Special tactics help Southern California anglers catch big calico bass throughout winter.
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Cooling ocean temperatures, chilly weather and the closure of bottom fishing for many species in January and February discourage a fair number of Southern California saltwater anglers from fishing in winter. Yet to those in the know, winter time translates to prime time for big calico bass.
Big calico bass tend to adopt different habitats and feeding patterns in December, January, February and early March. These structure-loving fish often move to deeper reefs, and so catching this species—also known as kelp bass—requires a change in thinking, as well as tackle and tactics. The methods prove dramatically different from those employed when fishing amid shallower kelp beds and reefs in warmer months.
Yet, when it all comes together, catching hard-fighting winter calicos in the 4- to 8-pound range heats up an otherwise cold day.
For winter calico bass, I focus on reefs in 90 to 175 feet of water, some of which sprout deep bull kelp that this species loves to inhabit. I have found particularly productive reefs along the coasts of northern Los Angeles County and Ventura County, as well as the waters surrounding Santa Catalina Island. But deep reefs along other coastal areas and islands can also kick out big fish.
One secret to finding the reefs lies in looking for lobster-pot buoys. Commercial fishermen place their traps around structure to catch the California spiny lobster, so when you see the buoys in deep water, use your fishfinder to locate the reef. The broader the reef, the better the chance of finding bass. Where, you find one calico, you often more: Bigger bass revert to schooling behavior after migrating to deeper water.
read more at sportfishing.com.