How to catch the BEST BAIT for Pier Fishing! (California Special)

We are saltwater pier fishing with the TINIEST sabiki rig I’ve ever seen to catch smelt for bait! We are hoping to live line the smelt for halibut. Stop wasting money on live bait when you can catch it yourself for way cheaper! It’s super fun and easy to do as well!
This week, we are in California hoping to target some halibut! The local fishermen say it’s a long shot during this time of year (February is generally too cold for them to be out), but we’re gonna have a good time anyway!
**PLEASE NOTE: This episode was filmed BEFORE the COVID19 outbreak**
*When you are going fishing during this pandemic, please make sure you follow state laws and social distancing guidelines. This does not mean “We can meet up to go fishing as long as we stay 6 feet away from each other.” Social distancing means that you should not be in the same vicinity as people who do not live in your household unless absolutely necessary (like when buying groceries). Limit your contact with others as much as possible. Go to remote fishing spots where there are no other people fishing. If you want to go fishing with a friend, we recommend that you each go to your own fishing spots and video call each other. Let’s all help keep each other safe during this uncertain time*
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[@dvt6481]

Seeing you with your parent made me miss my mother and father dearly .....

[@LSKChan]

whatever the situation is, I'm sure the feeling is mutual and they love you

[@artz50]

Love ya bro and Tu parentes love💕 you tooDeaRly;):)

[@user-kw2yz4xh4h]

Replacement arrived!By the way, I did forget to mention that the original lure did have a decent strike however as most anglers will attest you can get a hit kzbin.infoUgkxCbNOWAGmn6nfbCbJDmasvBq7J38KZNw2 and fish will hang on and release lure. I used the replacement lure yesterday and ran thru a Shimano Waxwing, Kastmaster, Bobber (set to sink). I found the does run deep (I casting on the flats 3.5'). Make sure you adjust your rate of retrieve and rod tip angle (up) to prevent getting snagged on bottom. Used it a couple of times and action was very lifelike (looked like local bait fish for trevally), craftsmanship very good....however eyeball fell out. I asked for replacement and it is on it's way! It was very easy to change out treble to single inline hook.

[@nealjohnston954]

This guy is the friendliest fishing guide I've found on the internet in the past month, since I started searching for fishing guides. He's universally accessible and very likeable.

[@Malvarez909]

Yes, that's California for you. I always try and catch for something big, but end up taking home a bag full of smelts and mackerels lol. Everyone once in a while I catch a nice Perch.

[@brianmaloney3294]

That's my spot been going there with family for 20 years. Glad to see you out here. Awesome!!

[@MayorMcheese12]

I caught a yellow stripe at the pier about a mile north there's good fishing up there too

[@mxyzptlkmxyzptlk191]

I've been fishing in Southern California for a while now. The method is sound, but I've found that in Cali, it can be a "feast or famine" scenario. Your technique will get you all kinds of action at the Galveston fishing pier. Not as pretty an area, but tons of fish to be caught in that brown water!

[@fortysixn2903]

I don’t sub that often, but this is the only fishing channel that has a dude I feel like could kick it with on a Pier and not get annoyed. Gotta new sub my dude.

[@christianlee9041]

Hey skipper i love watching your videos. Your very informational. Most of the fish i catch i use what you have told us. Keep up the good work and stay safe guys🐟🐟

[@HeySkipper]

Thanks, we are happy to hear we taught you something, and no worries we will stay safe, you do the same

[@ryanpalmisano5217]

I usually use a high low rig, I have caught croaker, rockfish, mackerel. One time a skate. (Southern Cal.) Using squid. I like to use squid as bait, it works really well down here.

[@lagalagfishingadventure101]

So cool nice catch happy fishing cool family fishing bonding together

[@connercastro3885]

Thanks for fishing California!!!! I'm probably going to get some of your bait for my birthday!!! I am hooked on trying your awesome bait! I too have had to give or throw away so much squid! I'm tired of throwing away squid and 10 dollar bags of shrimp. Very excited to try your bait!

[@juansalcedo909]

I love this pier I’m glad u made it to the west coast

[@jamestopia3944]

Hey bro like watching your videos, very easy to follow and your not taking up all the air space. Iam just learning myself and passing on my knowledge to my young kids. So thank you for teaching us, your an amazing job. Watching from new Zealand

[@richardariola2961]

Going to get some salty bait soon . Keep the good content coming love the videos

[@vjstudios]

im over in south jersey, i really enjoy watching your videos! Thanks!

[@Wyrdwulf19]

2:59 This video has its own natural seal of approval.

