Albacore Tuna

Albacore tuna swim near the surface together in loose formations for the first years of their lives. Then, when the albacore get older, they become more independent and spend most of their time in deeper, cooler waters. Schooling behavior dictates which gear types are appropriate for different species. For example, some pelagic species -- like sardines, mackerel and squid -- swim in very large, distinct, tight formations. The most practical, efficient method for catching those kinds of pelagic fish is to encircle them with purse seine nets. On the other hand, albacore do not swim in tight schools, and encirclement gear is therefore not appropriate for catching them. Because albacore swim relatively far away from one another, fishermen must therefore catch them one-by-one with troll, longline, or pole & line gear.

Salmon Fishing requirements:

All salmon except coho.
Steelhead rainbow trout are not to be retained in ocean fisheries.
Single point, single shank barbless hooks with no more than one rod per angler north of Point Conception.
No sinkers or weights attached directly to the fishing line may exceed 4 pounds unless the line attached by a mechanical device that releases the weight when any fish is hooked.

Special Gear Restrictions Between Horse Mountain and Point Conception:
When fishing with bait in the ocean, if angling by any other means than trolling, then no more than 2 single-point, single-shank, barbless circle hooks shall be used. The distance between the 2 hooks must not exceed 5 inches when measured from the top of the eye of the top hook to the inner base of the curve of the lower hook, and both hooks must be permanently tied in place (hard tied). A circle hook is defined as a hook with a generally circular shape and a point which turns inwards, pointing directly to the shank at a 90 angle. Trolling defined: Angling from a boat or floating device that is making way by means of a source of power, other than drifting by means of the prevailing water current or weather conditions. These special gear restrictions apply to each angler fishing for salmon or fishing from any boat or floating devise with salmon on board and are effective year- round.

Striped Bass Fishing Techniques

There are many different ways to fish for Striped Bass. While we could certainly write several books on the various techniques and strategies, we will discuss a few of the most popular methods and hopefully pass along some tips.

Baitfishing

One of the more popular methods for catching striped bass is bait fishing. Baitfishing is usually best during the winter months when water temperatures are below 55F and / or the water clarity is poor. Some of the more popular baits are threadfin shad, mudsuckers, sardines, anchovies, minnows, bullheads, blood worms, and pile worms although, striped bass can be caught on many other types of bait. While most baitfishing is done while anchored, some anglers will drift with live minnows. Most anglers use a sliding sinker rig comprised of about 15 lb test leader ranging from 20 to 30 inches in length. A good quality hook ranging from 6/0 to 9/0 with a sharp point is tied to one end of the leader. A swivel is tied to the other end of the leader. On the main line, a plastic sinker slider runs through the line and will be stopped from sliding onto the leader by a snap swivel. The leader is then attached to the main line by the snap swivel. Sinkers ranging from 1 to 4 oz are attached to the plastic slider. You should use just heavy enough weight to keep the sinker on the bottom. A sliding sinker rig is used because when a striper begins to eat the bait the least amount of resistance will be felt by the fish.

Trolling

Another popular method for catching striped bass is trolling. Trolling is most effective when the water clarity is good and water temperatures are above 55F. The traditional trolling set up utilizes a wire spreader that allows a rebel to be attached to the longer leader that comes from the wire spreader and a lead head jig attached to the shorter leader that comes from the wire spreader. Today, a popular trolling technique is to simply attach a deep diving, broken back rebel or bomber to the main line. The most effective manner to troll, whichever set up you use, is on the bottom of a sand bar. Nothing beats that feeling when you are trolling along and a huge striped bass slams your rebel.

Spooning or Jigging

Vertical jigging is becoming a popular method for taking striped bass. This is a simple technique that requires a lure such as a hopkins or any other type of jig / spoon. Basically you just attach the spoon / jig to your main line and then lower the spoon / jig to the bottom and then raise and lower it about two to four feet off the bottom while you drift. Some successful anglers will troll until they detect a school of fish and then utilize the jigging method for some fast action.

Blue Runner, Inc.
PO Box 151140
San Rafael, CA 94915
Phone: 415.458.8700 

Copyright 2007 Blue Runner, Inc and Greybeard Design Group.