California Trip suggestions!

[MichaelVerdirame]

Soon to be off with the family to California! If you guys know anything about fishing in California (MikeH I know you love Vegas LOL) I'm open to your suggestions .

I must consider before I leave:

-What sort of tackle to buy or bring
-What size and line capacity fishing reel(s) to bring
-Same goes for rod(s)
-Maybe I can borrow somebody's spare set-up if we're fishing together, 'else I'll probably buy the equipment I don't have or can't pack
-Buy a fishing licence (Ten-day Nonresident Sport Fishing License will work, I think)

I'm going to be a kid in a candy store

There are the family plans:

August 6 – fly Las Vegas and see city by night
Aug 7 – drive to Williams, Arizona (base for Grand Canyon)
Aug 8 – see Grand Canyon
Aug 9 – drive to California, check into Palm Springs (in the desert)
Aug 10 – tour Palm Springs (desert scenery, scenic tramway into the mountains?)
Aug 11 – head for San Diego – fishing
Aug 12 - San Diego - fishing
Aug 13 – book half-day deep-sea fishing trip (anybody recommend charters? I want to go after any sort of Tuna, if the season is open)
Aug. 14 – drive up toward Los Angeles, see beaches along the way
Aug 15 - LA: see Beverly Hills, se La Brea tar pits (where the mammoths were found)
Aug 16 – start drive from LA to Visalia
Aug 17 – see the mountains and giant sequoias (any recommendations for freshwater fishing in the mountains?)
Aug 18 – leave Visalia early to head back to Pacific Coast and drive up Highway 1 to Monterey (maybe stop to fish for very brief stops along the coast, time permitting)
Aug 19 – see Monterey aquarium and Carmel beach (fish in evening from Monterey pier?)
Aug 20 - whale watching in Monterey Bay (fish again from Monterey pier in evening?)
Aug 21 – optional – drive to Pinnacles National Monument for the day
OR Aug 21 – drive to San Francisco for return flight
Aug 22 or 23 – fly back home.

If anybody spots more fishing opportunities in those plans, let me know.

I'm going to be doing my best Googling to learn as much as I can beforehand. Saltwater, freshwater... anything!

 

[ALN]

I don't know anything about anything other then the gta, but I wish you good fish luck !

 

[Dozer]

What a trip! I cant help you much, but I have been to San Diego and fished it, saltwater only. Check out La Jolla, very beautiful, close to San Diego.

In San Diego there is a 24 hour pier which was a blast, its at the beach near the army base... Ocean Beach Pier ( OB for short, haha ) or something along those lines. It was a blast, bring a heavy rod with heavy line, there will always be someone on the peir with a gaff, in case you catch anything big. I fished it twice and both times leopard shark and stingrays were caught. Just be careful with handling fish, stingrays have spines at the end of their tails and a lot of the fish have some sort of venom, haha. Basic rule, if it looks like it can hurt you, it probably can. At the end of the left arm, thats where I fished, lots of surfers on the north facng sde of the pier, they come out at noon usually.

Also bring a smaller line with tiny hooks, there are plenty of little fish around the pier posts and you can catch them all day long.

Make sure you wash your reels with fresh water after each use... saltwater eats metal.

When the tide is low, check out the rocks near the peir, tonnes of crabs and anemones... be careful though, lots of sketchy characters around that pier.

Talk to the locals to see whats biting and what to use, best way to get information is from the locals.

California has trout in streams, cant help you with that though, google should help you out if that interests you.

Take photo's, of course

 

[Dozer]

Oh ya, they sell Steelhead beer there, brewed by Mad River Brewing in Humboldt County, they've got a wicked bottle with pictures of trout on them :mrgreen:

 

[MichaelVerdirame]

What a trip! I cant help you much, but I have been to San Diego and fished it, saltwater only. Check out La Jolla, very beautiful, close to San Diego.

In San Diego there is a 24 hour pier which was a blast, its at the beach near the army base... Ocean Beach Pier ( OB for short, haha ) or something along those lines. It was a blast, bring a heavy rod with heavy line, there will always be someone on the peir with a gaff, in case you catch anything big. I fished it twice and both times leopard shark and stingrays were caught. Just be careful with handling fish, stingrays have spines at the end of their tails and a lot of the fish have some sort of venom, haha. Basic rule, if it looks like it can hurt you, it probably can. At the end of the left arm, thats where I fished, lots of surfers on the north facng sde of the pier, they come out at noon usually.

