PDA

View Full Version : Surf Fishing Road Trip to Jalama


CrabMan
11-28-2008, 06:43 PM
Packed the tent and the teenagers and took a road trip up to Jalama to do some camping and surf fishing. If you’ve never been there, Jalama is a great place to camp and enjoy the ocean. It’s about 60 miles north of Santa Barbara. The campground is bordered on one side by Vandenberg Air Force Base and the private Coho Ranch on the other side. This makes it about as pristine and secluded as possible and with very little pressure the beach provides some great surfing and perch fishing.

http://i263.photobucket.com/albums/ii148/bvloans/JALAMABEACH112508.jpg

When we arrived cloud breaks gave way to sun. With calm winds we had some nice fishing for perch.

http://i263.photobucket.com/albums/ii148/bvloans/JALAMACONDITIONS112508.jpg

I had brought a wide variety of bait with me including grubs, mussel, clams and sidewinder crabs. I was determined to try everything and see what worked best. After tying on the Carolina rig to my 6lb main line I was ready to go. As usual it was almost a fish every cast. Jalama is a place where fifty fish days are common. No big ones this time but many in the 8-11 inch range.

http://i263.photobucket.com/albums/ii148/bvloans/PERCHJALAMA083.jpg

Even caught a few walleye perch although this one didn’t have some of the classic characteristics (it was missing the black anal fin) and I still wonder if it might be a freak!

http://i263.photobucket.com/albums/ii148/bvloans/WALLEYE112508.jpg

I’ve known for some time that small fish love Gulp, grubs, mussel and clams so that’s why I brought along the sidewinder crab to try for bigger fish. It’s no secret that the last two state records for barred perch were caught on this crab.

http://i263.photobucket.com/albums/ii148/bvloans/SIDEWINDER1108.jpg

Each cast with a sidewinder connected with bigger fish in the 12-13 inch range.

http://i263.photobucket.com/albums/ii148/bvloans/PERCHJALAMA081.jpg

http://i263.photobucket.com/albums/ii148/bvloans/PERCHJALAMA082.jpg

As the sun set we sat by the fire and enjoyed talking about our day. The next morning I just had a few minutes to fish before the rain came in. It poured for five straight hours so instead of fishing I had plenty of time to catch up on my reading. Next time I plan to spend more time fishing the sidewinder--because I’ve seen the pictures in the Jalama store--and I know the 16 incher is out their waiting for me!
Wingnut
11-28-2008, 07:13 PM
Awesome report Bill. Jalama is on my list of surf fishing destinations. :Wink:
I know it's known for Perch, but I wonder if there are something more sinister lurking beneath those waves... surf dwellers of the flat kind. Looks like it has possibilities.
tacklejunkie
11-28-2008, 07:28 PM
Nice Perch Bill! :Cool:
Thanks for the pics and report. Looks like a cool area!
flyngby
11-28-2008, 07:43 PM
Jalama Beach is a very peaceful and uncrowded area.

I attend Fire Training on Vandenburg and have had access to the beaches on the base in previous years but did not have the gear with me.

I will have to look at the training available there and plan a trip in the future.

Great informative post as always and nice pics.

Steve
CrabMan
11-28-2008, 08:47 PM
Awesome report Bill. Jalama is on my list of surf fishing destinations. :Wink:
I know it's known for Perch, but I wonder if there are something more sinister lurking beneath those waves... surf dwellers of the flat kind. Looks like it has possibilities.

The place has so much eel grass, structure, sand meets rock and other flattie areas I'm sure they are there. I've never seen one caught there but I've never seen anyone fishing for them either!:EyePop:
CrabMan
11-28-2008, 08:49 PM
Jalama Beach is a very peaceful and uncrowded area.

I attend Fire Training on Vandenburg and have had access to the beaches on the base in previous years but did not have the gear with me.

I will have to look at the training available there and plan a trip in the future.

Great informative post as always and nice pics.

Steve

You were so lucky to have the chance, at least if not fishing, to be on the base. Folks I've talked to who have fished inside Vandenberg say it's incredible!:LOL:
ghetto dad
11-29-2008, 05:50 AM
NICE report man......great job.....looks nice up there....do you tent camp, or are you one of those RV Baller guys?? Thanks man

GD
CrabMan
11-29-2008, 11:19 AM
NICE report man......great job.....looks nice up there....do you tent camp, or are you one of those RV Baller guys?? Thanks man

GD

Even in my advanced years I'm still proud to be a tent camper! One with nature especially the five hours in my dripping tent. Really makes you appreciate your own bed and a warm shower!:LOL:

Jalama, once a mostly tent campground, is almost all RV and 5th wheels now...:Rolls Eyes:
BIGRED KILLA
11-29-2008, 11:31 AM
Thanks for the pics and report looks like it is really nice up there not to many people.




Bigred
MarkyMark
11-30-2008, 09:18 AM
You were so lucky to have the chance, at least if not fishing, to be on the base. Folks I've talked to who have fished inside Vandenberg say it's incredible!:LOL:

Si Senor!!! :Wink:
xtranzman
11-30-2008, 10:02 AM
Great job Bill. Looks like a beautiful stretch of beach. I think I'll have to check it out up there.

X
calico killer kevin
11-30-2008, 11:54 AM
Them sidewinder crabs are great. My record is also on sidewinder crabs and it is 15.25 inches. They're also killer on the spotted bay bass.
rusty6
11-30-2008, 02:27 PM
nice perch...i'd be more interested in those waves though, the surf conditions look pretty epic
Santa Fe Eric
11-30-2008, 03:03 PM
Nice work! Beautiful Pictures!
CrabMan
11-30-2008, 03:06 PM
Them sidewinder crabs are great. My record is also on sidewinder crabs and it is 15.25 inches. They're also killer on the spotted bay bass.

Spotted Bay Bass---OOH! juicy info! Thanks!!:EyePop:
greenbean
12-08-2008, 07:49 AM
Thanks for the report. I've been waiting for a report from Jalama for a long time now. That place is truly Gods country. I've been fishing and camping there since I was 8 or 9 years old, I'm 47 now. I haven't been able to get up there for a few years now. I've caught many species up there; perch, salmon, lingcod, cabezon, and even a small white shark. All from the surf. Jalama holds many fond memories for me. The drive in is even beautiful with tons of wild life just off the road. Mule deer and wild pigs are everywhere and if your'e lucky you might spot a condor. Thanks for the excellent report.
SOSO
12-08-2008, 10:35 AM
Great report and pics! Hopefully one day i'll make it out there with my family for fishing and surfing! Waves look great.
smitty99
12-13-2008, 02:06 PM
I'm active Air Force if anyone is interested in getting on Vandy... I'd be willing to make a trip on the weekend. PM me