Had some time free so with the forecast of small surf, headed down for some tubing. Didn't waste anytime in the boilers but fished deeper hard bottom around some lobster pots in an estimated 40-55 feet of water (no Fishin' Buddy). Almost all bites were on the sink or a redrop. The 4 inch big hammers got bit better than the 5 inch today. tennesee shad just outfished the calico hunter w/ red flake. procure calico cocktail helped lessen the short bites. Ended up with 5 bass (about even mix of both species with the larger ones being sandies to about 1.5 pounds), 2 nice sculpin and 2 macks. Fished 930-1230 and it was gorgeous down there--sunny but crisp air and clean green water.Had a gray whale come by for a visit just inside of me ( I was about 1/4 mile out). all fish released.

i fished Circle Street today, in laguna. we fished from the rocks for one fish on, but lost him. Tryed swimbaits of all different sizes, then switched to mussels and clams for 1 hook up. what am i doing wrong? they said the fishing was supposed to be good too. any idea? i wanna get out there on the tube, maybe thats it. thanks

This time of year is tough for the shallow swimbait bite. Bass don't care to expend the energy to chase a horizontal-moving bait. If the water there is deep enough (30-50 feet--doubtful if fishing from shore) switch to a drop and crank retrieve. As you saw in my report, the bites were on the sink. A vertical sinking lure means the bass don't have to swim for it, they just suck it in as it falls. Cast out and expect a bite on the initial drop. Once it hits bottom, crank it slowy for 5-10 turns and if not bit, freespool the lure til it hits bottom--again, expect a bite on the drop. Repeat until in. I'm not saying there's no shallow fish at this time, just fewer. Many times the fishiest looking rocks hold the bass on a side you can't cast to. Also, the surf has been small recently so the water is clear. This is death to lure fishing as the bass as sulking away for safety. They also get too good a look at your lure. I didn't know Circle had public access, please enlighten.

yea you can just park across the street and walk down. dont trip on the steps. ha. when u get down there u can walk north to anotther cove. its quite nice

Is this the entrance to 1000 steps you are talking about? It sounds like it...if not, is there another one on circle drive itself?

Sean - If you haven't already check out Fongster's article on boiler rock calico fishing here:

http://www.swimbait.com/techniques/calico-fong.htm

The ocean was like a lake today...beautiful sunset too. That is cool about the whale...they are in migration pattern now.

I read these posting often, so is it safe to say that this is a very difficult time to be cathcing anything.

If anyone needs fishing buds in the Laguna area please post. I will be going out on Presidents day. Lets hope the day is as nice as Super Boal Sunday.