Also bring a smaller line with tiny hooks, there are plenty of little fish around the pier posts and you can catch them all day long.

Make sure you wash your reels with fresh water after each use... saltwater eats metal.

When the tide is low, check out the rocks near the peir, tonnes of crabs and anemones... be careful though, lots of sketchy characters around that pier.

Talk to the locals to see whats biting and what to use, best way to get information is from the locals.

California has trout in streams, cant help you with that though, google should help you out if that interests you.

Take photo's, of course

Thanks Dozer, that's great help! What do you think's a decent set-up for the pier, what kind of line should I spool up with? I'll definitely be talking to locals, i'm trying to set-up meetups on a cali fishing forum.

Maybe I can pull this off in King's Canyon National Park...

I can't even imagine how I would be able to pull off a trout like that... but I have 1 week of homework to do .

 

[Blair]

I lived in Venice Beach California (about 20 years ago) ...

Considering California is very big and has so many choices: Lakes, Rivers, Mountains ... SALT WATER.
You might have to bring / buy 10 different set ups!


lol ... Seriously, just bring your favourite all purpose set up that you use here in Ontario.
Unless your going out in the OCEAN or being very Species Specific ... it will serve you just as well here as there. TRUST ME


If you do end up "Wanting" to target a specific fish that requires a specific set up ... cross that bridge when you arrive at it.

* Are you really going to get a 14'-16' Surf Rod here in Ontario to use a couple times? lol
- Can you bring 5 different set ups on the Plane?

It's like going out and getting a COMPLETE downrigging set up for one Trip ... Great if your a millionaire lol


All I'm saying is that, the average fish your going to catch is like the average fish here in Ontario. A good Spin reel and 7Ft med action rod can handle a lot of situations.
Some places you can even "Rent" the equipment needed for that particular outing



Have a Wicked , Safe and Enjoyable Trip!
Bring us back lots of Stories and Pics



Blair

 

[mikeh]

Mike, I posted a bunch of suggestions on your post over at the Ontario Shore Fishing forum.

 

[Dozer]

All I'm saying is that, the average fish your going to catch is like the average fish here in Ontario.

Sure, if your name is Blair :twisted: Too bad about my computer conking out a few years back, all my Cali videos and photo's went bye bye and there was no backup <_< I still do suggest taking a heavier rod, although most fish are the same size as here, you'll regret not taking a heavier rod with heavier line, in case you do catch something "larger". I've caught a few rays on my misadventures, even the smaller ones pull real good.

 

[Blair]

Sure, if your name is Blair :twisted: Too bad about my computer conking out a few years back, all my Cali videos and photo's went bye bye and there was no backup

I still do suggest taking a heavier rod, although most fish are the same size as here, you'll regret not taking a heavier rod with heavier line, in case you do catch something "larger". I've caught a few rays on my misadventures, even the smaller ones pull real good.

Absolutely agree!

A heavy action "all purpose rod" would be better.

(My bad on the Medium ... lol)

 

[Dozer]

Well, I see it this way Blair, even though, 90% of the fish caught will be little squeakers... there will be the time where he just may hook into something larger... then he'll be hitting himself in the head for not being prepared with heavier gear, honestly, I've never brought in a ray on a lighter rod, those things just pull too darn hard. Bring a lighter rod as well. Black PVC tubes from Home Depot make for great rod carriers for the plane.

 

[Blair]

Black PVC tubes from Home Depot make for great rod carriers for the plane.

They do!

a lot of the stuff (Gear) i used to either carry on board or pack in rather radomly.
Since 9/11 it is Extremely Advisable to pack things well.

You want to protect against damage or loss ... but even more importantly: So it passes routinely!

I know it was (2) days after 9/11, but i was on a plane out of Toronto heading to Calgary (Not even an international flight) and some poor guy had them telling him he would have to LEAVE all his gear at the airport. (What this meant was either PAY for STORAGE or Throw it out before his flight left)

*That was extreme Insanity!




