How-To: Epoxy Jigs for San Diego Yellowtail

We spent 15 minutes on the phone with Morgan Promnitz to discuss jigging for Yellowtail in San Diego from a kayak with Hogy Epoxy Jig Lures. Here's what we learned... 

Morgan Promnitz

Location: Coastal Southern California – San Diego, La Jolla

Season: This is an early Spring to early fall pattern, with the height of the action in the middle of summer.

Tides: They always have an effect on fishing, but it’s hard to nail down just what tide these fish like to feed on. Around the kelp forests, I’d say 1 to 2 hours on either side of the high or low tide swing is best; as long as there is some tidal movement the fish will be more active. Out deeper, the tides are not as important, as you will be looking for migrating schools of fish that could be anywhere at any given time.

Approach: Stealth is key, and that’s why I prefer to fish from my Hobie, pedaling the MirageDrive with casting rod and jig in hand. There are two main tactics I use that I refer to as baby sitting or chasing tail. Baby sitting is when I hang out around a school of bait in an area where you have seen the yellowtail come up to feed, usually along the outside edge of the kelp forest. The fish will form a pattern where they swim in a large circle coming in to feed on an area and then regathering themselves and reforming the school before circling back around for another attack. Time between feedings can be as long as 20 minutes and the circle may drift along the kelp line, so be patient and move fast when you see the first signs of an attack. Feedings may last as little as 30 seconds, but may go on for a few minutes. Chasing tail is when I go looking for free swimming schools of fish in deep water. I pedal along and scan the water and horizon for bird life, bait being chased or dark patches of fish patrolling the surface. Once a school is located, try to see which direction they are swimming and get parallel to them so you can cast past them and in front of them and bring the lure by the front of the school. A long cast is optimum so the fish have plenty of time to see the bait, chase it and eat it.

Retrieve: After the lure hits the water I allow it to sink for about 3 seconds, flick the bail over and begin a steady retrieve at a fast rate. You want the lure to remain in the water at all times, so go as fast as you can without having the lure break the surface. If you see a fish following your lure, do not stop reeling, continue at a steady rate.

Bait Selection: Epoxy Jig 6inch – 4oz

Why This Bait? The 6inch Epoxy Jig is a perfect imitator of sardines and Pacific Mackerel

Colors: Green/Silver and Blue/Silver are excellent sardine and Pacific Mackerel imitators.

Retrieve: After the lure hits the water I allow it to sink for about 3 seconds, flick the bail over and begin a steady retrieve at a fast rate. You want the lure to remain in the water at all times, so go as fast as you can without having the lure break the surface. If you see a fish following your lure, do not stop reeling, continue at a steady rate.