Originally Posted by
Trout-Tuna-For.Me
LL
I've always fished out of Santa Barbara's Stardust Sportfishing for lings, snapper, etc. Octopus is the best ling bait, but if none is available use whole dead squid. Also, I always use either 50# or 65# braid and use the triple surgeons knot to attach leaders no bigger than 20# test. Most of the time I use 15# mono for leaders, which can easily handle the 12 oz. torpedos with a 8-20# ling attached, PLUS I get bit more using the lighter leader (I always catch more than a limit of lings). Lings also love baits that move and always are on the attack mode, so move your dead bait up and down 5-10 cranks often. Lings also go for big jigs or swim baits, and don't be surprised if a ling hits whatever you're offering on the way down. I find that using 5/0-7/0 wire type hooks work the best (Owner, Gamakatsu, and Eagle Claw) so hooks are used by preference. Also check the fish counts for the landings and the weather forecast before booking to ensure a trip to the islands where the fish are at.
Have Fun and Tight Lines !
TTFM