Beach to Ocean https://beachtoocean.com Like minded anglers sharing the dream Thu, 09 Jul 2020 23:15:04 +0000 en-US hourly 1 https://wordpress.org/?v=5.1.6 https://beachtoocean.com/wp-content/uploads/2018/12/cropped-b2o-3-32x32.png Beach to Ocean https://beachtoocean.com 32 32 Drone Fishing – Big Game Fishing From Shore! https://beachtoocean.com/drone-fishing-big-game-fishing-from-shore/ Tue, 12 Mar 2019 17:34:47 +0000 http://beachtoocean.com/?p=991     If you’re a tech nerd like I am your always looking at new gadgets and technology that can improve some part of your life but it’s been a while since technology has helped or improved the surf angler. Actually I personally can’t remember a piece of technology in the past 10 years that’s […]

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    If you’re a tech nerd like I am your always looking at new gadgets and technology that can improve some part of your life but it’s been a while since technology has helped or improved the surf angler. Actually I personally can’t remember a piece of technology in the past 10 years that’s improved surf fishing like the drone has!

 

drone fishing

    There are many different species you can target from our local California beaches that require very little casting distance in order for you to hook up, but for the land based shark fishing angler (LBSF) distance is king! You can get away fishing the breakwater or skinny water for rays and leopards but if you’re after the big toothy critters then getting your bait past the breakers is paramount.

    In the past LBSF anglers have come up with creative ways to get their baits out far, everything from kayaking their bait out or paddling it out on a surfboard. I’ve even seen some guys use a home made PVC bait cannon that shoots their bait out past the surf. Even though these methods are creative and for the most part work decently, nothing beats the ease, efficiency and speed of drone bait drops!

Drone Fishing - The DJI Phantom 3 pro

drone fishing

    We have been using our drone to fly are baits out 200-300 yards and our small investment in a drone has been paying massive, toothy dividends! We’ve landed countless seven-gill sharks, soupfin sharks and one hook up to a massive pissed off thresher shark that spit the hook after a 30-minute battle! These species have been impossible for us to target before we had our DJI Phantom 3!

    The DJI Phantom 3 is our go to drone for drone fishing, the video, control and performance has been incredible! The DJI 3 shoots an impressive 4K video with 30 frames per second and captures 12 megapixel photos.

    The controller allows you to connect your smartphone (Android and iOS compatible) that will then project a live 720p HD view of your camera as you fly the drone, perfect for accurate bait drops.

    The DJI 3 also has a killer feature that is very useful out on the sand, the GPS function. It allows you to track the routes and pinpoint locations of your bait drops so you can continually drop in successful areas. The flight time is limited to 23 mins per battery this is why we recommend purchasing a few batteries to have on hand when you’re out on the sand.

 

DJI Phantom 3 Pro

Rating: 98/100

Budget: $$$

Price & Info  

 

 

 

drone fishing
drone fishing

   Easy Functionality

    The DJI 3 was easy to learn, we watched a couple YouTube tutorials online and we where comfortable enough to start fishing within 30 min of test flights. We made a home made bait dropping system but there are a few companies that have fabricated bait dropping systems that are compatible with the DJI drones.

    The most popular being the Gannet Bait Release system (links below), they can be a little pricey so we chose to make our own bait release system. There are a ton of video tutorials online that show you how to do it for free, will leave our favorite video in a link below.

    Drone fishing is now a massive part of our fishing arsenal and an absolute blast, make sure you’re rigged correctly if you are going to be shark fishing via drone. These big boys out in the deeper water don’t mess around and you don’t want to bring a knife to a gun fight once you hook into one of these fish.

 

DIY Bait Release – https://youtu.be/A6ir_kCEpGI

 Gannet Bait Release – https://dronefishing.com

 

shark fishing
shark fishing rod

 

 

 

 

 

 

  Now that your drones ready to fly, make sure you have the right stick to pull with! Don’t be out gunned when fighting a massive shark, here are our top shark fishing rods! 

-Click Here For More Info-

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]]> Baits Made By Anglers For Anglers! Local Cali Talent! https://beachtoocean.com/homemade-swimbaits/ Fri, 22 Feb 2019 00:26:14 +0000 http://beachtoocean.com/?p=950     We have been reviewing some well-known brands and companies recently and wanted to change it up. This article is a shout out to the amazing talent here in California! With the amount of local talent and craftsmanship in the California fishing scene it’s hard to choose a favorite, below is a list of […]

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    We have been reviewing some well-known brands and companies recently and wanted to change it up. This article is a shout out to the amazing talent here in California! With the amount of local talent and craftsmanship in the California fishing scene it’s hard to choose a favorite, below is a list of just a few of the many high quality baits available.

