Pro Talk: Sand Dab Lures for the Channel Islands Ling Cod

We spent 15 minutes on the phone with Capt. Tony Vultaggio to discuss the best sand dab lures for targeting Ling Cod with the Hogy Sand Dab Series in California. Here's what we learned...

Capt. Tony Vultaggio
Website: www.sbsportfishing.com

Location: The Channel Islands, California

Tides: The high outgoing produced the best.

Approach: Fishing along the islands can be a little tricky. The lings were holding around the transition areas near high spots in 80′ – 120′. It’s important to watch your fish finder to pinpoint how the ling cod are relating to structure on a given day. By far, the most productive areas were the bottom of high spots and they dropped into the flats.

Rigging Selection: Barbarian Jig Series

Bait Selection: The Hogy Sand Dab Series

Why This Bait? The Hogy Sand Dab is a perfect Imitator for Sand Dabs, the fish are used to eating them in deeper water. This presented a familiar and easy meal in shallower water.

Colors: Amber Fleck, Bone Glow.

Retrieve: A standard drop shot jigging technique. Drop the bait to the bottom and begin shaking the rod tip to vibrate the Hogy Sand Dab. 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. When using the Barbarian Jig Head, let the bait to the bottom and begin slowing swimming it 3′ – 5′ above the bottom. Make sure to drop it back down every so often to maintain contact with the bottom.

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 

Connection: Albright Knot