Newport Harbor on a rented skiff 9-1

[hotramen]

Took the wife fishing Thursday 9-1. Got some tips on fishing the harbor and thought I would give it a whirl.

Got to the harbor at about 0800. I think we were the only skiff rented that day. Coupon on the rental website gave me $20 off. I was expecting a free bag of frozen squid, but was told by the employee that they stopped doing that due to the rise in the cost of squid.

We head to the bait barge area and see other skiffs and a kayak fishing right next to the barge. We toss out carolina rigs with strips of frozen squid. Immediately realize that the anchor has a line that is far too short and a weight that is far too light. The eel grass adds to the frustration. We catch a few small crabs that want to pick at the squid. Move around here and no consistent bites.

We move inside the harbor and station near some private docks and try our luck there. Once again the constant drifting of the boat makes the fishing annoying. We do get some consistent bites. I suppose if we were drifting for halibut this would be no problem, but the drift kept pushing us towards boats and docks. I was also throwing a 3 inch swimbait. Nothing on the swimbait.

Ended the day catching short spottys, a short sculpin, mackerel, and a small ray. All released. Weather was overcast and cloudy for most of the day.

Not sure if I would do it again. Might consider it if a more reliable anchor was present.

[BALLERONBUDGET]

Every trip is a learning experience. Now u know to bring a cinder block and 50ft harbor freight rope $1.
I use old brake rotor that can't be turned anymore !!! Hey if they get lost/snag no cost to me!!

Also can bring an electric troller motor n batt for finesse fishing.

Gud luck

[Ornery Bob]

Even with a decent anchor, I wouldn't fish any one spot for very long.

I suppose if we were drifting for halibut this would be no problem...

Why not change gears and do exactly that? Watched a video recently of a guy pulling a 30 lb halibut out of Newport from a float tube. You can also pick up sand bass while you're on the drift.

[hotramen]

Might do the cinder block thing. Worked fine at Irvine lake and you get an arm workout.

[hotramen]

Even with a decent anchor, I wouldn't fish any one spot for very long.

I suppose if we were drifting for halibut this would be no problem...

Why not change gears and do exactly that? Watched a video recently of a guy pulling a 30 lb halibut out of Newport from a float tube. You can also pick up sand bass while you're on the drift.

I might consider going again. I did not head toward the bridge this last time. Was told that area has good halibut and bass action.

[vdisney]

I love the NP skiff rental game. We arrive a little before daylight and hook it for the bait barge. Get a scoop of dines and fly line while drifting the whole time. If it's a outgoing we start at the Coast Guard Station and drift all the way to the end of the jetties. On an incoming we do just the opposite. I try to avoid fishing near the bait barge, the small calicos will drive you crazy. Verne

[hotramen]

I love the NP skiff rental game. We arrive a little before daylight and hook it for the bait barge. Get a scoop of dines and fly line while drifting the whole time. If it's a outgoing we start at the Coast Guard Station and drift all the way to the end of the jetties. On an incoming we do just the opposite. I try to avoid fishing near the bait barge, the small calicos will drive you crazy. Verne

I thought about going with the live bait. Anchovies sardines does it matter? Maybe a size 2 hook?

[bowler]

I thought about going with the live bait. Anchovies sardines does it matter? Maybe a size 2 hook?

I have always done good in Newport harbor drifting with live bait. I hardly anchor up, I only would do that if I found a good area with lots of bass holding in the area. Chovies is good for bass and halibut but it you want bigger fish go with the dines.

[ono1]

Just make sure you don't anchor in the main channel. The Harbor Patrol will definitely make you move since you will be a navigational hazard. And you may want to bring extra rope to rig up a longer anchor line or buy a $25 grappling hook anchor at West Marine. Lots of fish to be had at Newport Harbor but there's always those days when it does not come together. Give it a couple more tries before you hang it up. I think you'll do good. If you wanna go less expensive then bring mussels off the jetties that you get the day before. They work great........and lastly, one word... Ghost Shrimp! every one should result in some kind of bite. Hope you get 'em.

[shinbob]

Do they allow you to use portable trolling motors (like a Minn Kota Endura) in their skiffs? Is there even a good place to mount one?