    Do yourself a favor and give one of the local guys a chance before buying that big brand product, you might be surprised on how lethal their artificial baits are! Also, if you or someone you know has a killer product you’d like us to take a look at feel free to email us or DM us on Instagram! IG: @BeachToOcean

the local pros

snapdown swimbaits
snapdown swimbaits

Snapdown Swimbaits-

    A small company out of Oxnard California that’s coming out with some innovative and new products. A cool story of entrepreneurship, what started out as a school project for his son turned into something that is killing the local scene. Snapdown swimbaits have been producing some top notch swimbaits, tubes and surface irons since 2017!

    Only a few years old Snapdown is in the beginning stages of staking out a claim in their local swimbait scene. They have some creative color schemes and swimbaits that look lethal. We cant wait for the season to kickoff so we can put these baits to the test, especially those bitchin’ surface irons!

    Also, Snapdown let us know of a new prototype thats in the works and it looks insane! The Skwidoo 23, remember the name, it looks like it gets bit!

Check them out at:

 www.snapdownswimbaits.com or on Insta- @snapdown.swimbaits

Wackem Baits-

    Wackem Baits is a local company based out of Orange County with some really unique baits that we can’t wait to try out! They have three specialty baits called the Dub Grub, the Mini Splitz and the Fish Stix.

    They come in a variety of different sizes and color schemes; they even have them in mini for trout and other smaller fish. These plastics are said to be lethal in the bays and kelp line targeting an assortment of bass.

    The Dub Grubs are their best sellers and you can see why, great design paired with some killer color schemes. Passionate anglers making some great baits, this ones on our list for sure.

Check them out at:

www.WackemBaits.com or on Insta- @Wackem_Baits

 

wackem baits
wackem baits
perchcrack tshirt
perch crack bait

Perch Crack-

    A San Diego based company that is pumping out some cool surf fishing baits! If you’ve been following us you know how obsessed we are with surf fishing and Perch Crack has a great bait that slays in the surf.

    The motor oil bait is their best selling color and it’s lethal when fishing for surf perch! They also got some rad t-shirts, I’m thinking of buying the “Bruh” t-shirt and gifting it to a friend of mine that cant cast a baitcaster for sh**! You know who you are! lol

    Perch Crack is a dope local company that has a great alternative to the big brand baits.

Check them out at:

 www.PerchCrack.com or on Insta- @perchcrack

Speedbaits-

    Another local artificial bait that has some pretty killer products! Speedbaits is located out of Arcadia California and they have some interesting plastics that look super fishy!

    If you read our last post about tube baits you know we are huge fans of tubes and we’re a little obsessed now. Well Speedbaits has a great tube bait of their own, the “slugs”. The Slugs are a mean looking bait with some crazy looking color schemes! They have 2.25” to 4” slugs and a variety of different swimbaits.

    They are becoming one of the better known baits in their local area and hopefully will continue to produce some killer Speedbaits!

Check them out at:

www.SpeedBaits.com or on Insta- @Speedbaits

speedboats swimbait
speedbaits
best baitcasting reel daiwa lexa

What are the best reels to cast out these bad ass baits with??? Baitcasters! 

Click here for a review on some dope baitcasting reels! 

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]]> The Swimbait & Tube Bait – California Angler Must Have https://beachtoocean.com/swimbait-tube-bait/ Mon, 11 Feb 2019 22:12:57 +0000 http://beachtoocean.com/?p=883     Swimbait Fishing     A deep part of Californias fishing community and culture, the swimbait is an essential part of the Cali Anglers arsenal. It isn’t unusual to come across a group of anglers that have the down low on a new swimbait that’s producing the hot bite! It seems nowadays everyone knows […]

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    Swimbait Fishing

    A deep part of Californias fishing community and culture, the swimbait is an essential part of the Cali Anglers arsenal. It isn’t unusual to come across a group of anglers that have the down low on a new swimbait that’s producing the hot bite! It seems nowadays everyone knows someone who’s pouring homemade plastic swimbaits in their garage that’s the next best thing!

    I have to admit there is a great sense of camaraderie and pride when you and your friends spend a Friday night pouring swimbaits and knocking back a few cold ones while making your own swimbaits. The best part is the next day fishing your homemade bait and it actually produces, be it spotted bay bass or calicos it’s a great feeling!

