FISHING
ADD EXCITEMENT TO CALICO FISHING TARGET AGGRESSIVE BASS IN THE SALT WITH A VARIETY OF UNWEIGHTED TOPWATERS By Capt. Bill Schaefer
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t’s that time of year for all calico anglers to head to the kelp beds for topwater action. Bass are spawning now and have switched to killer mode. They will attack anything that passes in front of their noses. Schools of calicos roam the kelp and will practically go after anything you throw in the water. A lot of fishermen will work along the outer edge of the kelp, which may be where the fish stack up from time to time, but going into the stringers can put you into some giants. I’m not talking about the stringers that are so thick there’s barely a hole in them; I’m talking about the fairly thick stringers that are all laying in a row on top. Tilt your motor slightly and drift over these stringers for nonstop action.
WATCH THE WATER Current can make a difference when it comes to catching fish. As most calico fishermen know, you want a down-and-in current; that is, the stringers are pointing down to the south and into the beach. But an upand-in flow will work as well. You see, the current will be pushing the baitfish into the stringers where bass are waiting to feed on them. The current will stir up the food chain no matter what direction it’s going. But if it’s slow in one area, then move on to the next, as it may be flowing correctly up or down the shoreline.
THE CHASE IS ON Every once and a while you’ll see calicos chasing baitfish right on top of
Topwater baits, those with minimal or even no weight, are an effective and exciting way to target postspawn calico bass around kelp beds off the Southern California coast this summer. (BILL SCHAEFER) calsportsmanmag.com | JULY 2022 California Sportsman
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