AIR CANADA WEB PAGE:


When packed separately, each of the following counts as one piece of baggage towards the maximum number of checked bags allowed by your fare type:

• fishing rod in rod case + tackle box
• tackle bag + reels
• landing net
• boots
• life jacket

One self-inflating life jacket per person is accepted in both carry-on and checked baggage provided:

• it is fitted with a maximum of two small cylinders of carbon dioxide or another suitable gas in Division 2.2, and
• it is accompanied by no more than two spare cylinders.

Waivers / Charges

Fishing rod in rod case:

NO oversize or additional piece charges apply if carried with tackle box.

All other additional checked baggage rules apply.

Packing instructions

The fishing rod(s) must be packaged in a rigid and/or hard shell container specifically designed for shipping.

If otherwise packaged, items may be refused for carriage. Air Canada is not liable if and to the extent that any damage results from the inherent defect, quality or vice of the baggage.

 

[salmotrutta]

I can't even imagine how I would be able to pull off a trout like that... but I have 1 week of homework to do .

If you have time before your trip, book a resident trout outing with me, and I will show you :grin:

Best of luck in California. I would say try surfing, but it's highly addicting.

 

[MichaelVerdirame]

Thanks again for all the feedback guys, it helps a lot.

I'll probrably be taking 2 or 3 set-ups, my normal medium bass set-up and something.... heavier . I have a 6000 size spinning reel, which is probably overkill but I have it and might as well use it. What should I spool with?

The rod... I'm looking for something to cast at least 2 oz of weight. More problematic since none of my friends have something like that.. I might have to "rent" something

I'm asking all the same questions at the scsurffishing forum... trying to learn as much as possible in the 5 days i have left!!!!

 

[MichaelVerdirame]

Just mapped out the route with pops, covering a lot of ground over 2 weeks!

Our route on google maps:
http://goo.gl/maps/Z8LCq

 

[NADO]

that 6000 reel would be good for some salt water monsters, are you guys going to be getting out in a boat at all? Depending on what you are able to target I would say spool that reel up with at least 50-80lb mono, anything smaller and you might as well be using a smaller reel. Maybe use it as a Shark shore fishing combo? You could throw some really strong braid on there too with heavy mono or fluro leaders.

 

[MichaelVerdirame]

that 6000 reel would be good for some salt water monsters, are you guys going to be getting out in a boat at all? Depending on what you are able to target I would say spool that reel up with at least 50-80lb mono, anything smaller and you might as well be using a smaller reel. Maybe use it as a Shark shore fishing combo? You could throw some really strong braid on there too with heavy mono or fluro leaders.

I was toying with the 6000... man the drag isn't as smooth as i'd like it to be... it's so OLD. I cleaned up the drag and it didn't help at all... the felt washers are caked onto the metal washers. Might just have to buy a combo when I'm down there.

Yeah I'll probrably be getting on a boat or two at some points, any recommendations? I've always wanted to catch tuna.... but I could get those in NY which is a lot closer.

 

[NADO]

Not too many people can help you with Tuna fishing. I would say a charter is probably necessary but I bet Tuna Charters can be very pricey.

 

[tangledspool]

go to Big Bear for fresh water fishing...any lake there will produce a lot of fun.

I used to catch a lot of tuna and mahi mahi a couple of years ago, they are though game fish and you will enjoy every single fighting pound!!!
if you go to Newport beach (45 min from downtown L.A.) you'll find Davey's Locker fishing charters, these guys are awesome, they will offer you a half day trips and more if you want to, but IMHO 6.00 AM to noon is more than enough to catch some good tuna and catch a dark tan too !!!
I'm not sure if they provide tackle; I always used my own; anyway look for them in Google for more info. THE BEST OF ALL IS THE PRICE!! dude, it's really cheap! you can take a family of 4, 1/2 day for less than $200!!!! ...(that was 2.5 years ago hehehe) nothing compared to the ridiculously overpriced fishing charters in lake Ontario.
WHAT WILL YOU CATCH?? Yellow fin tuna between 20 - 35 pounds average, 40+ pounds if you're in your lucky days, barracudas, rock fish and red snappers if they take you to the rocky bottoms spots.
TACKLE? I had a Shakespeare 7' big water rod coupled with a Penn Levelwind 209M reel with 300 yds of 20 lb/test Spiderwire braid (I can tell you 20 lb/test is more than enoug for a 20-40 pounds fish; if your drag is set properly you won't lose it; the fish will get tired before your line breaks...this is the last thing you have to worry about)....Do not use those 80 lb/test "cables" unless you're into sailfish or marlin, you'll miss all the fun with the tunas dragging them all to the boat.
Also,for yellow fin tuna the wooden plug is irresistible, can't beat it!!!!, for mahi mahi use a variety of cheap squid in rainbow or pink & blue colors (pack of 6 is about $12 plus the sinkers)...if you have the dough, go with Black Bart lures, those are pricey but really effective....again...nothing can't beat the wooden plug in my experience....what a tuna magnet!! for everything else use the "joker" Xrap deep diver (those with the big lip) in firetiger color...this one is flawless.
hope it helps!

