style.  Folks fish everything from 5" to about 12" soft plastics; curly tail grubs and paddle tails are the most common, but lots of others shapes can produce too.  I like the dropshot method, as I can switch setups quickly and it allows me to fish two baits at once. 

So many options!

Shrimp flies are a classic standard for rockfish.  Tie your own if you want, or they come pre-tied in any color you want for a couple bucks per setup.  Usually they are set up double dropper loop style, with a 4/0 or so J hook.  Pre tied options usually have a big swivel at the top, and a snap swivel at the bottom.  Attach a little squid strip, or not, clip on ~4 oz weight, and give it go.  I bounce the weight off the bottom, reel up a couple turns, and jig up and down very slowly.  I sometimes use a single shrimp fly as a teaser above a big jighead too, same method.  I always keep a few of these in my tackle box, just in case I run out of other options.  I just tie a big snap swivel on my braid main line and clip the assembled shrimp fly rig onto that.  I don't bother with a leader for these. 

In the link, Mel suggested a big jig for deeper waters - that usually produces for me too.  Flutter jigs, slow pitch jigs, vertical jigs, and large spoons all fit the bill.  Pretty much anything shiny that has a little wobble as it sinks is what you are looking for.  For jigs, I usually tie a big swivel onto my braid main line, and use about 3 ft of mono leader, then tie on the jig. 

Then there are the swimbait options.  Pretty much the same options you have for freshwater - rig it on a jig head or bucktail, setup with some sort of carolina rig (or sliding sinker "fishfinder" rig, if you prefer - same concept), or dropshot style.  Folks fish everything from 5" to about 12" soft plastics; curly tail grubs and paddle tails are the most common, but lots of others shapes can produce too.  I like the dropshot method, as I can switch setups quickly and it allows me to fish two baits at once.

awesome.  thanks much. 

Gulp!

Gulp is on the list.

I am going out again this Saturday, so my friend has an ocean buddy.  see you all at TC!!! I'll be the dude jigging a jig all wrong with the line caught up in the first rod guide.

I think I am going to try jigs and swimbaits ONLY!!   lord knows I dont need any more fishing cleaning or meat for the deep freeze.   I could skunk and enjoy myself. 

Start somewhere that doesn’t have 1 million snags. If you keep snagging the bottom and having to break then re-tie your line, it’ll be more frustrating than it’s worth.

There is something special about catching a fish on a lure. Much more connection and a much better fight than having a big old 8 ounce weight that you’re also reeling up. .

It can be as easy as adding Gulp 4-inch swimming mullets to an off-the-shelf shrimp fly rig.

For blacks and blues it can be as easy as a 1 oz torpedo weight with a hook clipped to the bottom. It’s the invention of Mako1, he calls it the “Juan Ounce”.

I have some jig heads.  will throw a big LMB bait on them.  the Magdraft.  hate them for bass.   

bought that Squidtrex..(got me with "glows")
bought a random jig from Zman..looks like a three side flat cigar. 
have a fistful of shrimp jigs.


and a pound of Asian Market frozen squid, cuz I cant tolerate a skunk . hahha..

see you at TC tomorrow if that's your plan!!

I have some jig heads.  will throw a big LMB bait on them.  the Magdraft.  hate them for bass.   

bought that Squidtrex..(got me with "glows")
bought a random jig from Zman..looks like a three side flat cigar. 
have a fistful of shrimp jigs.


and a pound of Asian Market frozen squid, cuz I cant tolerate a skunk . hahha..

see you at TC tomorrow if that's your plan!!

I've been looking at the Squidtrex for a while - looks like a winner to me!

I have some jig heads.  will throw a big LMB bait on them.  the Magdraft.  hate them for bass.   

bought that Squidtrex..(got me with "glows")
bought a random jig from Zman..looks like a three side flat cigar. 
have a fistful of shrimp jigs.


and a pound of Asian Market frozen squid, cuz I cant tolerate a skunk . hahha..

see you at TC tomorrow if that's your plan!!

I've been looking at the Squidtrex for a while - looks like a winner to me!

It glows.  Haha.

Shrimp flies are a classic standard for rockfish. Usually they are set up double dropper loop style, with a 4/0 or so J hook. Pre tied options usually have a big swivel at the top, and a snap swivel at the bottom. I just tie a big snap swivel on my braid main line and clip the assembled shrimp fly rig onto that. I don't bother with a leader for these.

This may work fine on a boat, but on a kayak? Really??? No way I would do this. Major danger.

Those store-bought high/low double-lured shrimp/squid rigs typically come with 40-50 lb line. If connected directly to your main braid (assuming 40-50 lb, which doesn't stretch) then you could find yourself in a whole lot of trouble with a snag, particularly if the swell is on the larger side, very possibly flipping you into the water because the line won't break. It's like having a rope lashing you to the bottom. And when you're trying to break a snag you've probably got your drag fully cranked down or line locked and that swell suddenly takes you from the bottom of a trough 10' upwards and... Yeah, no, not good. Hell, I sometimes find it really tough to break 25 lb leader.

I put a 20-25 lb leader (using an Alberto knot to the braid, which I've never had break, but some do prefer the FG) between my 40-50 lb mainline braid and a high/low shrimp/squid rig that has beefy line.

My criticism above is not relevant if the shrimp-fly rig has lighter line -- maybe some store-bought rigs do. Make sure you check.

Shrimp flies are a classic standard for rockfish. Usually they are set up double dropper loop style, with a 4/0 or so J hook. Pre tied options usually have a big swivel at the top, and a snap swivel at the bottom. I just tie a big snap swivel on my braid main line and clip the assembled shrimp fly rig onto that. I don't bother with a leader for these.

This may work fine on a boat, but on a kayak? Really??? No way I would do this. Major danger.

Those store-bought high/low double-lured shrimp/squid rigs typically come with 40-50 lb line. If connected directly to your main braid (assuming 40-50 lb, which doesn't stretch) then you could find yourself in a whole lot of trouble with a snag, particularly if the swell is on the larger side, very possibly flipping you into the water because the line won't break. It's like having a rope lashing you to the bottom. And when you're trying to break a snag you've probably got your drag fully cranked down or line locked and that swell suddenly takes you from the bottom of a trough 10' upwards and... Yeah, no, not good. Hell, I sometimes find it really tough to break 25 lb leader.

I put a 20-25 lb leader (using an Alberto knot to the braid, which I've never had break, but some do prefer the FG) between my 40-50 lb mainline braid and a high/low shrimp/squid rig that has beefy line.

My criticism above is not relevant if the shrimp-fly rig has lighter line -- maybe some store-bought rigs do. Make sure you check.

So, I see your point, but I disagree with part of it.

Yes, it is nearly impossible to break 40lb line when snagged from a kayak. Yes, if it snags and comes up tight, I suppose it could flip you, since it isn't likely going to break.

That said, I think a LOT of folks run 40+lb line for their entire rig. I proceed with caution, and am mindful to not put myself in a situation where that could happen. A little mitigation goes a long ways here.

I keep the drag loose, the rod in my hands, and have plenty of tools handy to cut the line in worst case scenario.  I think the big factor here is that I am aware of what my rig is doing at all times, and am ready to cut it off if needed.  I never tighten my drag down and try to horse a snag free - good way to break a rod. When I snag, I usually circle around and try to get a different angle to free my rig, which works more often than not. I don't really ever pull it super tight, and I never lock down the drag to pull it hard. I do sometimes thumb the spool and jerk a few times, but again, I don't touch the drag to do that.