High Tide, Heavy Kelp, Big Calicos: Palos Verdes Rock Fishing

Join us for a coastal angling adventure, where the focus is on the thrill of the catch from a rocky shoreline. This fishing video captures incredible big fish moments, showcasing the pursuit of saltwater species with a trusty rod. Experience the ocean’s power as we navigate casting and reeling, bringing in impressive catches.

In this episode of IndigeFish, we’re fishing the rocks and shallow kelp edges along the Palos Verdes Peninsula, breaking down how to approach high tide conditions, heavy kelp, and constantly changing water clarity. From the very start, the session is about reading the environment—watching bird activity, identifying fishy structure, and adjusting gear to match what the ocean is giving us.

We walk through a detailed gear setup, including the Symmetry 8.5-foot rod, Okuma reel, fluke rigs, Gulp minnows, and a Carolina rig adjustment that ultimately produces the biggest calico of the day. Along the way, we test larger baits, fight through thick kelp, and explain how bird movement can signal where bait—and predator fish—are holding.

The action includes a perch catch and release, multiple calico bass hookups, and a standout 17–18 inch calico, all while navigating slippery rocks, tide pools, and the hazards that come with fishing this type of coastline. We also talk safety, barefoot rock movement, tide timing, and why moon phases and water movement matter more than people think.

This isn’t just about catching fish—it’s about learning how to fish smarter from the rocks, adapting to conditions, and respecting both the ocean and the fish we release back into it.

If you’re into Southern California rock fishing, kelp-line strategy, calico bass, and real-world fishing lessons from the coast, this episode is for you.

0:00 – Intro & Spot Overview (Christmas Tree Cove, PV)
0:35 – Gear Setup: Symmetry 8.5′ Rod, Okuma Reel & Fluke Rig
1:49 – Testing a Bigger Bait & Assessing Heavy Kelp
2:20 – Reading Water & Birds to Find Fishy Structure
3:14 – First Fish: Perch on Gulp Minnow (Catch & Release)
5:58 – First Calico Bass Hookup in the Kelp
6:31 – Calico Bass #1 (10–11″) Released & Bird Pattern Explained
7:40 – Experiment: Double Rig – Minnow + Tube Bait
8:20 – Following Bird Activity & Fighting Kelp Snags
8:55 – Switching to 10′ Rod to Reach Bait Zone
9:01 – Big Calico Hookup on Pink Zoom Fluke (Carolina Rig)
9:40 – Calico Bass #2 (17–18″) – Technique & Release Decision
10:15 – Carolina Rig Breakdown & Fluke Soaked in Anchovy Spray
11:10 – Barefoot Rock Trek & Tidepool Hazard Talk
11:34 – Off the Rocks: Fishing Shallow Kelp Edges from the Beach
12:20 – Tide Changes, Getting the Fluke Down, and Time Check
13:00 – Session Wrap-Up: 2 Calicos, 1 Perch & Lessons on Tides/Moon Phases

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