I want to catch a lingcod

I know nothing about lingcod fishing. What time of year? what to use? anything...

help me out here. i just want some info on what to do, where, when. 

If you guys ever go out and wouldn't mind some company let me know,

Thanks,
Mike

Then read and study this thread 

http://www.norcalkayakanglers.com/index.php/topic,21941.0.html

Mike - you should consider trying to get to Shelter Cove for the rockfish/lingcod opener on May 15th.  Last year there were many ocean noobies who came to the Cove and had a great time catching first lings.

Check out this post.

http://www.norcalkayakanglers.com/index.php/topic,22208.0.html

Hope to meet you there.   

Futhel you will have no problem catching all the Ling cod you want.  4-5 ounce megabaits and big swimbaits around rock piles.  If you think you can make it to Cambria or Big Sur my friend Brian and I will be fishing there a lot come May.  The Lings are really thick and the launch is easy from Cambria.  Hope to see you at Shelter Cove on the 15th too.  Andy

i definantly hop to be at shelter cove, sounds like a great time

I've been kayak rockfishing since '03 and last year's Black Ab hook-up in Shelter Cove was some of the best rockfishing I've ever experienced.

Definitely worth the drive/stay.

I know nothing about lingcod fishing. What time of year? what to use? anything...

I "know" a lot about lings.  Haven't caught one yet (just started 5 months ago), but I've read just about every post and fishing report on NCKA going back to 2007, and have been salivating for my first chance to actually hook one.    I'm even thinking of doing the FishHunter thing of taking a picture of my first ling with a knife in my mouth.

I'm dying to catch me a ling !!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
What's worse, I've got a trial starting May 10, but I"m gonna convince my client that she needs to settle the case so that I can be at Shelter Cove on May 15th.  I am only partly kidding.

Haha don't worry John, the season opens May 1 in Monterey and the first few weeks are usually great for lingcod. (Spearing for lings opens April 1)

the guys that seem to consistently nail lings use bigger baits, and dont use teasers.

the guys that seem to consistently nail lings use bigger baits, and dont use teasers.

I had the best luck this way. I didn't hook as many fish, but ones I got were quality.
From my experience the mid-range fish (24-32") seem to be the best table fare. I kept one big fish last year & the meat, while palatable, was not as yummy as the slightly smaller fish.

I am in total agreement with Piscean. I prefer the smaller ones for eating. I closed my season at the legume with a 12 pounder, my family said they were the best fish tacos they ever had.....

Futhel, don't worry, you'll catch them by following the wise advice posted on this site.

Rich

I'm even thinking of doing the FishHunter thing of taking a picture of my first ling with a knife in my mouth.
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yeah!  do it!  but you must let your first go!  it pays off later.
a 4"wht.scampi was my "go to" lure last season. It fooled them all! 

Mike~ try to get some surf safety schooling or be ready to wonder what the hell just happened?
because when the crap hits the fan, you'll be better prepared for it.

im gonna be on a ling/halibut hunt this season

this year i was new to kayaking so it was a slow start but this upcomign season will be different.

im gonna be on a ling/halibut hunt this season

this year i was new to kayaking so it was a slow start but this upcomign season will be different.

Andy,
I'm like you- started new and only have RF under my belt.  I'm on a mission for halibut and lings this year.  Since we're in the same area, send me a PM when you start your quest.

JOnathan

Mike - you should consider trying to get to Shelter Cove for the rockfish/lingcod opener on May 15th.  Last year there were many ocean noobies who came to the Cove and had a great time catching first lings.

I was one of those newbies at the cove last year and highly recommend it.
Beside catching my first rockfish, cabezons, and lings, It was very educational as the seasoned ocean vets
were happy to share their knowledge and tips with the newbs. 
Great people, fishing, and food
Do yourself a favor and make the trip north, you will not be sorry!
Tad