Surf Perch in Westport?

[C. Elmer]

Just got back from Westport and was a little dissapointed with the fishing.. decided to target red-tailed surf perch for a couple hours on Sunday and Monday, but nothing but small sculpins on the line (and plenty of those). It was the day after their surf perch derby so I figured it couldn't be too difficult. We fished on the main beach a little ways south of the main jetty, but things were getting a bit rough and a local kid said half moon bay was much more productive/easier to fish, so we made out way over there. My wife was using a 1 oz. egg sinker with a 1/0 hook and gulp sandworm on the end, I was using a crappy spreader rig with size 1 hooks and a 1-2 oz. pyramid sinker. Again, hookups with the sculpins on almost every cast but no perch. What did we do wrong? Suggestions for tactic change, or location? Thanks,

-Christian-

[G-Man]

Problem was probably twofold. You have to move to find the fish or hang in one spot for hours until a school comes into your area. Second, you need to get the bait off the bottom just a bit. The crappie spreader should work but we've found it easier to tie on two hooks snelled on stiff 6" to 8" leaders using dropper loops. Put one about 12" above the weight and the second 24" above the weight. Use 2 to 4 oz pyramid sinkers to keep things anchored in the sand beyond where the waves break for starters. Distance from shore can make a difference so experiment. If you are using sand shrimp and you don't get a hit within 5 minutes, change the distance. Still nothing, pick up and move or grab a magazine and a beer and wait.

PS If you use an artificial bait, you may want to rig it dropshot style.