Hey everyone I've been reading this board for a while. Great people!First time posting so thanx for reading. Looking forward to more posts!Just need some help in finding some big hammers down in Orange County areas. Bought some at the fred hall show and finally got to use them today at newport harbor on the skiffs.Wow, I now really have confidence in swimbaits after using the Big Hammers. I've tried fishtraps, but have had no luck. The hammers have better action definately. Well let me give u the report.Fished from 7am-12:30pm. Baits: 3in. big hammers in clear red flake and i believe calico hunter? dipped with smell jelly.I still gotta try that pro-cure calico coctail when im through with this bottle. Had live bait but had to finally put the swimmies to work. First cast, got smacked by a short butt'. Then a few casts later got a thump from a tiny sandy, they are so agressive for their size.Then came the mack attack and i got hammered for a while on the macks and had to get outta there. Later tried some other spots and did okay on short butts' and got a few sandies with only one legal and buddy got 2 yellowfins' on the hammer also.Also first time hammer user and now hooked on em'! Steady pickings on shorts and headed in.All fish released! Thats all folks! Thought maybe Leapin' Bass or Fongster could help on on the Big Hammer ?????'s
Thanx ahead of time. And maybe if u can also give me some more tips on fishing the harbor also too David. Thankyou I appreciate it. Sorry bout the extra long post.

Tight Lines!!!!!
Alex

TIGHT LINES!!!!

Hi Alex, welcome. Try the Big Hammer site for the dealer list. In OC I know that The Longfin in Orange has a good selection and Eric will gladly order you whole or sometimes half boxes of a special color he may not stock--I don't know if he carries 3 inch size anymore. Glen's Tackle in Costa Mesa has some colors and sizes. Also, try Boss Tackle in Lake Forest/El Toro--very nice selection (they were low on stock recently though so call ahead). Those are the shops that first come to mind. Check the site, there may be more.

For the bay I also like to toss the 4 inch on 1/2 to 3/4 fishco heads on 12# for better quality sandies and spotties. Make sure you are on or near the bottom with your lure. Use a 1/4 to 3/8 head on 6# with the 3 inch size.

Here you go - good luck and welcome to the board!

http://www.swimbait.com/dealers.htm

Thanx both of you guys, I really appreciate all your help Leapin' BAss and Fongster. Also David if you can email me or reply some tips to work the harbor, good colors and also some areas and other ways to work the swimmy. I was doing a stop and go retrieve varying the stops differently every cast. Also what kinda reel and rods do u use for the swimbaits cuz I was using a light spinner with a 6'6" rod. Seemed to work well but would see what u would recommend. Thanx again for all your help.

TIGHT LINES!!!!

TIGHT LINES!!!!

Billy's Big Game in Dana Point also has BHs.

For all my bay bass fishing I use 7-8' conventional set-ups w/ 6# Triple Fish (really tough, strong line IMO). The better the bite, the heavier the line you can get away with. I don't stray to often from the 6# though, I feel completely confident in my line. I've had plenty of big bass (to 8#) and 'But's (to 12#) on my 6# Triple Fish. Mostly though, I like it because it has good strength even after getting chewed on. Don't forget to pack the zippers, freakbaits, and grubs too (sorry Rob, David, Larry, and Pete). Rigged weedles on a wide-gap worm hook, come summer time, you'll find the eel grass much less frustrating. For scents, Smelly Jelly squid, Procure Shrimp Oil and Calico Coctail will take care of almost any mood the bass will be in.
Colors for Newport; I like reds, purples, oranges, and smoke/sparkle.

Amish Ed
You Can't Catch it again if
it's Dead!

Amish Ed
You can't catch it again if it's dead!