La Jolla Yellowtail Trip 2/25 -2/27

I just got off the phone with Kevin.  We've both been wanting to check out the action off La Jolla, so we're tentatively planning a yellowtail hunt for the last weekend in Feb.  Hopefully, the bite will still be good. We would drive down late Thursday night or very early Friday morning so we can fish Friday and Saturday and drive back Sunday.

Please post if you're interested.

I am in, just need to make sure I can get off work.

Some has to protect me from JimS as well  

oh man...let me see if i can get the days off work....

Hi Guys,

You know I am a Nor-Cal Guy.  But, I have done a few long range trips out of San Diego.  Maybe got about 30 to 35 Yellows.  10 to 35 lbs.
(10 to 12lbs. released they are called "rats")

If you guys do go you will need a rod 6 to 7 ft. (shorter rod give you a better pull)  20 to 50 lb line class( I would lean for a 30-50 lb). Why because there are two types of Yellows.  Casting I would used 25 to 30 lb. test and the longer rod.  20 lb test is OK if the fish are small.

Home Guard (down deep like Lings) and Patty fish.  You will get the patty fish and maybe the Homies.  Depends on the water temp and how deep you fish.  They will both run for cover.  You need a stiff rod the pull them away from their home or patty.  On the Long Range boats a lot of guys used 2-speed for this job.  High speed when you drop the lure or bait.To get the fish off the bottom. Then they drop it into low to haul the fish up.

 5 to 1 or 6 to 1 (one speeds) are good reels for yellows throwing irons or Yo-Yo-ing.  They like chasing something fast on the bottom. They heard the bounce on the bottom and come to see what made that sound.  They see something swimming away and attack it. You can Yo-Yo or let it hit bottom and crank like h*ll.
You can used Macks (cut in half), sardines or squid.

Patty fish you want to used live bait, swimbaits, mega baits, or light iron.

You want to be able to get the yellow at least 30 to 50 feet away from it home.  I have had yellows come up from about 150 ft.  half way up they get the idea that they are in trouble and have drove me to the bottom and cut me off.  Under gun using 30 lb. to 40 lb. test.

My best irons have been scrambled egg, Yellow and green,green-yellow-white(mainly White), and white with blue.  But try all the colors.  They like some colors depending on the day. Some irons you may need to change the hooks because the ones they come with are weak.  They says that the fish can twist off a treble hook and a large single are better.  I like the feeling of a treble (3 points getting into a fish) compare to only one pt.  But, have fish both types of hooks.

You can also used a dropped loop on the bottom with bait.  Yellow will usually just nibble at first.  Let it nibble until it starts pulling and running away.  Set the hook hard and wind like h*ll. Dropper loop min. would be 50 to 60 lb. test.  I have used 80 lb. for the 35 lb. Yellows at night.

Like I said only be on long range....Yellows on Yaks maybe a whole different ball game.

But, I know a 30 lb Yellow can pull a 30 lb striper bass around all day .

Ken

I am so jealous.  I have been trying to set up a trip for Feb. myself, and something at home or work keeps f'ing it up.  I want to go soooo bad!  I have some good hotel info if you guys decide to do it.  I have wanted to go back evder since I went in Oct.  It is awesome.

I too need check with work (just started a new job - again), but I'm pretty sure I can pull this off.

Ken - great info, thanks!

All are welcome.  It would be great to caravan down with a larger group.  I can fit 4 in my truck, but only 2 yaks...  Sean, what do you think about ditching work and your other commitments and loading up the kayak trailer?

Kevin

I'd  love to go - but I have a much needed Tahoe trip at the end of the month.

Good luck guys - and represent Norcal  

TAKE PLENTY OF PICS!

Joel, you're gonna miss out.  This could be you!


.....don't we wish

I'm drooling. I'll request that friday off. Leave thursday night? or friday morning?

-Brian

Too far to tell right now, but I may be down for a roadtrip.

Chuck too funny!  

The plan would be to leave late Thursday evening to miss the LA traffic and  make it in time for an early launch in La Jolla.

Sean, what do you think about ditching work and your other commitments and loading up the kayak trailer?

Kevin-you are killing me!!! I will actually be in socal already....hmmm.

Chuck-glad to see you finally got a good yak...hehehehe that chop is hilarious

Worst photoshop ever...  

How long is the drive to La Jolla? About 7-8 hours?

Yup... 7-8 hrs is about right.
As for my chop job... I just couldn't resist when I saw the original photo on the BigWatersEdge site.
.... just dreamin'
-Chuck

If you guys want to go back in March I am offering the van and trailer carpool as an option, it would be so fun.