[@smahiz]

Hey Skipper coming to my neck-of-the-woods to fish. HYPE!!

[@HeySkipper]

🙌🙌 happy to have had the opportunity to fish there!

[@UrbanFisherman]

Great video 📹

[@chinadave2854]

Butter mouth perch at Huntington beach pier and corbina sometimes Bonita and halibut I use a grappling hook and pull the muscles for bait been fishing there for 45 years love it!!! And the seal is begging lol he is a regular!!

[@longrider42]

I've fished that pier. But your rigs are a bit light for Halibut fish. 20 pound test would be the lightest I'd use. I'd more likely use 30 pound test. There are some big butt fish there. I used to use 30 pound test on a Penn 309 level wind reel. Do not attach your bait directly too the line. Cast out using a 4 to 6 ounce weight, depending on tide. Then attach your bait to a hook on about a 20 inch steel leader with a good snap swivel on the other end. Now attach your baited leader to your main line and let it slide down said line. But you have to keep your main line tight. Its called a Slider Rig. Used it a lot in 84 when I fished the piers out there. The piers are way over fished.

[@WeEvolveDance]

There are a bunch of big game fish buddy, you just have to know how to fish California. It's easy to fish back on the east coast because you have a lot of different small fish. We have Salmon, Halibut, Black Sea Bass, Rays, 6 gill and 7 gill shark, and many other sharks, Ling Cod that are as long as your body, Big eels, dover sole, California Sheepshead are much larger than the east coast sheepshead. Stripers here are some of the largest in the USA. So when you say there isn't large game fish around here, you're just not hooking up that day. Next time you come, don't be afraid to come up to San Francisco where we are know for Halibuts and pretty much the rest of the fish I told you about. We'll show you around. Tight lines.

[@WeEvolveDance]

@Lucas Oats it depends on what you are fishing for? There are a few lures for stripers and halibuts. Poppers, SP minnow, or lucky craft flash minnow110 (also for halibuts, barred perch). Halibuts work well with swim baits (paddle tails), Keitech ES3476 Artificial Fishing Bait, Pro Blue Shiner, 5", Zoom Fluke (white) and a few others. These seem to work the best. Tight lines!

[@duh650dumcity]

@@WeEvolveDance it's more so dependent on where you fish and how you rig. Lures aren't essential unless you are targeting something like stripers but, even then they get caught on bait just the same as long as they are running. SF Bay/Coast gang shit. Tight lines you beezy.

[@AU-pu9vl]

We evolve dance. Shhhhhhhhh please leave the masses intertwined and misinformed.

[@compayasoaguilar3393]

Well redondo beach isn't about fish. It's about lobster and crap. If you've been to redondo you know what I'm talking about

[@flyguy4515]

Hahahaha right. Some people man. Spoiled.

[@markcaamal5643]

That's where I grew up fishing shout out to Redondo!

[@artistlight]

Thank you I learned a lot.

[@danielchen9445]

Thank you for the videos!! I got my first fish from a sabiki hook!!

[@jerryadams5401]

Great hint. You give us so many fish finding hints, cost saving tips and fun fishing activities. KUTGW

[@sajithktri]

i watch your channel all the time and you are a great angler .. videos are so helpful even i cant' fish here..... love all the way from Dubai...

[@traderjoe6195]

Here in San Diego pier I'll toss out bread to lure the bait fish and for bait I ball up bread then put it on my hooks .

[@probablynotabigtoe9407]

Your name got me chuckling

[@jamesgraham8826]

1 year later and this name got me laughing 😆

[@p3teytran]

Oo what?! I didnt know you made a video in california. Hell yea!

[@tagamial]

Next visit, try around June to August , especially around our grunion runs. Further south from Newport to San Diego is warmer. Agree with others, the southeast coast areas you fish are way better.

[@thealabamaangler122]

Love your vids

[@HeySkipper]

Thanks for watching!

[@dave3207]

Welcome to california. Pier fishing is not easy here as you found out the hard way.

[@KT-kt6qq]

Skipper, the HALIBUT is in northern Cali. Bodega bay. There is ocean striper, salmon and ling cods. Some of these fish can be caught at the beach or piers. However, you luck raise exponentially if you have a boat out a few miles from the harbor.

[@Neanderthal75]

I've been doing this for a couple of years (Sabiki) and on good days, I catch 3-4 small herrings on one drop. I usually stop when I got like 10, because it's so easy to catch another 3-4 in minutes. I just usually search for them around the pier. I also have tried eating them. Gutted like 20 at home and fried them to crispy. No need to worry about the bones, when they are crisp fried, it's like eating fish chips lol!

