Ep. 7: Scott Wyss of Bows & Arrows on Finding Calico in the Kelp

Guest: Scott Wyss (Bows & Arrows)

Hosts: Daniel Dahlin ([FISH]rx), El Charly

Episode 7, recorded live on February 21, 2023, is one of the most detailed breakdowns of calico bass fishing in the kelp. Scott Wyss explains how current, cast angle, and retrieve timing combine to create a predictable strike window — and why most bites happen at one specific moment in the retrieve.

In This Episode

• Cast angle and current — casting up-current and letting the bait swing naturally
• Strike timing — most bites happening when the line comes parallel to the angler
• Seasonal bait selection — glide baits in warm water, crankdowns in colder conditions
• Bait size differences — larger baits for calico, smaller for spotties based on structure and presentation
• Weedless fishing in kelp — accessing heavy cover with single-hook setups
• Kelp structure reading — focusing on edges, corners, and isolated patches
• East Coast influence — applying striper surf fishing concepts to kelp fishing

Where the Bite Actually Happens

The most important concept in this episode is the strike window. Scott’s approach starts with casting up-current and letting the bait swing naturally with the water movement.

As the bait moves through the water, the line eventually comes parallel to the angler. That’s when the bait is moving naturally through the fish’s field of view — and where most bites happen.

Instead of fishing the entire retrieve equally, this approach focuses on setting up that moment. Everything before it is positioning. The bite happens at the swing.

This connects directly to how calico position in current and structure. The calico bass guide and structure fishing guide both expand on how fish orient themselves in moving water.

Fishing Kelp Structure Effectively

Scott’s focus is not on the entire kelp bed, but on specific features within it — edges, corners, and isolated patches. These areas create ambush points where fish can sit and wait for bait to move through.

By combining proper cast angle with these structure features, anglers can consistently present the bait through the highest-percentage zones.

Adapting Baits to Conditions

Seasonal changes affect how fish respond to different baits. In warmer water, slower glide baits allow fish to track and commit. In colder water, faster-moving crankdown baits create reaction bites.

The key is adjusting based on fish behavior rather than sticking to a single bait year-round.

Why This Episode Matters

This episode matters because it explains when and where bites actually happen during a retrieve. Understanding that timing allows anglers to fish more intentionally instead of guessing.

For SoCal anglers, the takeaway is simple: set up your cast and retrieve to create a natural presentation through the strike zone. The bite isn’t random — it happens when everything lines up.

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.