Saltie Bass

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Everybody knows that the first full moon in Feb. is the time to start fishing for spawning Bass. They like to come up and wiggle in the reeds and they get really stupid. Don't forget though, The Spotted Bay Bass in the local bays follow the same schedule. Yesterday I hit Newport Bay for a fantastic trip. It all began at my buddy Bobs' house at 36th street in Newport. After a six-beer meeting we launched our tubes on the out-going tide just down the street from his place. Drifting at a pretty good clip we threw Baby Bass colored Super Stretchys for thirty Bass in about four hours. All 'keeper' sized fish with a few Bay Groupers (18 inches and over) for good measure. Bob was fumbling with his phone when his rod jumped from between his legs, he snatched it mid-air and was tied to 'Big Lou'. Around and around he went as the fish switched directions and hugged the bottom. We figured Halibut or a Shovelnose Shark. A glimpse of the fish and Bob was saying White Seabass. As I kicked in to check out the fish, a huge Spotfin Croaker swam right under me. That was Bobs fish and he landed the jackpot fish of the day. We didn't weigh it or have a camera at the time but I figure around six pounds.Tough fish that looks much larger than it is because of a high arching profile. On the whole a great way to start my saltwater season.
Keeper Barricuda have invaded Dana Point Harbor but they are having a tough time landing them. I can't wait to try. I think we might hit Newport again before I leave for Denver. Maybe we all should hit Newport, plenty of fish and it's FREE.
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