[@randallmiser2976]

I live on my boat right there in King Harbor. Fish and dive there all the time. Just got a 25 pound Halibut..

[@nicholasthompson6919]

Hahaha That Seal "AYYY!! Who's leaving, toss your Boi the extra bait." That's a pier seal if I ever seen one. Haha. I love live bait fishing off cali's piers, it's wild. Those rigs are great in season too, just drop in and you'll have 2-3 live baits in seconds.

[@BraydenZ12]

Yay you did a Cali vid! I go to Huntington pier to fish.

[@thomashughes8634]

Skipper is the only thing keeping everyone alive

[@HeySkipper]

Haha thanks Thomas. I’m not sure what that means exactly but I appreciate it 🙌

[@thomashughes8634]

It is a exaggeration saying you are everyone in these times

[@Jo_Nthejeep]

Sounds like a quote from hotel rowanda

[@pecarski2456]

@@HeySkipper Hello Dude 🖐... I buy Shimano Stradic C500hg- fl and now i need a ROD , can you tell me ideal Size and Strenght for my reel... Salt water Surf fishing and Jiging... Thanks🖐👍

[@danielzanders5191]

No he’s not he is very inexperienced

[@RafaelWilkinson]

I'm a native fisherman out here different times of the day is when different fish start biting if you fish on the rocks you would have cought some bass scorpions, some halibut different types of purch

[@Beck-Stein]

I fish this place exclusively with my sons. There is the original redondo pier adjacent on the other side. There is an area that we use to call the “bubble hole” near the original pier. It was an area were warm water was released into the bay by the electric company across the street. Tons of Bonita and yellow fin back in the day.

[@Alexander-yx4sk]

Great video! 👍, I may have a question. Can I use a medium heavy fishing rod and reel combo for pier fishing?

[@SDkd619]

4:04 OH , hey guys 😂😂🤘

[@marwyhidalgo4841]

So skipper what kind of salt you put on the bait ? Skiddy bits or frozen shrimp .

[@jt6869]

They love it on the way down. No need to bounce.👍🏼 also when that Seal comes fishing get shut down. Lol 🤦🏻‍♂️

[@samiam830]

Yes! I’m from Sc and it’s February. I’m literally in San Diego and wanna pier fish!!!!

[@BasicFishingNZ]

the bonus on catching ur own bait: ure still fishing haha best part of the sabiki for me is that all u gotta do is jig it up and down at the right time and tide and the fish will just come swarming all over it. also if the fish arent there all u gotta do is put out berley/chum to bring them back.

[@sirgigachad1894]

I live in uk so not the same fish but this still helped me wow great vid

[@eltonjones1990]

You need to go to Wilmington North Carolina to the fishing Pier, I also be there about every month, also around September, October, November, that's when spots are biting

[@PESCASURFCASTING]

Saludos de Barcelona sigo con el vídeo un abrazo 🤗🤗🤗🙋‍♂️😙😉👍 Iike 39

[@HeySkipper]

Thanks for watching! Hello to Barcelona 🎣

[@WarriorTactical]

So cool this where i started fishing . Caught my first skate there at night using a high -low rig. Recomend using squid and cut baits of mackerel 🤙

[@HeySkipper]

Very cool fishing spot 👍 The high low rig is a classic.

[@tiszaihorgaszat]

River fishing is stronger..:))))

[@DanielHernandez-gh1qu]

@@tiszaihorgaszat ok?

[@mrsjad3366]

Hi skipper .. what is best main line on reel ? Im using it to catch carp . With feeder methode . Is braid line best or flurocarpon ?

[@DavidML777]

The warmer weather does make a huge difference on what shows up, we even get mahi running around the piers

[@cruzramirez5780]

I catch alot of corvina and bass off my pier . Anytips on a rig setup or best way to hook live bait ? I use smelt and mackerel

[@1979rasek]

Hey, I hope you be good, I'm living in Los Angeles and I've been fishing here and I caught leopard shark, stingray, halibut using macarel, shrimp squid and anchovies, may be next time you're here can we go fishing to Malibu or Venice pier

[@joshdickworthy6781]

What size hook does everyone recommend to catch a 30 inch red or something bigger? I've been using 0/1 but I heard it's to small from one person and it's too high from another. But I'm wondering if they know what they're talking about.

[@joseeguizabal6712]

It is good that you had fun there. I am a local from L.A., and aside from mackerel, sharks, rays, and crabs, I have never caught much other than that at Redondo pier.

