Fishing rigs

80% of the time I use the drop shot rig while fishing in the bays of San Diego. The drop shot rig is a well known rig for use in freshwater fishing, but it can also be very productive in saltwater fishing. Some of my most successful days fishing were done with the drop shot rig. Here is a picture of what the drop shot rig looks like...

How to tie the drop shot rig: First tie on the hook using a palomar knot (Make sure you leave enough spare line to tie on the sinker). Also, make sure the hook is sitting in the upright position. Then simply tie on the sinker 10 to 12 inches below the hook. It's a good idea to leave a space of 10 to 12 inches between the hook and sinker to ensure the bait stays in the "strike zone". 

The other rig that I like to use for fishing use the Carolina rig. The Carolina rig consist of an egg sinker, bead, swivel and hook. I like to use the Carolina rig for fishing live or cut bait. It is also a common rig used in surf fishing. 

How to tie the Carolina rig: First guide the fishing line through the holes of the sinker. Then slide the bead onto the line. Tie on the swivel. Now get another piece of fishing line (I prefer using flourocarbon line) and tie one end to the swivel. I like to tie on the hook about 12 inches from the swivel, but its really up to you on how long you want the line. 

Artificial Baits

Artificial baits are always a great weapon of choice when fishing. Artificial baits can catch a wide variety of fish when using the right techniques, and often out fishes real bait.

Why do I prefer to use artificial baits?

• They last longer than real bait
• They can be used over and over again 
• Some baits like Berkley Gulp come pre scented with fish attractant
• Easy accessible
• Less messy 

Here is a list of some of my favorite artificial baits

1. 2.5" Berkley Gulp shrimp - nuclear chicken color (Good for catching bass, halibut, croaker)

2. 3" Berkley Gulp minnow - watermelon pearl (Great for catching bass, halibut, croaker) A majority of      the fish I catch are caught on this bait

3. 3" Big hammer swimbait - sexy smelt color (Great for bass and halibut)

4. 5" Berkley Gulp Saltwater powerbait - New penny color (Great bait to use on a boat for calico bass, sand bass, spotted bay bass and halibut

5. 3" Bass Assassin shad - crown ice color (Good for bass and halibut)

6. 5" Berkley Gulp jerk shad - nuclear chicken color (Great for bass, also big halibut seem to love this bait)

7. 5" Bass assassin shad - Opening night color (Good for bass and halibut, also caught a nice smooth hound shark on this bait)

8. 3" Berkley Gulp shrimp - New penny color (Great for bass, halibut, croaker)