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Unlike the sometimes frenzied "Cast and Grind" wide open local summer Calico Bass bite, winter and early spring fishing demands a different kind of fishing technique. While fishing in the summer months, a lot of time will be spent casting the plastics in and around shallow boiler rocks, outside edges of the kelp beds, and rock piles in sometimes less than 8 foot of water. Winter Calico Bass fishing is done in deeper water structure with a much slower pace. Here are some successful techniques to be used during what most people consider the Rockfish time of year.

My fishing partner and friend Larry Heron and I will spend most of the colder winter months aboard his boat the "Calico Hunter II". We fish the Santa Barbara coastline from Naples reef, approximately 15 miles north of Santa Barbaraâs harbor, to an area known as "Carp" rock, south of Carpinteria State Beach.

A normal trip will start with us on the water at first gray, armed with an assortment of 8 and 9 foot rods matched with level wind reels full of new 12, 15 and 20lb line. Note: 25lb line is sometimes used in the nastier areas. We look for known reefs or "Hard Bottom" areas in water from 30-70 feet. Since the water temperature can be between 50-59 degrees this time of year, the fish are more lethargic, therefore slower more deliberate techniques are used. Cast your swimbait out as far as you can and let is sink to the bottom with the reel in free spool and your thumb feathering the spool, be prepared to be bit before your lure hits the bottom. Once you are on the rocky bottom, the trick is to fish with your Swimbait-Leadhead combination hugging the bottom, slowly dragging it over and through the rock piles and ledges.

Occasionally, cranking your bait about 10 turns slowly off the bottom, then free spooling, letting the bait sink back again works very well. We believe the change in action excites the bass into taking the bait. At the point you feel the line peeling off, engage your reel, wind as fast as you can until the line is tight, then continue to wind and raise your rod tip quickly to ensure a good hook set. Then, KEEP WINDING to make sure you get the fish out of his neighborhood. A hooked Calico Bass will always head for the closest structure in an attempt to hide, usually resulting in the line being sawed off by the sharp rocks. An old phrase comes to mind in this situation, "Reel the fish fast and hard to get it off the bottom". Do not try to use any "Smoke and Mirrors Technique", magic will not land your fish.

Many people ask about size and color selection of swimbaits. The darker colors like black, blue, or dark green backs with a root beer glitter belly work better in the low light times of the early morning. We switch over to the "Natural Color" baits after the sun rises, like the brown bait colors, anchovy, and sardine. You can also use some of the early morning colors later in the day but they should have flash. Flash is lots of red or silver glitter in the belly section. We start with 5-inch baits, paired with a " or or 1 oz leadhead. If the fish are short biting, we drop to a 4-inch with ¸ or 1 oz leadhead. Bait scents are a MUST for this time of year.

Remember that the Pacific Ocean can be unpredictable, particularly during the winter and spring months. Check the marine forecast before heading out and bring along some warm clothes plus a rain suit, hat, and gloves. Donât forget a working VHF radio and other safety equipment.

Slow to Grow - So Let Them Go

One last thing, a legal Calico Bass (12") is normally between 5-7 years old. These fish have just reached maturity, often not having bred yet. The larger 5 pound plus fish are known as "Brood Stock" and are 15-20 years old or more. If you are going to keep some Calico as table fare, keep a few 13-14 inch fish and release the larger ones. Letâs keep the ocean healthy so our children and grandchildren can enjoy our sport.

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