[@cloaker7237]

I'm curious, what sort of stuff do you use to catch sharks? I've seen signs of them (hell, one of my friends brought up a half-eaten mack once), but I've never seen one actually caught

[@kennethdias9988]

In Santa Barbara in the summer we used Kast Master spoon to catch Bonita Mackerel and sometimes small barracuda

[@jameshaines604]

I love your videos your very informative and I really enjoy watching and learning from you . I think you have me convinced to get some squids bits. I would absolutely spaz out if I were to run into you while fishing here in texas

[@HeySkipper]

Haha we were literally about to go to Texas right before this whole corona thing. Hopefully this will all blow over soon

[@jameshaines604]

Yea around here we are all pretty much back at it just have to wear a mask and practice social distance. But otherwise everything is open and pretty close to normal. Next time you come to Houston hit me up id love to meet ya and maybe we can go catch some big ones

[@GLADAMS]

You should really consider San Simeon pier for Thrasher Shark. I normally don't eat fish but, Thrasher is excellent, a little cajun Seasoning and slap it on the grill. When I was still living in California , every Saturday a couple friends and I would go up and down the coast and fish the piers. We've caught them in San Simeon, Goleta,Ventura, Port Hueneme (where I lived). It's also known that you can catch Yellow and Blue Fin tuna from the Ocean Beach pier in San Diego, my understanding the longest in the state.

[@jaimecruz1337]

Hey skipper in Cali !! That’s awesome Wish I go fishing with you!

[@HeySkipper]

Hey!

[@jaimecruz1337]

Hey , thank you for all your help , sharing Tips . Love your channel 🤙🏼

[@waytogojonny]

Up in bay area used to put those sabikis on a float and send it with the current. Adjusting the depth of the sabiki untill we found them

[@TedSpider2023]

That's what I do sometimes. Float with current and cover a good area.

[@dieli9499]

Hi,australia here, i just question from your website,squid bits complete starter kits including jigs with the hook? I want to buy the whole lots including your customized hook (flies?)

[@cidealganess8448]

I love your videos and thank you for all your videos for Beginners,it really has helped me alot

[@HeySkipper]

I’m glad to hear that it has helped even in a small way. Good luck out there! Would love to hear more about what you catch 🎣

[@cidealganess8448]

thank you👍

[@SuperBaconFishing]

Congrats on taking up challenge! Bold trip!!! There are plenty of game fish, you just have to figure them out , but it is too cold in February, at a bay throw the head and tentacle portion of the Squid on a Carolina rig, for Rays and Bass, Ive seen two Jedi fisherman here, one was slaying Sheepshead on a pier with Mussels, and one catching multiple species, every 2 minutes, at a bay also using mussels, I'm always trying to imitate it. Live bait only gets hit, in bays, for me.. I don't know why.

[@559vrod]

I've caught surf perch, mackerel, jack smelt, and rays all off the pier before

[@angeldom6898]

Im from the east bay and fish off the piers. I use sabikis and other methods to catch the bait. But for halibut i like to use a 3 way swivel. About a foot of line to the hook then about 3 feet to my weight

[@jrmora9292]

Next time you go to redondo pier there’s a place really close to there it’s called Redondo Beach Jetty I fish there for halibut it’s a good spot!! Love your videos keep it up!!!

[@zahrakhodabande194]

Excellent 👍🇮🇷

[@TooneGeminiElf]

Im sure you mom would agree, At this point that Arin is DEFINITELY a keeper. ! xD

[@vulger11]

Catch a lot of halibut, shovel nose, leopard sharks , bonita, mackerel and thorny skates off of the pier. I miss fishing Redondo pier and Rat Beach.

[@ericunderwood1482]

Hey Joe Blow...grew up in the 70s do you remember sawfish? Eric Underwood class of 81 Downey High School

[@Njmetsfan27]

Nice 👍🏼

[@noramateo8866]

I am a beginner but if you and Erin ever come to washington let me know. I would love to meet you guys. I'm a fan. And CONGRATULATIONS on your engagement.

[@robdawgfishing]

Lol the sardine digged in his nose

[@ricktolipeart8782]

Best intro

[@jonphanspromotions]

Thanks for posting this video. It proofs that California piers no longer have fish. I don't feel bad now. Everytime I go, I only catch mackerels

[@HeySkipper]

I hear there are big sharks there too, I just wasn’t there at the right season

[@jonphanspromotions]

@@HeySkipper it's only has mackerels and on and off sting rays. It's a nice pier to hang out with family. They have fresh seafood too, kinda price but fresh.

