The areas we will target will be San Martin Island, Jeronimo Island, Benitos Island, Cedros Island, Nativad Island, Pt. Eugina and Chester Rocks.  These areas are truly world class and you will not find better calico bass fishing anywhere else in the world.

    The type of tackle you will need for this trip is going to range from bass gear (10-20 lb. rigs) to yellowtail gear (30-50 lb. rigs).

       In the following we have complied a list of the type of gear and tackle most commonly brought on a 5-6 day calico bass and yellowtail skiff trips.  It is by not means a complete list and some people may even consider it to be more than needed.  Our main goal is to help our passengers be as prepared as possible for their trip aboard the Polaris Supreme.

 Personal Gear:
 

• Duffel Bags:  Instead of hard luggage use duffel bags.  It is more convenient for storage.
   
• Pants: Bring 1 change per day.  Light material is preferred so they dry quickly.
   
• Shirts: Bring 1 change per day.  If you are sun sensitive - long sleeves would be in order. 
  Light fabric for quick drying and coolness in hotter weather.
   
• Socks: Definitely bring a pair for every day, plus an extra pair.
   
• Shorts: For those hot sultry days to sunbathe and keep cool.
   
• Jacket and Sweatshirt: It is sometimes very cool even during summer months when we run these trips.
   
• Sneakers: A good arch support helps keep your feet from getting sore.
   
• Rubber Boots: Make sure they are soft rubber and have a good arch support.
   
• Sandals: For hotter days down south.
   
• Hats: Straw or the type with the flaps down the back are preferred in hotter weather.
  Otherwise a baseball caps are fine
   
• Light Rain Gear: Very seldom used but appreciated when needed.
   
• Sun Glasses: polarized to cut the glare and help see into the water,
  with straps to prevent lose over the side.
   
• Sunscreen: Sweat-proof, water-proof, broad spectrum. SPF 15 or higher.
   
• Toiletries: Bath towels, shampoo, cream rinse, soap, razor, toothbrush, toothpaste, etc.
   
• Tools: Dikes, duck bill pliers, holder, and belt. Hook sharpener.
   
• Rod Belts: Light leather type is fine for smaller fish. But a the heavy pad and butt type harness may be necessary when big fish are around.
   
• Camera and Film: For a vivid memory of your trip. Video recorders are often brought on trips as well.
  Our TV system is set up so you can play it back at the end of the day.
   
• Cocktail Mixes: We carry hard liquor sea stores on board but no mixes or cigarettes. 
  Remember our indoor areas are non-smoking.
   
• Seasick Medicine: Check with your doctor for preferred type.
  (scapolimine, bonamine, merrizine, wristbands, etc.)

Rods & Reels:

    Bass Rods and Reels

• 10 lb. outfit (1)
   
• 20 lb. live outfit (1)

    The rods used for bass vary in length from 7 to 10 feet. Stick with the rods in the 7-8 foot range to start.  As far a composition you can get them in fiberglass, graphite or a combination of both. Fiberglass will be a lot stronger but not as sensitive when you get a bite. Graphite is much more sensitive but nowhere near as strong as fiberglass.  Most anglers prefer mixes, a combination of fiberglass and graphite.  You get the best of both worlds.  There are many rod brands. Some of the most popular are G. Loomis, Shimano, Seeker, and Lamiglas.

    Reels should match the line class you are using.  As far as brands you have a huge variety such as Shimano, Diawa, Newell or Penn.  Probably the hottest bass reel out on the market right now is Shimano's Calcutta.

    Yellowtail rods and reels

• 30 lb. live bait/jig outfit (1)
   
• 40 lb. live bait outfit (1)
   
• 50 lb. live bait/trolling outfit (1)

    Your rods for fishing for yellowtail on these trips should be about 6 foot in length and made of fiberglass, not graphite. When choosing your rods most manufacturers will give you a range of line classes that a particular rod is rated for, always use the lower half of the ratings.  For example if a rod is rated for 30-60 lb., you will probably be looking at a 30 or 40 lb. class rod.  Seeker and Calstar are two of the better rod blanks for ocean sportfishing.  The guides on your rods should be ring type, hardened stainless steel for rods up to 40 lb.  All rods from 50 lb. and up should be stainless steel roller guides. Aftco makes the best roller guides.  And all rods in the 50 lb. class and up should have a 4-way gimbaled rod butt.

    When choosing reels in the lighter line class up to 50 lbs., Shimano, Newell and Penn all make a wide range of reels. For 60 lbs. and up you need to stick with Shimano and Penn and go to their 2 speed solid frame reels.  Shimano definitely has the lead in quality and reliability here.  The Shimano TLD 30 II two-speed is our favorite reel for a 50-60 lb. rig to land the 80-200 lb. bluefin and bigeye on these trips.

   There are several brands of quality line available for the anglers, we recommend P-Line.

Terminal Tackle:

• Hooks - Eagle Claw, laser sharp. L118Mag - bronze finish.
  24 ea. - 1, 2, 1/0, 2/0, 4/0 and 6/0
   
• Line - We don't recommend bringing spare line on these trips.  If you need to re-fill you can purchase line on board.
   
• Sinkers - Split-shot 24 ea. - 1/4 oz. & 3/8 oz. 
  Rubber-core 12 ea. 1/2 oz. & 1 oz.
  Sliding Sinkers - 24 ea. 2 oz., 4 oz., & 6 oz.
   
• Bass Lures - Lead Heads 20ea. 3/4 oz., 1 oz., & 1 1/2 oz.  
  Plastic Swim Baits - 20 ea. 5", 6", 8" and 10" in assorted colors.  Check with your local tackle store for any hot new colors
   
• Casting Lures - 3 total, small heavies, assort colors, chrome, blue/white, green/yellow, etc. with treble hooks.  single hooks are okay.  When deciding on lures it is sometimes best to wait and consult your tackle store prior to leaving on your trip.  There may be some hot new jig out.
   
• Tackle Box - Wood or Plastic to store your tackle. Make sure to bring a small plastic one for the skiff.

   Remember for the angler not wishing to make the initial investment you can borrow rods, reels, harnesses and rod belts on board the boat free of charge when you book your trip.  Just reserve then with Susan.  Tackle can be purchased on board as needed at reasonable tackle store prices.

   If you are confused as to how you will be rigging your gear, don't fret, we have tackle seminars on all of our trips.  There are also several helpful books.  Stand-Up Fishing by Nick Curcionie is an excellent choice.