Shore Fishing Northern California

[flintstonefisherman]

Hi everyone,

Need some advice on fishing on the Northern California shore near Humbolt County. I'm a complete idiot when it comes to fishing, the last time I've really fished was at a fish farm when I was a kid. I'm not even sure there was bait on the hooks.

I'm starting to get back into fishing, but am still a complete newbie. I will be backpacking the coast near Shelter Cove for a week, I was thinking of trying some fishing along the way. I think there's mostly perch and rockfishing up there from what I hear, and the terrain is rocky, but with some sandy section. I'd like to know:

1) What equipment that I need? I can borrow all kinds rods and reels from friends and family, but since i'm backpacking I want to take a lightweight pole. I have a pole, it's only about 5-6 ft long, not quite a saltwater pole, but heavier than a freshwater backpackign pole. The 12 foot pole is out of the question on a backpackign trip.

2) Do I use bait, lures, weights? What size line and hooks? Someone on another forum recommened 12lb line w/ some sort of jig, but I couldn't really follow what was being said.

I'm a complete amateur, so if someone can explain it in easy to understand terms. Also, I want to keep something lightweight, so I'm not sure if I want to do a full on fishing rig. I don't plan on catching dinner each day, it's more for something to pass the time.


Also, what is it called fishing from shore? Surf Fishing or shore fishing? beach fishing? Trying to find some more info but having a hard time since i don't know the lingo.

[Omahayank]

I'm sure you noticed this site is out of England?
Did you find out what you were looking for? How was your trip?