Ep. 2: Cody Smith on Chasing the State Record Spotted Bay Bass

Guest: Cody Smith

Hosts: Daniel Dahlin ([FISH]rx), El Charly, Luke Dean (Bait Slingers / Artemis Charters)

Episode 2, recorded live on December 27, 2022, centers on one goal: catching bigger spotted bay bass. Cody Smith breaks down his pursuit of the California state record, how winter conditions change the bite, and why access to the right structure matters more than anything else.

In This Episode

• Chasing the state record spottie — personal best at 5 lb 7 oz, targeting fish pushing past 6 pounds
• Winter vs summer patterns — fewer bites, but higher-quality fish in colder months
• Shore vs boat fishing — accessing different structure leads to different fish
• Creature bait setup at the wall — bottom-focused presentation with natural colors
• Heavy line strategy — 80 lb braid to 50–60 lb leader for abrasion resistance
• Drop shot for halibut — subtle presentation staying close to bottom
• Soft jerkbait experimentation — early thinking behind slug-style presentations

Why Access Matters More Than Location

One of the most useful takeaways from this episode is the difference between shore and boat fishing. It’s not about which is better — it’s about what each allows you to reach.

Shore anglers can access tight structure, hidden pockets, and areas that boats can’t fish effectively. Boats provide range and coverage, but they miss certain high-percentage zones.

Understanding this difference helps explain why big fish often come from specific, less accessible spots. The structure fishing guide expands on how these areas hold fish.

Why Winter Produces Bigger Fish

Cody’s experience points to a consistent pattern: winter fishing produces fewer bites, but often larger fish. Instead of chasing numbers, the focus shifts to targeting individual quality bites.

This requires patience and confidence in your spots. When the bite does happen, it’s more likely to be a higher-quality fish.

Fishing the Wall Effectively

The wall setup is built around durability and control. Heavy line protects against abrasion from rocks and structure, while the presentation stays close to the bottom where fish are holding.

Instead of adding action, the goal is to keep the bait in the strike zone and let water movement create natural motion. This approach is especially effective for calico and structure-oriented species. The calico bass guide expands on these patterns.

Why This Episode Matters

This episode matters because it shifts the focus from catching more fish to catching better fish. It highlights how access, conditions, and patience all play a role in targeting larger fish.

For SoCal anglers, the takeaway is simple: big fish often come from specific water that requires a different approach. Finding and fishing those areas consistently leads to better results over time.

Watch the full episode on the Time On The Water YouTube channel. New episodes every Tuesday at 6 PM.

Note: This episode was originally recorded as part of Is This Mandatory, the show that became Time On The Water. Daniel was fishing and building baits under the name Dahlin Baits at the time — the brand is now [FISH]rx.