Local Pros-

    But lets be honest, they’re a lot of work and if your molds aren’t right or the mixtures don’t set it can be a big pain in the rear. I’ve learned over the years something’s are better left to the pros. And by pros that doesn’t necessarily mean large companies. There are quite a few small operations in California that are making some bitchin’ baits. These guys have mastered the craft and truly have a passion for what they do. At the end of this article we will leave a list of a few of our favorite local swimbait and tube baits. 

Swimbait Options

Catalina island fishing bait

   Big Hammer Swimbait

    Even if you are new to fishing odds are you’ve heard of Big Hammer Swimbait, they have been producing high quality swimbaits since 1993 and are one of the leading manufacturers in the industry. They have a great product that has caught us many fish in the past, including our personal best 25lb lingcod! We recommend them for rock fishing to bass fishing, even tuna fishing if the bite is on!

Rating: 95/100

Budget: $ $

-PRICE & INFO-

   Keitech Swimbait

    Originally a product and company that was started in Japan back in 1996. Keitech quickly grew to an international brand all the while producing some solid swimbaits that catch fish! What we really like about Keitech is the no-lead tungsten design and biodegradable plastics that limit our environmental footprint. Especially when rock fishing I have snagged so many swimbaits and lost for them to the ocean.

    As fisherman we are obsessed with the ocean and our passion is tied to the ocean. This product allows us to slay on the water all the while doing its part to preserve the ocean. That is a plus in our book. A great swimbait that works just as well as the Big Hammer brand, we highly recommend them to anyone looking to get into swimbait fishing.

Rating: 95.5/100

Budget: $

-PRICE & INFO-

swimbait

The Tube Bait A Blast From The Past!

    California ocean anglers are seeing an old bait making a comeback and name for itself in the local bite! We are seeing a couple new companies popping up and producing what used to be a really popular plastic bait back in the 80’s. Typically used to target largemouth bass, trout and crappie. Micro versions still are in use today, especially for freshwater anglers.

 

    The Tube Bait 

    Back and here to stay, many self-renowned “tube heads” have been fishing these baits with a massive amount of success. There have been a lot of anglers catching giant white seabass, yellowtail and chunky calico bass too! The tube bait has been a big hit in the California bite and anglers cant get enough of them.

    Literally it’s been catching everything from inshore species to big game fish at the islands. We had to try them out ourselves and yes we are now on the tube train…yup we went there. These baits have been hard to come by and we only got a chance to fish two different companies.  Fortunately for us they happen to be the two bigger producers of tube baits in California (for now).

 

tube bait

    HookUp Baits is a local company out of San Diego that has quickly made a name for itself in a very short amount of time. Only a few years old HUB is a staple tube bait in So Cal and their product speaks for itself. They have a variety of colors and patterns with sizes ranging from 1/32 to 4 oz.

    We tried them out in the bay and had endless bites with the local spotted bay bass. We also tried them out at Catalina Island and we where on fire. Two yellowtail in the 15 lb range and a countless amount of bass and white fish. A solid bait that works really well, our only con is that they are a little on the expensive side.

Website

Rating: 96/100

Budget: $ $ $

    Basstrix has been producing great baits out of Southern California since 1996 and is well know in the industry.  Basstrix used to be all the craze in the early 2000’s, especially in the freshwater bass seen.

    So Cals very own Bruce Porter is the genius behind the designs. Bass Trix Tube Bait II is the name of the new tube bait series they have created. This new bait is boosting Basstrix back into the limelight and for good reason. Basstrix Tube Bait is killing it here in So Cal and we had to give them a try.

A Ghost On A Tube Bait?

    We were one of the fortunate ones to get our hands on the Red Crab color; we pitched that tube bait all day at Anacapa Island and as a result we landed a ton of fish. Shocked when we hooked into our very first white seabass on the red crab tube bait! Because of that we had to make this our new favorite plastic in the tackle box!

     If you know anything about white seabass you know that they are very hard to find yet alone catch and land. Anglers have nicknamed them “ghosts” for a good reason. We also caught chunky calico bass and even rockfish and sandbass on the tube bait. Highly recommend them to anyone looking to try a new bait out on the water.

