Author: Rodney Marquez

Rodney Marquez of BDOutdoors shares tips on how to hoop net for California spiny lobster, including regulations, techniques and the gear required to succeed. “The first thing you need to do is get the proper licenses in order to go hoop netting for lobster,” said Rodney.  “Then you have to learn how to measure them properly to determine if the lobsters are of legal size to keep.  Then you need to have the hoop nets and related gear in order to catch them.  It takes a little set up, but it is well worth it to catch your own lobster…

What is Tomahak Sportfishing? Tomahawk Sportfishing is a 1-3 day fishing experience out of San Diego, phenomenal for all level anglers. Tomahawk Sportfishing prides themselves on their customer service, gourmet chef prepared meals and clean vessel, focusing on making this fishing experience relaxed and comfortable. Their galley is equipped with a knowledgeable and educated crew, making sure to satisfy all appetites with creative meals and fresh ingredients. Ice cold beer is also promised, pairing perfectly with quality dining and memorable fishing. This 68 foot by 24 foot beam fishing boat accommodates up to 28 people in large, air conditioned bunks,…

After a visit to Florida’s East Central coast, BD’s Rodney Marquez created this overview video on the techniques used to live bait for king mackerel, commonly known as kingfish.

Our very own Rodney Marquez offers up his advice for those SoCal anglers looking for a great inshore or shoreline baitcaster outfit.  If you’re looking for a fun outfit that can be used for a wide variety of inshore fishing applications, then check out the Shimano Curado DC, a relatively new offering and technology from Shimano. “If you’re like me, you might shy away from using baitcasters because of the struggles with backlashes,” said Rodney.  “But the Curado DC has a built-in microchip computer that regulates the spool speed on its own to help all anglers prevent many potential backlash…

The Tern, Accurate’s first star drag offering is perfect for anglers who want the lightest and smoothest star drag experience possible. The use of CVX technology allows for an incredibly lightweight, yet strong frame to take down the toughest game fish, while the TwinStarDrag allows for anglers to have confidence putting the pressure on the fish. By putting stainless steel and carbon fiber washers on each side of the main gear, rather than a stack of washers on one side, anglers will experience an unmatched smooth payout of drag at every click of the ergonomic star that fits perfectly in your…

BD recently sponsored a trip with a great group of guys to fish aboard Tomahawk Sportfishing out of Fisherman’s Landing in San Diego.  Our own Rodney Marquez was along to capture the excitement and catch some fish of his own. “This 1.5-day trip spent a bunch of their time hooked up on schools of foamer skipjack and yellowfin tuna.  It was a wide-open bite a good portion of the time and everyone had a blast hooking up and doing battle,” said Rodney.  “I had a blast catching them on baitcasters and the Baby Orca from Shimano and the crew is…

BD Outdoors Video Editor, Rodney Marquez, gives us a quick video of what he likes to pack in his offshore tackle bag for Southern California when targeting bluefin tuna, yellowfin tuna, dorado or yellowtail.  It is always recommended that you bring the appropriate gear for a variety of fishing conditions on your trip. This video discusses hooks, line, reel sizes, and even recommended lures you might need on a SoCal sportboat trip. The Bag Plano – Z-Series 3600 Tackle Bag Saltwater can be tough on tackle bags. Tough on every bag but a Plano tackle bag, that is. Plano saltwater…

BD’s Rodney Marquez is offshore fishing on the Vendetta out of  H & M Landing.  Looking to cash in on the yellowtail and tuna bite that has been happening as of late, the crew loads up on sardines from the bait barge and carries them to the fishing grounds.  The bait’s hardiness is often variable by batch and even down to the individual fish. Rodney offers some very helpful tips on how to pick out a hardy bait and what clues to look for when chasing it around the holding tank.  He also talks about his favorite type of hooks…

BD’s Jake Zalesky and his extended family gathered in San Diego to have a family reunion and they wanted to experience some West Coast fishing. They booked a private charter trip aboard the sport boat Vendetta out of H&M Landing.  BD’s Rodney Marquez joined in on the fun and documented the good times and great fishing for a variety of West Coast species. Yellowtail, sheephead, sculpin, calico bass and more came over the rail as the crew from the mid-west got their first taste of saltwater fishing. “It was a great experience to get my family from Iowa out to…

Here is a great video with Thomas Aranda, a San Diego commercial fisherman, who shares some tips about fishing for catching and cleaning California halibut. He ties up his favorite halibut rig for using live bait and talks about the areas to target when fishing for California halibut. Once the fish have been caught, Thomas demonstrates step-by-step how to clean a California halibut “It really is one of the easiest fish to clean,” says Thomas. “Just one cut and then follow the dotted line that is the lateral line on the fish. A sharp knife is a key factor in…

Bill Batson of Batson Enterprises comes into the BD Outdoors studio and talks about the ALPS product line. From ALPS reel seats to roller guides , Mr. Batson and his team will make anything and everything tailored to your custom fishing rod. Batson says, “We here at Batson Enterprises have a very straightforward mission. Our goal is to produce and supply the most extreme quality products in the world, while maintaining the utmost levels of customer service and satisfaction. Many companies aim to meet expectations, but we strive to exceed them!” Check out the new ALPS line at Batson Enterprises website. Get…

Check out the new video of live bait tips from Captain Dave Hansen of Your Saltwater Guide. Dave explains his favorite go-to-method for bait selection.  He also explains how he likes to hook the bait for a better presentation. “While many like to hook a bait in the back end, I usually prefer to put the hook through the clear part in the nose.  Then give the bait 60 seconds to produce, or its back to the tank for another,” said Capt Dave. These live bait tips will help anglers of any experience level and is a must know before…

Capt. Dave Hansen gives us a great step-by-step rundown on how to tie the double uni knot to connect a fluorocarbon leader to the braid main line to create a functional transition knot. He also gives a great rundown on a tried and true fisherman’s or improved clinch knot to secure the leader to a hook, lure or other terminal tackle. Get more great video tips from BD’s library of How To Tips!

