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Guests: Gary Reyes (Reyes Swimbaits) & Mike Stembridge (Pearl Swimbaits)
Hosts: Daniel Dahlin ([FISH]rx), El Charly, Luke Dean (Bait Slingers / Artemis Charters)
Episode 124, recorded live on April 7, 2026, is the first two-guest episode of the show, with Gary Reyes and Mike Stembridge breaking down calico bass fishing at a high level. The conversation focuses on weedless swimbaits, bladed jig trailer selection, full moon feeding windows, and how small changes in gear — like tungsten vs. lead — can completely change results on the same presentation.
In This Episode
- Bladed jig trailer selection — why both Gary and Mike avoid paddle tails and prefer free-flowing trailers that don’t restrict the blade (see the bladed jig guide)
- Skirt and trailer balance — letting the bait move naturally instead of over-controlling it
- Seven-inch weedless swimbaits as a primary calico presentation — prioritizing quality over quantity
- Leader setups and knot choices — and why heavier leader improved landing rate without hurting bites
- Full moon fishing windows — feeding at night vs slow daytime bites for calico bass
- Tungsten vs lead at the wall — faster sink, better bottom contact, and dramatically improved catch rate
- Reading island conditions — bait, current, and positioning leading to nine-pound class fish
- How experienced anglers adjust based on structure, pressure, and timing instead of forcing one approach
What Actually Changes Your Catch Rate
The bladed jig trailer discussion is one of the most technical parts of this episode. Gary’s explanation is simple: a paddle tail acts like an anchor on the back of the bait, reducing blade movement and slowing the time it takes to activate. A freer-flowing trailer lets the blade do the work immediately and keeps the bait in the action window longer.
The tungsten vs lead conversation builds on the same idea. Gary was already fishing the right technique — but the lead head wasn’t getting down fast enough or staying in contact with structure. Switching to tungsten didn’t change the presentation, it just let the presentation work properly. Same retrieve, same spot — but the catch rate flipped from 1:4 to 4:1. For more on why structure contact matters that much in SoCal saltwater, the structure fishing guide is worth reading alongside this episode.
That’s the theme of this episode: the difference between doing something correctly and doing it efficiently. Small changes in how a bait moves, sinks, or interacts with structure can completely change the outcome.
Why This Episode Matters
This episode is one of the most detailed calico bass breakdowns in the series. It shows how experienced anglers think about presentation, not just bait selection — how they adjust based on conditions, structure, and fish behavior rather than sticking to a single setup.
If you fish SoCal saltwater, the takeaway is clear: the difference between getting bit and not getting bit often comes down to small details — how fast your bait sinks, how freely it moves, and whether it stays in the strike zone long enough to matter. The bladed jig guide and calico bass guide both connect naturally to what Gary and Mike are talking through here.
Watch the full episode on the Time On The Water YouTube channel. New episodes every Tuesday at 6 PM.