[@Rocksider2525]

As far as halibut bait I'd be working for those sardines. Drop shotting plastics and slow trolling back on the bottom is also a good tactic on piers. Work every inch of that bottom but yeah, California weather. 30 years ago our pier was swamped with halibut and lots of other species. Today, Jack smelt, mackerel, ronkies, bullhead and crabs crabs crabs. It's a different era and I don't know why.

[@FranktheTank319]

How do you like the power handle on your stradic? I have the 3000 and it comes with the elongated paddle like handle and I'm not the biggest fan.

[@HeySkipper]

Love it!

[@m_lopez8272]

Damn wish I knew you were there I would’ve stopped and said hi!!

[@user-kz9yq6ci6u]

Would love to see you fish nor cal sometime if you ever get the chance

[@dolefaust7622]

Thank you for your advice for fishing. I recently did a travel vlog on Redondo Beach. Search for Dole Faust.

[@Jonathan.D]

Sabiki don't need bait on them. I've used sabiki and handmade bait rigs for more than 30 years. You need to work that sabiki faster for it to work better. Normally we would work the whole water column. Sometimes it's best to cast away from the pier and work it in. Also "One Touch" means that you one have to touch it once to connect it to your line. Which is a little misleading because you have to touch it again to connect the weight. Loved the video and hope to see you at it again. Maybe you can come out to Colorado for some ice fishing?

[@monkrph]

Need to bait in California. Smelt wont bike without it

[@Jonathan.D]

@@monkrph I've caught plenty of smelt in CA without bait. The key is to keep it moving.

[@SOUNDINTHECITY]

lol.... i just read your shirt!

[@karltonn6680]

You should fish at socal Newport Beach! There sometimes attacks of fish but one time there was this one guy caught a 25 inch halibut with the sabiki rig

[@JoeReviewsProducts]

I also fish for mackerel with my dad right know👍🏼

[@theperchjerker]

You steppin on my turf my cuz?! 🤣 Lol JK. I shark fish there from time to time 🦈 Nice video 🤙🏼

[@MiliMike24]

Pier fishing in SoCal is really hit and miss. Sometimes, if you can find a small boat harbor, such as the one in Oceanside, CA next to the USMC base, it’s significantly less pressured. Also, in freshwater here in CA, those small sabiki’s like you were using can be modified to fish for trout and panfish. Cut off all but 3 flies (Max # of hooks permitted by regs) pin on a drop shot weight and flip it like you’re fishing for bass

[@ufo-nut9575]

Nice video

[@jessimanzanarez8849]

I was catching those with my hands like about a month ago when no one was at the beach, they'll swim all the way to shore and the waves would wash them back so I actually tried the live bait by the sand but since the pier was closed due to covid I was casting it from the sand and didn't have much luck

[@hectormos2500]

Hey Skipper, have you ever fished the waters of Eastern Long Island, NY?

[@CarlosSanchez-jk4fc]

Let me know next time you're in the Redondo area, I can guide your to a few jetties nearby 🙏👍

[@HeySkipper]

Thank you!

[@davidmorales1325]

Redondo Beach Pier that's right one of my favorite spots

[@strongman3484]

What do u use for bait

[@josuevelazquez1485]

Hey Skipper, when this pandemic is over you should revisit Cali in the summer and fish off the boats going to Catalina island. I recommend 22nd landing in San Pedro. Or if you want to fish in a better pier go to Hermosa beach man.

[@bicali_pierfishing1567]

My favorite spot to fish it sucks that we can't Pier fish at her I miss Pier fishing 🎣

[@kevinmon9549]

May I ask why do you carry a fishing rod when you fly? and how to take it

[@GoGabeG]

Great video but next time you go to california, fish one of the Bays. trust me, waay more fun then the ocean piers. spotted bay bass are so fun and easy to catch and then you still catch plent of halibut, sculpin, corvina, and mackerel.

[@franko_3239]

Don Lino in the back ground , he always has great gear forsale

[@setoebunsetoebun177]

Skipper, do you know how good the 6 pieces feeder is from wish or amazon ? love your video's men . greets from the Netherlands .

[@EcvHeavyb]

Sweet the Skipper in California.......

[@HeySkipper]

🙌

[@jamieargent7139]

Got the hoodie that matches your shirt

[@rickrick1802]

Redondo Beach Pier has lots of big spider Crabs 🦀 🦀🦀🦀🦀🦀

[@growinghealthyinflorida1060]

Redondo pier is great for Bonita halibut try to throw some cast masters 1 to 1 1/2 ounce for Bonita in the bottom my fishfinder rig for the hell of it with the baby Jack smelt.