Tommy Goms of Catalina Offshore Products demonstrates step by step instructions on how to clean a local yellowtail. One of the keys to success in fish cleaning is to choose a fillet knife that matches the size of the fish to be cleaned.  Here Tommy is using a 7-inch tapered flex knife made by Bubba.  Keeping them sharp is also key and the Bubba knives take an edge back easily with any quality sharpener.  Most are familiar with the signature red handled knives that are known for their comfortable grip despite the slimy conditions. No matter what you are cleaning,…

Captain Dave Hansen of Your Saltwater Fishing Guide offers up some great video tips of how to target tuna when they are marking deep. Get your live bait down with a break-away lead weight set up that Capt. Dave has used during his forty-plus years of fishing SoCal waters. Learn step by step how to attach a rubber-banded weight to your line/leader connection to get your live bait to depth and target deep tuna. This is not the only way, but it is Capt Dave’s way and it has proven itself time and again for tuna fishing. Get more great…

Captain Rush Maltz of Local Knowledge explains some permit fishing tips he uses to catch permit in the Florida Keys. In the studio, Capt. Rush explains the basic techniques, reels, line, and recommended bait size when targeting permit. “Permit can be pretty wary and our waters are so clear, so using lighter fluorocarbon leaders is key to fooling them”, says Capt. Rush.  “Also picking out the right sized live crab for bait is important.  They don’t want a big “tarpon-sized” crab.  A silver dollar size one on a Mustad jig head is perfect.” Tackle Used By Capt. Rush for permit…

Check out the brand new Accurate TX-500X Tern Reel unboxing video. This is Accurate’s first Star drag reel to have twin Star Drag system. This is the Tern 500 6:1 star drag reel from Accurate Fishing; -Made in USA!! This reel comes in 3 different models, the 300, 400, and the 500. Accurate Tern Features Max drag of 33-pounds CVX design Made with aircraft grade aluminum Heat treated steel gears and gear shaft Power knob Stainless steel anti-reverse bearing Rod clamp Comes with a 2 year free service program Hold 600-yards of 50# braid The Tern, Accurate’s first star drag…

Tommy Gomes , The Fishmonger of Catalina Offshore Products, shows us how to plate live spot prawns, AKA  Amaebi. These spot prawns are caught locally in deep depths off the coast of San Diego. Spot prawns, also known as sweet shrimp, are caught off the coast of San Diego in traps. COP stores them in their live tanks and carefully packages them to ensure that they arrive fresh at your door. Spot prawns are quite popular in sushi bars, where they are known as amaebi. The ample tails are commonly eaten raw, while the heads are often deep fried and enjoyed…

SoCal anglers are excited to find that the bluefin are still here and biting! Rodney Marquez took a ride down to Fisherman’s Landing to hear first hand the reports about the recent bluefin tuna bite from fellow passengers on the 1.5 day offshore charter boats. *** This was filmed and edited the day of (5/3/2019) *** The 3 boats that were covered in this video: 1. http://www.tomahawksportfishing.net/ 2. www.fishcondor.com 3. https://www.shogunsportfishing.com/ Check out the full report on the website : https://www.fishermanslanding.com/ https://www.fishdope.com/ *Big thanks to all the passengers who were willing to participate in the video 🙂 – Rodney Marquez

BD’s Rodney Marquez shares his most productive halibut tips in this straight forward fishing tip video. He explains the effectiveness of a drop shot technique and explains his halibut theory and how to work the rig for the best presentation.  “Halibut live on or in a sandy bottom and I think a rig that presents the bait in the halibut’s preferred strike zone is the most effective”, says Rodney.  “Don’t forget to move around and cover as much ground as possible when your fishing an area.” As many anglers do not have access to live bait, Rodney explains his favorite…

Recently, the Fred Hall Show took place in Long Beach, California and huge crowds turned out to scour the show for deals on great new tackle and fishing & hunting destinations.  There is something for everyone and we toured the show seeking out pearls of wisdom from our friends and partners. Seakeeper https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=E5tXBWkdboo&feature=youtu.be Check out the first had experience I had witnessing the Seakeeper gyrostabilizer on the Albermarle at the show.  Laying side-to the seas, the Seakeeper takes out up to 90% of the roll.  Seakeeper continues to shrink this game-changing for smaller and smaller vessels so that all boaters can benefit…

Fred Hall Long Beach Show 2019 Recently, the Fred Hall Show took place in Long Beach, California and huge crowds turned out to scour the show for deals on great new tackle and fishing & hunting destinations.  There is something for everyone and we toured the show seeking out pearls of wisdom from our friends and partners. AFTCO https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=eczvwhbgr3E&feature=youtu.be AFTCO has always been an integral part of fishing tackle used all around the world.  They have joined forces with SAIKO to bring a premium fluorocarbon leader to market.  We are excited to try this one! Van Wormer Resorts https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=MRPUSanrJ4Q&feature=youtu.be Van…