Website

Rating: 97.5/100

Budget: $ $

tube bait

-Support Your Local Swimbait & Tube Bait Companies –

MC Swimbaits – San Diego, CA

Snap Down Swimbaits – Ventura, CA

Ultra Light Heavy Weights – Southern California 

Redrum Baits – San Diego, CA

    You can purchase most of these baits at your local tackle shops. The tube baits from Basstrix and HookUp Baits are tough to find but a little leg work and I’m sure you can find them.

 

best baitcasting reel Okuma Komodo

Whats the best reel to cast out your swimbaits!? Baitcasters!

Click here for a list of some bad ass baitcasting reels! 

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]]> Swimbait Rod- A key for successful swimbait fishing https://beachtoocean.com/swimbait-rods/ Fri, 08 Feb 2019 22:29:34 +0000 http://beachtoocean.com/?p=859     One of the more lethal artificial baits a California angler can have in their tackle box is the Swimbait. A versatile bait that can be used in many different scenarios from fresh water to saltwater, from rockfish to calico bass! The swimbaits hookup ratio can be improved by a multitude of different ways. […]

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    One of the more lethal artificial baits a California angler can have in their tackle box is the Swimbait. A versatile bait that can be used in many different scenarios from fresh water to saltwater, from rockfish to calico bass! The swimbaits hookup ratio can be improved by a multitude of different ways. From the swimbaits length and color to the speed of its retrieval. Anglers will switch out dozens of different colors and sizes looking for that bite. Even change the style of their retrieval from a fast wind back, to a slow retrieve with a couple twitches in between.

    But the seasoned swimbait angler doesn’t just think of the presentation of the swimbait but the whole package. From the conditions, reel, line, hook and rod! Having the right gear when pitching swimbaits can be the difference between a successful day on the water or a big fat skunk! In this review we will be discussing our favorite rods specifically for swimbait fishing.

Our top picks!

swimbait rod
Dobyns Rods Fury Series

    Lets start out with the lower end of the spectrum but with the quality still up to par, the Dobyns Rods Fury Series. A sensitive light rod that is perfect for swimbait pitching at a reasonable price. Made of a graphite blank and equipped with a Fuji reel seat with Kevlar wrapping, this rod also has an AA grade cork grip for comfort and longevity. The fast action model works great in the 8lb-17lb class and has enough back bone for quick hook sets but sensitivity to really feel the swimbait paddle through the water column. The Dobyns Fury series is a great swimbait rod that works well for the angler on a budget.

Budget: $

Rating: 92.5/100

-Prices & Details-

Abu Garcia Fantasista

    If you frequent our site you know we love Abu Garcia and the products they have to offer. The Abu Garcia Fantasista Premier is no exception, we fished this bad boy all day for spotted bay bass and even halibut and this rod worked like a charm.

    The 7ft medium heavy is made of 24-ton carbon fiber graphite made this one super lightweight swimbait rod. The EVA power grip was comfortable and provided a comfortable grip even when wet. We used a heavy 40lb braid backing on this rod and the titanium oxide stainless steel guides held up to the job with ease. The guides show no signs of line abrasion and we have been fishing it for 7 months now. The only con we have for this rod is that it is one piece, so if you don’t have a large car or travel a lot it can be a little difficult. As for fishing, its amazing. We highly recommend the Fantasista and it’s definltey worth the price tag.

Budget: $ $ $

Rating: 96.5/100

-Prices & Details-

swimbait rod
swimbait rod
Okuma SBX

    The Okuma SBX is a great swimbait rod with a lot of high end finishes but at a medium range cost. The SBX is made of 24/30 Ton ultra responsive carbon blank with Okumas unidirectional fiber reinforced rod tip. The guides are the Zeus premium series made of titanium and are said to be 43% lighter then stainless steel guides. Equipped with a Fuji trigger reel seat and an impressive limited lifetime warranty. We like this rod and all the extras on it with the mid range price tag make this one of our favorites. Highly recommended and no cons to report for this rod, take a look and see for yourself.

Budget: $ $

Rating:95/100

-Prices & Details-

Phenix M1

    We love Phenix Rods and have a few of their models in our arsenal, we have also reviewed a few other rods from Phenix before, click here if you haven’t seen it already. The M1 is another great model by Phenix, specifically the Medium Light model. Made of carbon fiber nanotube technology the M1 has great strength and sensitivity for guide your swimbait through structure and strong hook sets. The M1 is equipped with EVA grips and Phenix designed reel seat, at a mid range price this rod has everything you need for a successful day of swimbait pitching.

Budget: $ $

Rating:96/100

-Prices & Details-

swimbait rod
surf fishing California

Click here for our rod reviews specifically for surf fishing! 

