Newport Checkerboards 6/17

Swampchicken · #1 06-18-2007, 08:22 PM

Sunday morning I had a small window of opportunity to get out and wet some line. I headed down to Newport to get in some potholing for Calicos on the new growth of kelp. The kelp has really come back strong down to Crystal Cove and beyond I am sure. I paddled on down to Crystal Cove pulling a deep diving plug in FireTiger(my favorite pattern). Pulled in a couple of smallies on the way down. Once I made it to the kelp I found a couple of nice openings and dropped in some of my favorite lures, Kreepy Krawlers, covered in a nice layer of UniButter. Yum Yum.
Here is a shot of the bait, different location, but exact same setup.

I potholed and drifted for about two hours for some nice fat Barred Sand Bass and some nice Calico Bass.
Here are some Calicos

Check out the killer Lowrance Fish Finder. This thing is amazing.

I appologize for the pictures, its hard when no one else is around.
Davey

Incredible · #2 06-18-2007, 08:45 PM

I am really looking forward to heading outside at Newport and try the kelp beds. I will be diving there in another month or so. Those fish look good.

Needlefish · #3 06-19-2007, 11:22 AM

Swampchicken, you have given me a second choice. I was going to Dana Pt. later this week. ( Don't know what day/time so I did not post it ) BUT your post gave me an alternative. Looking for some bass "fish tacos" so I may consider a run outside of Newport. BTW how long a paddle to Crystal, and was the wind a bother on the way back to the breakwall? Thanks for the post and pics !!

Swampchicken · #4 06-19-2007, 12:22 PM

Needlefish,
Not too sure of the distance, but I'd say 2+miles? Pretty easy though. Wind was light and pushing inshore. The kelp is all along the way starting at maybe a quarter mile or so. There is also tons of structure with quite a few boilers. Just be careful if it is your first time down that way. All and all it is a pretty easy paddle and fishing.

Davey