Quick report: Central OC Surf Fishing...

[CrabMan]

Just a quick update before I have to start getting my equipment ready for the morning corbina session.

Went down to central Huntington Beach to catch some crabs for bait this evening. Found the water almost 70degrees with a strong wind out of the west. The swell has come up a bit (a very little bit) as it's been too small lately.:(

http://i263.photobucket.com/albums/ii148/bvloans/CONDITIONS071608.jpg

As expected there were lots of crabs. Found several beds packed with every size imaginable and collected a nice assortment of soft and semi-hard shell crabs for fishing corbina on the incoming tide tomorrow morning.

http://i263.photobucket.com/albums/ii148/bvloans/CRABS0907.jpg


Had a few minutes before I had to set off home for other obligations and took the chance to catch a few perch. It was great to see that the big one's were still around and biting on almost every cast.

http://i263.photobucket.com/albums/ii148/bvloans/PERCH10708.jpg

It was tough to fight the wind at times and feel the bite but once you got in the groove you could just feel that you were going to catch something nice.:LOL:

http://i263.photobucket.com/albums/ii148/bvloans/PERCH20708.jpg

The perch just loved the dime sized crabs today.:confused:

Most of the fish were in the 12"-14+" range and put on a good fight considering how warm the water is.

http://i263.photobucket.com/albums/ii148/bvloans/PERCH30708.jpg


Ran back to the car, as I knew I was going to be late--but with the great expectation that tomorrow will be another epic surf fish day!!:ROFL:

[Wingnut]

Thanks for the nice report Bill. Good luck on the Grey Ghost hunt! ;) :D

Love them Perch! :Envious:

[klocked]

Thanks for the report Bill. It's fun to wet a line even went it's only for a very short time.

1 question for you if you don't mind.....

What part of the sand crab do you press on to check for a soft shell?

Every sand crab I've checked seemed to have a hard shell unlike a soda can. :confused:

Thanks,

Klocked

[CrabMan]

Thanks for the report Bill. It's fun to wet a line even went it's only for a very short time.

1 question for you if you don't mind.....

What part of the sand crab do you press on to check for a soft shell?

Every sand crab I've checked seemed to have a hard shell unlike a soda can. :confused:

Thanks,

Klocked

Hey Klocked,
I press on the shell. Sometimes it's hard to find soft crabs and you'll press on a lot of them before you find one that's popcan consistency. It makes it a lot easier using a sand rake because you can collect so many at once--especially if you find a bed balled up on the sand's surface.

When it comes to sand crabs, try the crabs about the size of a dime and it won't matter how soft they are. Whereas, crabs that are smaller or larger must be popcan soft (in most cases) to work.

Hope to see you down there soon...:LOL:

[klocked]

Hey Klocked,
I press on the shell. Sometimes it's hard to find soft crabs and you'll press on a lot of them before you find one that's popcan consistency. It makes it a lot easier using a sand rake because you can collect so many at once--especially if you find a bed balled up on the sand's surface.

When it comes to sand crabs, try the crabs about the size of a dime and it won't matter how soft they are. Whereas, crabs that are smaller or larger must be popcan soft (in most cases) to work.

Hope to see you down there soon...:LOL:

I have no doubt that you press on the shell:ROFL::ROFL::ROFL:
Too funny Bill!!

What I meant was, do you squeeze the sides or do you press on their backs or...?

[CrabMan]

Sorry I'm such a simpleton!:p

You press on their back. Today the sand crabs about the size of a dime worked great and it didn't matter if they were soft or hard. Sometimes I prefer a harder shell to a softer shell, unless the crab is really big, because it stays in place on the hook better and has a more natural presentation.:D

[klocked]

Ok, thanks for the clarification Bill.:)

[tacklejunkie]

Nice large perch Bill!
Thanks for the report. I still have yet to get out there and find those big sand crabs yet. Been stuck on those hali's!

[boxl0bster]

another great report bill! i gotta make some time next week to fish the surf at least once. ;) i need to get one of those crab scoopers you have there.