Newport Checkerboards 6/17
 

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.
http://i174.photobucket.com/albums/w...epyKrawler.jpg

I potholed and drifted for about two hours for some nice fat Barred Sand Bass and some nice Calico Bass.
Here are some Calicos
http://i174.photobucket.com/albums/w...wportBass3.jpg
Check out the killer Lowrance Fish Finder. This thing is amazing.
http://i174.photobucket.com/albums/w...wportBass1.jpg
http://i174.photobucket.com/albums/w...wportBass2.jpg

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

Re: Newport Checkerboards 6/17
 

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.:brews

Re: Newport Checkerboards 6/17
 

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 !!:hello

Re: Newport Checkerboards 6/17
 

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