Jig heads - Light vs. Heavy (Catalina Island)

[Geronimo21]

I'm putting tackle together for a trip to Catalina August 6-10 and looking for some advice.

I've got three rod/reel set-ups:

UC 7' (30-50 lb.) w/ Avet MXL raptor - 60 lb. white 8-strand
UC 6' (40-80 lb.) w/ Avet HX raptor - 80 lb. white 8-strand
Toro Tamer 4-piece 9' surf rod 30-50 lb. w/ Lexa 300...not picked up and not spooled yet....

I bought the set ups for Baja and think I'm overgunned for Catalina, but that's what I have and am wanting to work with it...was going to use the MXL on the surf rod in Baja, but decided to buy the Lexa to complete the 3 rod setup and have more of a top-water/bass rod for Catalina and shore fishing on island and elsewhere...

Now to the tackle part...

I've got a slew of iron jigs...light and heavy in a pretty good assortment of colors, X-Rap 30s, but I feel like I'm light on lead heads, swimbaits, etc.

I was thinking about picking up some Warbaits and have been advised to get 1 oz. head w/ 5" swimbaits...

Here's my issue...I've got what I feel is oversized gear and am concerned that I won't be able to cast well with only 1 oz heads.... I feel like 2 oz. and even 3 oz. would be easier to cast...

A few questions:

1. Are there any reasons not to go with heaviers jig heads?

2. Has anyone found the "underspin" jig heads to be more productive than those without?

I read about folks using "kelp cutter" rigs going heavy braid and leader...I was thinking of setting the Lexa up that way even though it has minimal capacity and seems more like a 200 real. Any advice on that line of thinking?

I see guys fishing 65# braid and 80# flouro leads for Calico...seems heavy, but pros are doing it...

We'll be fishing a couple days off a 20' private boat...and possibly some shore fishing in between...TIA

 

[Jigslinger]

Pick up a bass/plastics rod. Phenix, Shimano, UC, Okuma etc all have great models. They're more ideal to fish leadheads. You'd want the lightest leadhead you can get away with for the conditions you're fishing. That way it'll sink slowly through the water column to cover as much as possible.

Good luck!

 

[Geronimo21]

Pick up a bass/plastics rod. Phenix, Shimano, UC, Okuma etc all have great models. They're more ideal to fish leadheads. You'd want the lightest leadhead you can get away with for the conditions you're fishing. That way it'll sink slowly through the water column to cover as much as possible.

Good luck!

Thank you! I'm sure I'll pick up a bass/plastics rod at some point soon...just trying to make due with what I've got...budget pretty well maxed with above purchases and want to put the rest into jigs, terminal tackle, bait, etc...

Thanks for the tip on lightest head so that it will sink slowly. I got the visual!

I guess it comes down to how far I'll need/want to cast and wind/current conditions...

If it comes down to a 1 oz. lead head vs. 2 oz...I guess it's a trade off between casting ability and speed of sink...decisions...decisions...

 

[maxpowers]

or use a lighter jig-head and add egg sinkers as needed. a knocker'rig.

 

[Geronimo21]

or use a lighter jig-head and add egg sinkers as needed. a knocker'rig.

Great suggestion! Thank you. Hadn't even thought of that...too mesmerized by all the shiny jigs on Warbaits site...

 

[Geronimo21]

or use a lighter jig-head and add egg sinkers as needed. a knocker'rig.

Do you just let the egg sinkers slide right up to the eye?

 

[pescadito]

The guys that are using the 2 ounce heads are casting and working their swimbaits fast looking for active schools of bass from a bass boat and moving band coving tons of water. If you have that capability, the heavier heads will work fine. If it's not, get some 1/2 and 3/4 ounce heads as well and I agree on the slow fall covering the water column. Lots of times you will get bit on the sink and line will just peel off like you're fishing a live bait. The guys using the 60 pound leaders are fishing deep in the kelp and using the leadhead and swimbait or the weedless swimbait with a trokar or owner beast hook. Tons of pulling power.
You'll get away with 30 pound if that's all you have and fishing on the kelp edge. Don't be afraid to cover water with the iron if that's what you have. Feeding calicoes won't hesitate to eat the iron.

If you're going to fish the knocker rig, let that egg sinker go right up to the leadhead. Only disadvantage is the banging on the knot in case you hook a bigger seabass or yellow, which can happen.

Invest in a swimbait setup, even a cheap one when your funds allow. It's worth the investment. Also for the time being, see if you have a friend you can borrow from for this trip.

 

[HighWildFree]

A jig head with an underspin will sink slower, allowing for a heavier weight.

 

[maxpowers]

You can also use a egg sinker and a weighted worm hook, rigged weedless. You can cast out and burn it back or cast and let the egg sinker pull the swim bait down. Since the egg will be heavier it will sink faster allowing your swim bait to slowly flutter down.

 

[DPevin]

http://www.reebslures.com/

If you are after calicos....nothing is better. Mike will set you up right, don't be afraid to ask him questions. Nicest guy.