>1. When the calico/sandy bite gets slow what is your
>opinion about adding a small squid strip to the swimbait?

I wont use a squid strip with a swim bait because, as fongster pointed out, it inhibits the swimming action of the tail but I will use a squid strip with a grub or scampi.

You may also want to try to "break out the bug" which is a small mop top spider grub with a small lead head and slooooowly work it along the bottom.

Most of all experiment. Different colors like brown, blue, green, red and orange and smaller baits like the 4" and 3" sizes could trigger a bite from a grumpy sandbass or wary calico.


>2. My question is this: when leadheads up to 3 oz. do not
>permit me to fish the whole water column (rare, but it does
>happen) would it be a waste of time to try a 4 oz. leadhead
>for sandies and calicos metered at the bottom at such times
>of strong current/strong wind?

I haven't used leadheads that heavy but I guess they could work if rigged properly. If you can't hold bottom on the drift with a sock and 1-1/2 ounces I would anchor or you could cast slightly uphill and let the lure fall as you drift towards it. Be careful not to let the line get under the boat. If that still doesn't work you may want to call it a day and try some other time or place.