Ep. 35: Joe Gaeta of Performance Tackle on Wall Fishing & Tournament Bass

Guest: Joe Gaeta (Performance Tackle)

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

Episode 35, recorded live on March 19, 2024, focused on Long Beach breakwall fishing, A-rig strategy, and how tournament anglers approach structure, risk, and gear selection. Joe Gaeta of Performance Tackle joined the crew to break down wall fishing from experience — including what happens when your rig gets stuck where the fish actually live.

In This Episode

• A-rig fishing at the Long Beach breakwall — why bigger multi-bait rigs produce on the outside edge
• What happens when your rig gets stuck — bait knockers, straightening hooks, and getting back in the game
• Rod selection for wall fishing — jerkbait rods, chatterbait rods, and covering multiple presentations
• Tournament structure — calico events, payout ranges, and the spotty handicap format
• How calico and sand bass behavior changes at night vs daytime at the wall
• Transitioning from freshwater to saltwater — how structure fishing concepts carry over
• Performance Tackle as a full-spectrum SoCal shop — supporting inshore, offshore, and tournament anglers

What Wall Fishing Actually Requires

The A-rig story is the perfect example of what breakwall fishing actually looks like. Joe’s five-hook rig got buried in the rocks, he dropped a bait knocker, freed it, straightened the hooks, and went right back to fishing. That’s part of the deal. If you’re not willing to risk losing gear, you’re probably not fishing where the fish are holding.

Wall fishing is less about perfect presentations and more about understanding structure, angles, and how fish position along hard edges. It’s a high-risk, high-reward environment where gear, mindset, and decision-making all matter.

Why This Episode Matters

This episode is a strong reference point for anyone interested in SoCal breakwall fishing or tournament formats. It shows how experienced anglers approach risk, adapt gear to structure, and build strategies around real-world conditions rather than ideal scenarios.

It also highlights the role local tackle shops like Performance Tackle play in the fishing community — not just selling gear, but supporting anglers across different styles, skill levels, and fisheries.

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