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]]> Best Baitcasting Reel for Surf and Ocean! https://beachtoocean.com/best-baitcasting-reel/ Thu, 31 Jan 2019 21:01:56 +0000 http://beachtoocean.com/?p=788 Abu Garcia Revo SX    Abu Gacia has been pumping out great reels for many years and the Revo SX is no exception to that. Arguably the best baitcasting reel for the money, the SX goes above and beyond. Because of the 9 stainless steel ball bearings plus one roller bearing the smoothness and easy operation […]

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Abu Garcia Revo SX

best baitcasting reel Abu Garcia

   Abu Gacia has been pumping out great reels for many years and the Revo SX is no exception to that. Arguably the best baitcasting reel for the money, the SX goes above and beyond. Because of the 9 stainless steel ball bearings plus one roller bearing the smoothness and easy operation of the reel are incredible. As well as C6 carbon side-plates that add strength and weight reduction. A strong drag for its class, with a max drag setting of 24lbs! Because of the inexpensive price and many features the Revo SX is a great reel. This reel can be used against saltwater bass, bonita, barracuda and it works just as well in freshwater. Because of all this we highly recommend the Revo SX!

Budget: $

Rating: 95/100

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Okuma Komodo SS KDS-471P

best baitcasting reel Okuma Komodo

    The Okuma Komodo SS is one strong and durable baitcasting reel. The SS stands for Stainless Steel because of the fact that the main gear, drive shaft, spool shaft and pinion gear all made of stainless steel.  Therefore the quality and strength of the reel also extend into its components. They are all made of high grade machined aluminum. Seven stainless steel high performance ball bearings add to the smoothness and corrosion resistance. Synchronized level wind aids a smooth and even line distribution on your spool. An impressive 37.5” line retrieval per-crank and a run stopping max drag of 30lbs makes this one of the best baitcasting reel on the market.

Budget: $ $ $

Rating: 96/100

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Daiwa Lexa CC 300H

best baitcasting reel daiwa lexa

   Daiwa Lexa is a good and reliable baitcasting reel and the Lexa CC 400 series has all the bells and whistles accounted for. The Lexa CC 400 is equipped with 7 corrosion resistant ball bearings with a centrifugal brake system and a 25lb max drag. Therefore adding to the longevity and durability to the reel life and performance. Made of a high quality aluminum frame and side plate for extra strength. The Lexa 400 CC has a high capacity spool that can accommodate 245 yards of 17lb mono or 300 yards of 55lb mono. Because of this the Lexa CC is an all around positive baitcasting reel that can be used in many scenarios from freshwater to saltwater.

Budget: $ $ ½

Rating: 93/100

-SHOP NOW-

OKUMA HELIOS TCS HTC-273

best baitcasting reel

   Another great reel from Okuma, the Helios TCS can be implemented in many scenarios from calico bass fishing to corbina fishing in the surf. One of the best baitcasting reel at a reasonable price. The Helios TCS is equipped with a centrifugal braking system that can be adjusted. Because of this the angler has more control and customizability with casting and control.

   Another nice feature on the Helios is the zirconium line guide inserts on the level wind. This protects the level wind from abrasion from casting heavy braided line therefore adding to the longevity of the reel life. The ALC Rigid die cast aluminum frame and side plates also add to the durability and longevity of the reel. An impressive 9 ball bearings are included in the drive system with a multi disc carbonite drag system. The drag system has a total of 14lbs of stopping power. Carbon fiber handle with comfortable EVA foam grip makes for a smooth and enjoyable reel.

Budget: $ $

Rating: 89/100

-SHOP NOW-

 

One of the best spots for baitcsating reels…Catalina Island! 

Click here to see what species of fish are the most fun on baitcasting reels! 

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]]> Phenix Rods – Saltwater Slayer! https://beachtoocean.com/phenix-rods-saltwater-slayer/ Thu, 24 Jan 2019 23:03:21 +0000 http://beachtoocean.com/?p=720 Phenix Rods have been producing some of the highest quality fishing rods on the market for many years. Phenix has a mass variety from freshwater to saltwater, heavy rods to finesse rods. Since we have not personally used their freshwater rods we will keep our review focused on their saltwater series. Specifically the Phenix Black Diamond […]

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Phenix Rods have been producing some of the highest quality fishing rods on the market for many years. Phenix has a mass variety from freshwater to saltwater, heavy rods to finesse rods. Since we have not personally used their freshwater rods we will keep our review focused on their saltwater series. Specifically the Phenix Black Diamond Series! For many years we used the original Black Diamond Phenix Rods with positive results. We’ve landed a variety of big game fish from tuna to yellowtail with no issues. Then we switched over to the Black Diamond Hybrid and we haven’t looked back since.

