Surf Fishing Salt Creek Beach Dana Point - California Fishing

380tom · 03-14-2004, 07:41 PM

After trying the usual Grubs and Sandcrabs and not having much luck. (I know it's early,but it's starting to warm up and I got the itch!) I tied up a small black and gold Rapala basically just to stay busy. I couldn't believe the results one after another surf perch on a medium to fast retreive. This is another great way to surf fish. Just thought I would share this with anybody who is interested.

DementedFish · 03-14-2004, 07:44 PM

Thanks for the report, and welcome to the board! I live right next to Salt Creek, and your're the first person ive "seen" on the board who actually fishes there! Im thinking of fishing there this summer, but dont know where to go. Where did you fish? Im gonna try the cove next to salt creek that the lifeguards call "shell beach" We should hook up this summer!

GlobalFisher · 03-14-2004, 10:11 PM

I havent had to much luck with surf perch. I have tried tons of things. Mainly sandshrimp, but since I dont fish salt very much thats prob why I dont do very good. Anyone have any tips for me, that might improve my chnaces of catching those perch?

DementedFish · 03-14-2004, 10:32 PM

If your main target is perch, use light line like 4lb test. Use a hi/low rig (dropper loop rig or whatever you want to call it). Use 2-4 hooks about 12-18" apart, and make sure they are small hooks. Sand Crabs, and FRESH mussels work well. Be sure to use a pyramid sinker at the bottom of your line, they hold on the bottom very well. Basically theres nothing really to perch fishing. Also, mabye this link will help you:
How do u tie a dropper loop rig?

Also, probably the best rig would be to use a carolina set up with a 1/2 oz sinker. You can fish sand crabs and grubs with this rig.

CaptLurch · 03-15-2004, 05:39 AM

Have any of you ever tried using ghost shrimp. They are probably one of the best baits that I have found for perch and corbina.

I am going to try using a rapala next time I go out. Thanks for the tip.

Wahoo! · 03-15-2004, 10:39 AM

Welcome to the board 380tom and thanks for the tip. I'm going to have to try a rapala next time out. Right now, the perch are spawning in some areas so the bite has been wide open in certain areas on big perch.

380tom · 03-15-2004, 05:40 PM

Using the multiple hook and pyramid sinker is probably the best way to get results, but it's alot more fun with 4-6lb line and a grub,small rapala(as I have recently found) or a small slip sinker and sand crab. This is especially fun when you hook a decent size corbina!

DementedFish · 03-15-2004, 07:36 PM

380tom, where did u fish at in salt creek?

03-16-2004, 07:38 AM

Off of Selva Rd. and down the steps to the left about 100 yds. Therre are two nice holes down there kind of small but no matter how many fish you pull out it just keeps filling up. Look for the area where the waves seem to almost cross and break really late.That's where the holes are and try the light tackle loads of fun.

DementedFish · 03-16-2004, 03:09 PM

Is it still part of salt creek beach?

Indo-angler · 03-23-2004, 02:08 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by 380tom

Using the multiple hook and pyramid sinker is probably the best way to get results, but it's alot more fun with 4-6lb line and a grub,small rapala(as I have recently found) or a small slip sinker and sand crab. This is especially fun when you hook a decent size corbina!

I also prefer grubs on a carolina setup or 3" Swim baits like the Big hammers. and maybe hookup a halibut!

Wahoo! · 03-23-2004, 02:31 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Indo-angler

I also prefer grubs on a carolina setup or 3" Swim baits like the Big hammers. and maybe hookup a halibut!

I agree. I like to throw grubs or small swimbaits with a light action (rated 4-10 pound) 13ft rod. If you guys haven't tried the longer surf rods, I would highly recommend it! HUGE difference.

fishingbeast · 03-23-2004, 08:03 PM

Yes, I agree with we need to use ghostshrimp for surffishng. I watch this old woman on the pier just kill sand trout and perch with live ghostshrimp. When everthing esle was not porducing. If you cant found them try the basspro.com for preserve bait for them. Hope this help.

DementedFish · 03-23-2004, 08:07 PM

what are sand trout?

fishingbeast · 03-23-2004, 11:02 PM

Sand trout are fish that you dont hear about that much. However in the last few years I seen more around the ventura pier in the summer time when about the corbina and croakers are hitting in that area. Most of them I seen have been on ghostshrimp or mussel for perch. I try to found more inforamtion about them over time.