 

[MichaelVerdirame]

Tangled Spool, big thanks my friend for that great advice!

i still dont' get it.... are we casting wooden plugs from the party boat? :S. How deep are these tuna LOL... *confused*



On anther topic..I just had a look at my suitcases... and my 2 piece 7 foot bass rod won't fit in any of them! We're only taking 2 suitcases so we have 2 extra pieces of bagge.

Air Canada:

When packed separately, each of the following counts as one piece of baggage towards the maximum number of checked bags allowed by your fare type:
fishing rod in rod case + tackle box
tackle bag + reels
landing net
boots
Waivers / Charges

Fishing rod in rod case:
No oversize or additional piece charges apply to a fishing rod in its case if it is carried with a tackle box.

All other additional checked baggage rules apply.

Packing instructions

The fishing rod(s) must be packaged in a rigid and/or hard shell container specifically designed for shipping.

Hmm..... what about a PVC pipe... I doubt that would count! ... and there's no number to call!!! Ahhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhh LOL

 

[MichaelVerdirame]

go to Big Bear for fresh water fishing...any lake there will produce a lot of fun.

I used to catch a lot of tuna and mahi mahi a couple of years ago, they are though game fish and you will enjoy every single fighting pound!!!
if you go to Newport beach (45 min from downtown L.A.) you'll find Davey's Locker fishing charters, these guys are awesome, they will offer you a half day trips and more if you want to, but IMHO 6.00 AM to noon is more than enough to catch some good tuna and catch a dark tan too !!!
I'm not sure if they provide tackle; I always used my own; anyway look for them in Google for more info. THE BEST OF ALL IS THE PRICE!! dude, it's really cheap! you can take a family of 4, 1/2 day for less than $200!!!! ...(that was 2.5 years ago hehehe) nothing compared to the ridiculously overpriced fishing charters in lake Ontario.
WHAT WILL YOU CATCH?? Yellow fin tuna between 20 - 35 pounds average, 40+ pounds if you're in your lucky days, barracudas, rock fish and red snappers if they take you to the rocky bottoms spots.
TACKLE? I had a Shakespeare 7' big water rod coupled with a Penn Levelwind 209M reel with 300 yds of 20 lb/test Spiderwire braid (I can tell you 20 lb/test is more than enoug for a 20-40 pounds fish; if your drag is set properly you won't lose it; the fish will get tired before your line breaks...this is the last thing you have to worry about)....Do not use those 80 lb/test "cables" unless you're into sailfish or marlin, you'll miss all the fun with the tunas dragging them all to the boat.
Also,for yellow fin tuna the wooden plug is irresistible, can't beat it!!!!, for mahi mahi use a variety of cheap squid in rainbow or pink & blue colors (pack of 6 is about $12 plus the sinkers)...if you have the dough, go with Black Bart lures, those are pricey but really effective....again...nothing can't beat the wooden plug in my experience....what a tuna magnet!! for everything else use the "joker" Xrap deep diver (those with the big lip) in firetiger color...this one is flawless.
hope it helps!

This is awesome I totally want to check this out. What a price! You weren't kidding .

For working the plug, is it just casting and retrieving? or vertical jigging? ... i'm sure they'll explain it to me there... but I'm just curious.

What do you mean by "cheap squid in rainbow or pink"... you mean real squid dyed different colours?

Are lures provided, I guess not. I have to visit BPS beforehand then .