FishAndPlanes

I've just recently moved to SoCal for work (3 weeks ago) and have only fished Puddingstone twice and got skunked both times. I was using familiar techniques I used in the CA Delta but could not entice any bass though I did see them chase a lot of shad. I tried 110 sized jerkbait (shad pattern), paddletail swimbait, and margarita mutilator 3 6" roboworms (straight tail) on a drop shot. Do you have any suggestions for more successful outings in the future? Thanks.

How do you like the St Croix rods? I'm currently using Dobyns line up because I like their warranty policy, but I would like to venture out and try other brands too. Thanks!

Is smaller profile generally better for pressured fish or bigger profile? Also, would a medium action rod be sufficient to throw all 3 of these techniques? Or would medium light be better? I currently am throwing dropshot, T-rig, and shaky heads on a Dobyns fury 703SF. Thanks!

Hi, I'm looking to add these finesse techniques to my arsenal and I was wondering, what are some situations where one shines over the others? What are some of your favorite soft plastics for each? And any recommendation for rod (and reels?) that would be ideal to use these techniques? Thank you in advance!

I'm wondering why you suggested the 705CB for bladed jig, instead of keeping the 734C as the main bladed jig rod? How different are the actions of those rods? I really like the action on my 734C for moving baits, as well as jerkbait. Also, I really like Dobyns for the warranty aspect. My budget for finesse rods is definitely higher than moving bait rods, I was thinking around $200 for finesse rod, and keep other moving bait rods as Fury, or maybe Kaden. A friend of mine has Fury, Kaden, and Champion 733C, and he said Fury is not far off of Champion, at least not as much as the price difference suggests. The FR705CB for crankbaits is a great idea. I've just moved to a new area (Southern California), and not sure how relevant is a frogs/Flipping and Pitching rod would be. Thank you for the suggestions nonetheless. I currently use the SLX 71HG (with MGL 3 spool), and love that for bombing casts, it's also really smooth and I have no complaint. But I was wondering if I should invest in a beefier reel (Curado MGL is budget limit) to work crankbaits since I know they can be heavy the gears.

Thank you for the suggestions guys! I forgot to include in the original post, waters I mostly fish don't have a lot of grass covers, mostly laydowns, drop-offs, rip rap, and sometimes docks. For now, I mostly use my Fury 703SF for T-rig, but I'm looking to add drop shot and shaky head to my rotation. As for the 734C, I almost always have the jerkbait tied on, but will occasionally put on squarebills or bladed jig. I do want to fish jigs more, so I guess ideally I'd add 1 more spinning rod for an extra finesse technique, and 1-2 casting rods, so I can rotate between bladed jig, crankbait, and jig. What would you guys recommend in terms of power, action, and length, etc. ? Thanks again!

Hi, I currently have a casting rod (used for moving baits) and a spinning rod (used for finesse techniques). The casting is Dobyns Fury 734C and spinning is Fury 703SF. What rods would you guys suggest I add to the arsenal to be covered on most bases for a fishing trip (either on a kayak or bank fishing). I was thinking a Fury 733C casting for treble hooks since it has more give, and Fury 705CB for crankbait and jerkbait? Please let me know what you think, thanks!

Never heard of the flickshake worm before. How do you rig and fish it? Would love to learn more about this, thanks.

I see a lot of responses mentioning drop shot. I've never fished a drop shot before, what makes it so deadly over other presentations? I can see the appeal being able to have bottom contact but also have your bait hovering in the water column without a weight on.

How do you fish a shaky head? I've only had a handful of bites on them, using Zoom's long trick worms hopping them along the bottom but I find it hard to fish slow like a T-rig.

Do you think having a kayak with trolling motor and fish finder setup would increase my odds exponentially? I've only had experience bank fishing, but if I'm spending the whole weekend fishing a lake that's a long drive away, I'd prefer to not be elbow-to-elbow with other fishermen. Thanks for your suggestions.

When fishing heavily pressured fish, or fishing for fish in cold weather conditions, what are your go-to techniques for success on the water? Texas rigging soft plastic worms is my go-to, but I'm looking to expand my arsenal with more finesse techniques. Please leave some suggestions below, thanks!

@WRB Thank you for the suggestions. I will be living in Claremont, I see it's near Puddingstone Reservoir in San Dimas, not sure if that's a good spot but it's within a 15 minute drive. I think Lake Castaic is within a 1.5 hour drive, which is doable, as I mostly drive 30 minutes at least to get to my spots in the Delta. I mostly use Zoom finesse worms (T-rigged), and jerkbait up here. Would a kayak be sufficient to get away from the bank anglers? I'd like to make the most out of my trips if I'm driving a long distance to get to the spots. Thanks!

Hi all, I'm new to fishing (less than a year of experience) but have been fishing every chance I get in the northern CA delta. I'm moving down to SoCal (Inland Empire area) for work soon, and will be missing the plentiful bank fishing spots in the delta. I'm looking for suggestions on lakes/reservoirs/creeks to fish at (willing to drive 1-2 hours away on the weekend), I have only bank fished but I'm looking to invest in a kayak set-up soon. Also, any suggestions on lures/techniques would be greatly appreciated. I've had great luck on Texas rigged zoom trick worms/crawfish, soft plastic swimbait, and jerkbait in the CA delta. I've heard that lakes down in SoCal area heavily pressured, so if I need a kayak to try and get away from the crowd I will. Thanks in advance for all the help! 😁