Phenix Rods

Phenix Rods Black Diamond Hybrid

Phenix Rods hybrid

The Hybrid is in a class of its own, mind you the price tag is in the higher end of the spectrum. But if you’re doing some trophy fishing you don’t want to be outgunned when fighting the fish of a lifetime. The first fishing rod that’s a fully woven carbon fiber blank, Phenix Rods uses a blend of materials that is used in the aerospace and automotive industry! The Hybrid is a super strong rod and at the same time very lightweight with great action. Equipped with a premium Fuji BHNNG Silicon Nitrade II and an all aluminum ALPS reel seat!

Rating: 98/100

Budget: $ $ $

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Phenix Rods Axis 

The Axis series by Phenix is another great product from Phenix but at a more affordable price. If you’re looking for a high quality rod that can put the wood to strong pulling fish the Axis works like a charm. Unlike the Hybrid the Axis series is made of a composite blend of S-Glass and T-16 Carbon Fiber with a multi-helix design. This allows the rod to be lightweight with a thinner diameter. Even with a thinner diameter the rod has plenty of backbone. The Axis series is a great quality rod that we recommend to novice and pro anglers alike. This rod was used to catch my first bull dorado out of H&M Landing some years ago, you won’t be disappointed. 

Rating: 93/100

Busget: $ $

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Pair Your Phenix Rods With A Prime Fishing Reel! 

Click here to see what reels pair best with the Phenix Rods mentioned above! 

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]]> Shimano Trinidad -Trophy Fishing https://beachtoocean.com/shimano-trinidad-trophy-fishing/ Mon, 21 Jan 2019 18:53:00 +0000 http://beachtoocean.com/?p=660   One of our favorite big game reels has to be the Shimano Trinidad series. This reel has landed some of our biggest game fish from Blue Marlin to big Pacific Bluefin Tuna. Many factors come into play when trophy fishing in the Pacific. From having the right captain, crew, conditions and gear are all crucial for […]

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  One of our favorite big game reels has to be the Shimano Trinidad series. This reel has landed some of our biggest game fish from Blue Marlin to big Pacific Bluefin Tuna. Many factors come into play when trophy fishing in the Pacific. From having the right captain, crew, conditions and gear are all crucial for a successful trip.

Having the right gear makes all the difference!

shimano trinidad

   There are many fishing scenarios that you can getaway with using lower grade tackle but trophy fishing isn’t one of them. Bringing a knife to a gunfight can be the difference between landing the fish of your dreams or going home defeated. If you invest in the right gear it will pay dividends when fighting these powerful and cunning fish. There are many high grade reels on the market that work great for big game fishing. We have had the pleasure in using a multitude of reels but we keep coming back to the Trinidad series. 

The Shimano Trinidad, specifically the Trinidad 30A is our go to reel when targeting anything 150 lbs. or more. Be it Bluefin Tuna, Wahoo or Marlin this reel gets the job done. The specs on this reel are great, 25lbs of max drag force with 8 ball bearings. The Trinidad has an impressive 46-inch retrieve per crank with a high efficiency gearing system. The HEG X-ship system adds power and smoothness to the fight with a Super Free free spool for greater castability.

shimano trinidad series

The Shimano Trinidad was designed to be smaller, lighter and more compact in comparison to the competition. Shimanos goal was to create a lighter more compact casting reel that can perform at an easier and higher level for the angler. Compatible with monofilament, fluorocarbon and power pro braided line. The high capacity spool holds plenty of line for long runs and fights. 

The Shimano Trinidad is available in variety of sizes from the 10A to the 30A. All of them are high efficiency reels that would be a great addition to your fishing arsenal.

Price Range- $$-$$$

Rating-98.5/100

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Not ready for trophy fishing?

It’s all good, click here to learn a cheap and fun way to fight big game fish from shore!

 Practice on sharks and rays, aka Mud Marlins!

