Friday lures plan for Newport Beach, CA
Under current conditions (overcast, water temps around 81 F, light wind ~10 mph, early winter season), here’s how to attack the inshore bite.
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Target species & lures:
- Spotted Bay Bass / Calico Bass: 3-4 inch soft plastics on a 1/8-1/4 oz jighead, or a small swimbait; work around pilings and along dock edges.
- Halibut: dropshot rig with bait or soft halibut lures; keep the lure near bottom with slow, controlled hops or a slow drag. Use a weight that keeps contact with the bottom.
- Bonito / pelagic species: light metal jigs (1/4-1/2 oz) or small surface lures near bait schools.
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Lure options (Amazon):
- Biden Topwater Lure: https://www.amazon.com/dp/B0BTMNW82T?tag=tacklenet-20&linkCode=osi&th=1&psc=1
- Trump Topwater Lure: https://www.amazon.com/dp/B09PB3MZM8?tag=tacklenet-20&linkCode=osi&th=1&psc=1
- Game On! X-Walk Topwater Lure (4.5", 1 oz): https://www.amazon.com/dp/B0C6318SLR?tag=tacklenet-20&linkCode=osi&th=1&psc=1
- Evolution Lures Saltwater Big Game Lure (MahiMagnet 6 inches): https://www.amazon.com/dp/B0CNGFGSQ3?tag=tacklenet-20&linkCode=osi&th=1&psc=1
- Capt Jay Fishing trolling Lure (9 inch): https://www.amazon.com/dp/B07SMGYWH4?tag=tacklenet-20&linkCode=osi&th=1&psc=1
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Pro tips:
- Cast to pilings and drop-offs; add a couple of quick twitches, then a slow wind; pause to let the lure sink near the bottom for Halibut.
- If the water is clear, start with topwater early and switch to subsurface or jighead options if bites slow down.
- Have a light spinning setup ready for Calico Bass along the jetty and near structure.
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Weather notes (early winter):
- Overcast skies can suppress topwater bites around midday. Favor sub-surface or bottom presentations around pilings. The wind around 10 mph helps keep lures moving; adjust weight and line accordingly for bottom contact.
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Video references (to study tactics):
- Southern California Kayak Fishing - How to fish Newport Beach: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=35WRRvby1as
- The SECRET BAIT For HALIBUT Fishing (Newport Beach): https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Lfy7-TPBUsE
- Fishing For California HALIBUT | 2 Favorite Lures on Dropshot: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=I75tCiKHQDs
- Newport Harbor Dock Fishing: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=FzrSCs2GYRs
Stay patient, adapt to the bite, and you’ll find success. Tight lines and good luck Friday! 🎣
