FISHING TIPS FOR THOSE WHO NEVER, OR RARELY, DO IT.

Byline: Keith Lair Staff Writer

The heat is up. School's out. And the kids are itching for something to do.

``Let's go fishing!'' one of them suggests.

Ah, ocean breezes, cooler temperatures, the smell of salt. It sounds great until hitting the neighborhood sporting goods store, where hundreds of rods, reels, hooks and baits line the shelves. Not an easy choice for someone who never, or rarely, fishes.

Plus, the nearshore summer bite is starting to take off. Just off the L.A. Harbor breakwater, barracuda and sand bass have been biting. The sand bass bite has been going off at Huntington Flats, about a mile off the Orange County coast, too.

``A lot of people who come in will not admit they know so little,'' says John Kukta, an ocean-fishing specialist at Turner's Outdoorsman in Norwalk. ``So, I try and pick their brain and see what they do know. See if I can help. Everyone has to start from somewhere.''

There are the basics. Rod, reel, fishing line, sinkers, fishing license (for those 16 and older), sunscreen and a hat. Maybe some jigs (artificial bait) and a gunnysack (to hold the fish).

Still, there are choices and more choices. Kukta suggests spinning reels over baitcasters.

``It's a little easier for beginners to handle,'' said Frank Liversedge, the manager of 22nd Street Landing in L.A. Harbor.

Baitcasting reels are more accurate, but if you're not careful, a backlash can start, creating a ``bird's nest,'' or tangle on the reel. It happens at the end of the cast. A thumb is supposed to be used to stop the line from coming off the reel. But if it's applied too late, a nasty bird's nest is the end product.

Although sand bass would be a likely target now, Kukta suggests using 12- to 15-pound line, in case a barracuda or hard-fighting yellowtail is hooked up. His hook recommendation is 1O or 2O.

``You can get a good set-up for less than $100,'' he said.

Children should be part of the process, too.

``They should get a feel for rods,'' Kukta said. ``And for 4- and 5-year-olds, you might want to get an inexpensive combo rod and reel. That way, if they don't like it, not too much has been spent.''

Many tackle manufacturers target spinning outfits for youth, which can include cartoon figures on the product.

Half-day trips should be the norm for first-timers. Overnighters and full-day trips can be overwhelming and long for children, several experts say.

Liversedge said his landing, located in San Pedro, caters to youth in the summer.

``We do trips with a lot of kids, and women and kids,'' Liversedge said. ``We do more than anyone else on the whole West Coast. We've really concentrated on that the last three years. Our specialty is taking care of kids.''

For parents who do not want to fish, Liversedge offers a half-price sundeck trip, with children manning the rails.

``Sportfishing has changed the last few years,'' he said. ``More people are wanting service. Ma and Pa Kettle are coming out for half-day and one-day trips and they want to be taken care of.''

Those not wanting to purchase outfits can rent rods and reels from landings. Many also offer packages that include sinkers and hooks, which nearly every deckhand will set up. One-day fishing licenses are as little as $6.55. They can be purchased at the landing or at sporting goods stores. Youths 15 and under do not need a license. Live bait of sardines and anchovies are stored in the boat's bait tank and many times are the preferred choice of bait.

Anglers can generally keep up to 20 fish, and up to 10 of one species per day. On the way back in to shore, the deckhands will clean and filet fish for a nominal charge, usually no more than $1 per fish.

DAY OF FISHING

Things to take: Rod, reel, fishing line (already spooled), sinkers, hooks, hat, sunscreen, fishing license

Cost: Half-day trips are about $25 for adults, youths generally $5 less

Landings:

Long Beach Pierpoint Landing, [phone]

Newport Beach Davey's Locker, [phone]

Redondo Sportfishing, [phone]

San Pedro 22nd Street Landing, [phone]

Port Hueneme Sportfishing, [phone]

Cisco Sportfishing, [phone]

Ventura Harbor Village Sportfishing, [phone]

CAPTION(S):

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DAY OF FISHING (see text)