How-To: Anchovy Lures for the Channel Islands Cabezon

We spent 15 minutes on the phone with Capt. Tony Vultaggio to discuss jigging for Cabezon in the Channel Islands, California with the Hogy Drop Shot Rig and the Sand Eel Soft Baits. Here's what we learned... 

Capt. Tony Vultaggio
Website: www.santabarbarasportfishing.com

Location: The Channel Islands, California

Tides: The high outgoing produced the best.

Approach: Fishing along the islands can be a little tricky. The Cab’s were holding around the tops of high spots in 80′ – 120′.  Drop Shot Rigs are great for pinpoint presentations when jigging for Cabezon.

Rigging Selection: The Hogy 7/0 Drop Shot Rig 

Bait Selection: The Hogy Sand Eel Series

Why this bait?  The Hogy Sand Eel is perfect for imitating juvenile sardines and anchovy that make their way to the bottom.

Colors: Dark Sand Eel

Retrieve: A standard drop shot jigging technique. Drop the bait to the bottom and begin shaking the rod tip to vibrate the Hogy Sand Eel. Pause for a moment, then begin shaking the rod tip again. Strikes were a long, strong pull and the fish inhaled the bait and began swimming away. 

OUTFIT

Boat: Jesse Mae 28’ Radon

Reel: Penn Torque 15

Rod: Penn Carnage 20-50lb 7’

Line: 50lb Spider Wire Stealth

Leader: 20’ 30lb Big Game Top Shot – Albright Knot