Click here for gear recommendations. Tight lines! 

shark fishing

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]]> Catalina Island Fishing – Calico Bass https://beachtoocean.com/catalina-island-fishing-calico-bass/ Wed, 16 Jan 2019 21:46:41 +0000 http://beachtoocean.com/?p=633    Nothing symbolizes Southern California fishing better then Catalina Island. A true staple in the Southern California bight. Catalina Island fishing grounds are one of the most beautiful and healthy fishing grounds off the California coast. From Yellowtail, rockfish and Seabass the variety of species is incredible. One of our all time favorites to target at […]

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   Nothing symbolizes Southern California fishing better then Catalina Island. A true staple in the Southern California bight. Catalina Island fishing grounds are one of the most beautiful and healthy fishing grounds off the California coast. From Yellowtail, rockfish and Seabass the variety of species is incredible. One of our all time favorites to target at Catalina Island is the beautiful Calico Bass! An all around bitchin’ fish to target in the kelp, rocks or near the beach. The Calico Bass should definitely be on your fish bucket list.

  Catalina Island fishing can be a little tricky if not geared up correctly. There are tons of different theories, techniques and ideas circulating on how to catch these fish. There is no right or wrong way, try different methods and see what works best for you.

  We personally prefer a medium light rod, a baitcaster reel, heavy braid and a 5”-6” swimbait! Pitch that swimbait into the kelp, rip it back and hold on. Oh…and having your buddy pitch his swimbait to the followers and getting a double hook up is even sweeter!

 Calico Followers

   For those of you who aren’t familiar with the term “followers”, when you hook a Calico Bass often times a pack of following bass will chase the hooked fish to the boat. The commotion and action of the hooked fish sets off almost a feeding frenzy like reaction with the other fish. So if you or your buddies are hooked into a Calico, pitch out another swimbait and be ready for that double hook up!

the set up

Catalina island fishing

  For us, nothing beats throwing plastics into the kelp and swimming them back. And for this application having the right gear pays dividends.  Our go to set up is the Phenix Bass Recon Elite Bait Casting Rod!

 An absolute beast of a rod that has the fast action needed when fishing swimbaits through heavy kelp. We pair this rod with the Shimano Tranx 301AHG! Combined this outfit makes for one lethal set up in the arsenal! 

THE SHIMANO TRANX

  A low profile but powerful baitcasting reel with an all metal frame. The Tranx 301 eats up 40 inches of line with each crank and comes with a fish stopping max drag of 18lbs.  Equipped with Shimanos coreprotect water resistant tech that will protect your reel in the harshest of elements and provides long lasting performance. We love this reel and is worth the price tag, you wont be disappointed.

Rating: 95.5/100

Budget: $ $

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shimano trans fishing reel
Catalina island fishing

PHENIX BASS RECON ELITE

   A fantastic bait casting rod, especially when your Catalina Island fishing for Calico Bass. Made of premium T36 ton carbon fiber material the Bass Recon Elite series from Phenix works like a charm when whipping big swimbaits into kelp. The Medium/Light model with the Essex T-Ring carbide guides enhance casting, distance and smooth retrieves.  EVA grips allow you to fish this rod all day in comfort, Phenix is a fantastic company and one of our favorite fishing rods is the Bass Recon Elite. 

Rating: 93/100

Budget: $ $

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WARBAITS JIG HEADS

  One of our favorite jig heads on the market and the best part is there a local company out of San Diego! The Warbaits Weedless Swimbait Swim Jig is designed and made for targeting bass in Southern California. We love the 1-¼ oz. to 2 oz. sizes when throwing into kelp. You wont be disappointed with this product, we’ve been using Warbaits for years with no complaints.

Rating: 96/100

Budget: $

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Catalina island fishing
Catalina island fishing bait

BIG HAMMER SWIMBAITS

  To tie this outfit all together is the swimbait. Swimbaits are a dime a dozen and the market is saturated with so many different options. We’ve tried a lot of them and there are many great companies out there pumping out quality swimbaits but for this particular scenario we stick to Big Hammer. Throw on a 6inch Big Hammer Swimbait with the Warbaits jig head and you will be in the bight in no time.

Rating: 91/100

Budget: $

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Here are some more Phenix Rods that can put the wood to some Catalina Island fish! 

Click here, for a review on some top Phenix Rods! 

