Inside Dana Point harbor - Kayak Fishing Adventures on Big Water’s Edge

goldenglory18 · 09-12-2018, 05:50 AM

are you using scent on your artificial baits?

MaskedFisherDude · 09-12-2018, 06:10 AM

I have always done well with the drop shot and gulp. Then 3” big hammers. It also depends on where your fishing and if the tide is moving.

DanaYakAngler · 09-12-2018, 06:46 AM

I do use scents, however not every time. I should probably make that a habit. If I fish after work I am at the mercy of the tides as I just get on the water when I can. I try to fish as much structure as possible inside the harbor i.e. slips/pilings of dana wharf fleet, the bait receiver, and certain spots on the breakwall. I have seen alot of videos of people drop shotting the berkley gulps. Worth a shot.

DanaYakAngler · 09-12-2018, 07:00 AM

I always seem to have better luck on an incoming tide inside the harbor. Is that true for you guys? I try to put in time on the water and figure things out on my own, but sometimes like to hear what everyone else is doing. As always, thanks for the replies and feedback!

Ggiannig89 · 09-12-2018, 07:47 AM

I know for me when I fish bays it’s not always about structure. My preferred spots to fish is where I can find an eel grass line where the sand and grass meet. Sometimes I’ll drop down a baitless hook over and over until I can find that situation. Good luck. Or know how to read your fish finder to see the bottom change.

DanaYakAngler · 09-12-2018, 08:04 AM

Unfortunately Dana doesn't have too much eel grass unless I am mistaken. Some here and there but don't think it has too many healthy beds.

DanaPT · 09-12-2018, 01:50 PM

maybe you should try your luck outside the harbor. DP harbor is small & crowded. Most of the fish I've caught in there have been small too.

Not to say there aren't any big fish in there, I just think you'll appreciate the occasional hook up of a bigger fish that will tow you around and/or break you off before you see it. That'll keep you coming back for more.

09-12-2018, 05:50 AM	#1
goldenglory18 Senior Member Join Date: Feb 2015 Location: Seattle Area Posts: 861	are you using scent on your artificial baits?

09-12-2018, 06:10 AM	#2
MaskedFisherDude Member Join Date: May 2018 Location: Mission Viejo Posts: 39	I have always done well with the drop shot and gulp. Then 3” big hammers. It also depends on where your fishing and if the tide is moving.

09-12-2018, 06:46 AM	#3
DanaYakAngler Senior Member Join Date: May 2017 Location: RSM, Ca. Posts: 114	I do use scents, however not every time. I should probably make that a habit. If I fish after work I am at the mercy of the tides as I just get on the water when I can. I try to fish as much structure as possible inside the harbor i.e. slips/pilings of dana wharf fleet, the bait receiver, and certain spots on the breakwall. I have seen alot of videos of people drop shotting the berkley gulps. Worth a shot.

09-12-2018, 07:00 AM	#4
DanaYakAngler Senior Member Join Date: May 2017 Location: RSM, Ca. Posts: 114	I always seem to have better luck on an incoming tide inside the harbor. Is that true for you guys? I try to put in time on the water and figure things out on my own, but sometimes like to hear what everyone else is doing. As always, thanks for the replies and feedback!

09-12-2018, 07:47 AM	#5
Ggiannig89 Senior Member Join Date: Nov 2010 Location: El Cajon Posts: 512	I know for me when I fish bays it’s not always about structure. My preferred spots to fish is where I can find an eel grass line where the sand and grass meet. Sometimes I’ll drop down a baitless hook over and over until I can find that situation. Good luck. Or know how to read your fish finder to see the bottom change.

09-12-2018, 08:04 AM	#6
DanaYakAngler Senior Member Join Date: May 2017 Location: RSM, Ca. Posts: 114	Unfortunately Dana doesn't have too much eel grass unless I am mistaken. Some here and there but don't think it has too many healthy beds.

09-12-2018, 01:50 PM	#7
DanaPT Senior Member Join Date: Sep 2010 Location: South OC Posts: 1,606	maybe you should try your luck outside the harbor. DP harbor is small & crowded. Most of the fish I've caught in there have been small too. Not to say there aren't any big fish in there, I just think you'll appreciate the occasional hook up of a bigger fish that will tow you around and/or break you off before you see it. That'll keep you coming back for more.