IMA HEAVY SURFER: This minnow is 4inches long and weighs 1 oz. The action is similar to that of a small iron such as the Tady A1.Great bait to cover the different water columns alongside the kelp. Smaller profile and the ability to fish the bait slowly and at depth is very beneficial if the fish are finicky or sluggish or if the water is cold.

DEPS BALISONG MINNOW: This is a larger profile bait with measurements of 5.5inches long and 1 oz in weight. The Balisong Minnow is slow floating and is designed to produce a fast body roll and is real effective because of its flash. They have an excellent real foil finish color lineup. They are equipped with 3 #4 owner black chrome hooks.

IMA SASUKE: The Sasuke is by far one of our favorites because of its ease of use and productiveness. The head design is slanted in shape and acts like the lures lip causing it to roll and vibrate tightly and frantically on the retrieve.

CADENCE, CADENCE, CADENCE

....Jerk Baits, by design, are reaction lures. They blend the best of attracting and triggering properties. Since they resemble the profile of a baitfish, bass will strike readily. The quick action of the jerk, sometimes combined with splash if worked on top, can attract fish from long range. With its many variations, jerk baits can be fished in several situations, depending on the mood of the fish and the particular bait and tactic you use.

....When working jerkbaits, there are 3 general methods in which we fish, (1) Standard jerk and pause, (2) Ripping, and (3) Drawing. No one method out produces the other. Rather, it's imperative to let the bass dictate how they want the presentation. Pay close attention to your retrieve methods and don't be afraid to experiment.

Standard: To work a jerkbait correctly, one must fish the bait on a semi-slack line. By fishing the bait on a semi-slack line, you allow the rod tip to attain almost top speed before the line tightens and moves the bait. This tip speed allows the bait to "instantly" move from a dead stop much like a baitfish floors it from 0 to 60 when spooked. Cast your bait, and begin with a few reel cranks in order to get the bait down to the depth that you want to work your bait. We generally start retrieving the lure using a single long stroke, followed by two or three short jerks, and a pause of the lure. This process is repeated till the lure is all the way to the boat. Many times, a strike will occur in relatively short distance away from the boat. If you see a bass following the bait but refusing to strike then you will need to change your retrieve speed. Most of the time in clear water, you will see followers that turn away. It means you are working the bait too slow.

Ripping: Ripping is a great method to employ when fish are active. Plus, it's a method which allows the angler to cover tons of water. Ripping generally involves a bit larger of a jerkbait, preferably something in the 120 or 130mm length. Similar to the standard retrieve, ripping is simply done at a faster pace, with a shorter pause. Generally, we make longer sweeps with the rod, with short quick jerk intermittently throw in. There is no need to worry about maintaining slack in the line with this presentation. This is a big fish technique, thus the heavier tackle required, and strikes are generally violent.

Drawing: This tactic is generally used when the bass are not that active or the water has recently rolled over. Again, start with a few cranks of the reel to allow the bait to reach its depth. Once at the depth you wish to work, you begin by dragging the rod tip along slowly in order to feel the bait faintly wiggle in the rod tip. There is no jerking or ripping involve. You simply drag the bait a few feet and let it sit with slack line for as long as you can. Most of your strikes will occur while the bait is sitting, or on the begging of the drag after an extended pause.

....Since jerkbaits have exposed hooks, snags are inevitable. When snagged, try giving the bait some line. Many times the lure will free itself from whatever it is snagged on. Numerous bass have been caught right after a bait is freed from a snag.

Warm Water + Structure = Calicos!

....It can't be emphasized enough, how much structure plays an important role in saltwater bass fishing. Bass are very structure orientated fish, especially calico bass. Luckily, for those of us who live in Southern California, we're blessed with a coastline dotted with boiler rocks, kelp stringers, and shallow water reefs. From San Diego to Santa Barbara, each area presents itself with challenges waiting to be tamed by those willing to take the risk and fish tight to structure.