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]]> Fishing Backpack https://beachtoocean.com/fishing-backpack/ Tue, 15 Jan 2019 19:08:11 +0000 http://beachtoocean.com/?p=620 Piscifun Fishing Tackle Backpack  One of the nicer tackle backpacks on the market, with a ton of bells and whistles. On the mid to higher end of the budget but reliable and customizable to your liking. This backpack comes with a total of 11 large storage compartments that can be modified and customized. The tackle […]

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Piscifun Fishing Tackle Backpack

fishing backpack

 One of the nicer tackle backpacks on the market, with a ton of bells and whistles. On the mid to higher end of the budget but reliable and customizable to your liking. This backpack comes with a total of 11 large storage compartments that can be modified and customized. The tackle box compartment is large enough to fit 4 tackle trays that are included with the backpack.

 Equipped with a protective rain cover built in to add an extra layer of protection against the elements. This fishing backpack has a lot of great uses and one of our favorites is the adjustable main compartment with movable clapboard. This allowed us to customize our main compartment for different scenarios, be it shark fishing, bass fishing and so on. Each fishing session is different and depending on your target species the amount of gear you bring along changes. All around a great fishing backpack and we highly recommend it.

Price Range- $$$

Rating- 98/100

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Spiderwire Fishing Tackle Backpack

fishing backpack by spidrewire

From the makers of Spiderwire fishing line and braided line is the Spiderwire Tackle Backpack. In the low to mid-budget range this fishing backpack includes the medium sized tackle trays and plenty of storage for you fishing sessions. With a total of 3 separate inner compartments and a foam molded sunglass case this bag has plenty of storage for a full day of fishing. 100% polyster makes this a durable and all weather backpack, perfect for fishing in rough weather. A nice feature we like on this bag is the fishing rod holder for hands free travel when hunting down your next secret spot. Good fishing backpack at a reasonable price.

Price Range-$

Rating- 85/100

 

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lixada fishing tackle backpack

In the mid to lower end of the budget but a reasonable backpack. Much smaller then the other two backpacks mentioned above but its economical and functional. Equipped with one large storage area with a removable divider to customize into one large storage space or two medium sized compartments. We would not recommend this backpack for a full day trip, this would be a quick session backpack that you can keep in your car or boat. Water resistant with an anti-scratch bottom that can hold up to some weather but would not recommend it for multi-day trips out on the water. A good bag for its price, recommend to anglers that are just getting into the sport of fishing.

Price Range-$

Rating- 70/100

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]]> Top Shark Fishing Rod https://beachtoocean.com/shark-fishing-rod/ Fri, 11 Jan 2019 01:50:25 +0000 http://beachtoocean.com/?p=581 PENN PREVAIL SURF SPINNING ROD One of our favorite rods on the market that can be used in many different scenarios from jig slinging to shark fishing. The 12ft surf rod is made of two graphite composite blanks with stainless steel aluminum oxide guides. Like many of Penn’s rods the Prevail comes with a DPS […]

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PENN PREVAIL SURF SPINNING ROD

shark fishing rod

One of our favorite rods on the market that can be used in many different scenarios from jig slinging to shark fishing. The 12ft surf rod is made of two graphite composite blanks with stainless steel aluminum oxide guides. Like many of Penn’s rods the Prevail comes with a DPS reel seat with a stainless steel hood. Great for a strong connection and sensitivity to the rod. We highly recommend the Penn Prevail and is one of our go to shark fishing rod.

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Okuma Longitude Shark Fishing Rod

okuma shark fishing rod

The Longitude series from Okuma does not disappoint. A good shark fishing rod that can withstand powerful head-shakes and drag ripping runs. 12ft tall and made of high density graphite composite blanks. Equipped with large double footed aluminum oxide guides. A nice feature to see on a heavy surf rod is the traditional cork handles. The cork holds up well in the saltwater. A graphite reel seat with padded EVA cushions on either side adds comfort and sensitivity. A nice touch for when you’re fighting a large shark. Another nice feature is the Pac Bay rubber butt caps at the end of the rod. This helps prevent slippage when fighting a large fish. The Okuma Longitude is a great rod and will work well in the surf.

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Daiwa SeaLine Shark Fishing Rod

shark fishing rod daiwa sealine

The SeaLine series from Daiwa is a great shark fishing rod, standing at 15ft tall with a medium heavy action. It puts the wood to those toothy fish. Made from a graphite composite blank, this rod is lightweight but at the same time strong with a sturdy backbone. This allows the angler more leverage to pull on heavy fish, like rays and sharks. Strong and smooth aluminum oxide guides hold up to heavy braided line. Also equipped with a graphite reel seat and EVA foam grips. Comfort and sensitivity work hand in hand with this rod. We have no complaints with SeaLine and would recommend it to anyone who wants to hook into a big shark.

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