Palomar knots are the best ever and I have tried all of them. spit included. I caught a 13.6 # catfish on a Palomar knot at Irvine Lake California on 10/3/20. For California this catfish is big. In the South that is a baby cat I know that. lol

Try the spillway for stripers 12-15 # line and large hooks and try different baits. The coves are best for trout and other species but go just after they stock the lake for best results. Boat fishing is best in the early mornings, it gets windy in the afternoons so fish early. I used to fish there years ago. Don't just show up and expect to limit, do a lot of research prior to going to the lake, remember go just after the trout season opener that is when they stock the lake. It's a tricky lake, either you limit or you get skunked, there are no grey areas. lol Good luck.

What size hooks do you normally use, when you say that you use mackerel and cut bait ? Jetties are the most dangerous places to fish from in So-Cal. I've seen people fall off them and also be swept over by small rogue waves. Try surf fishing or pier fishing instead. (try a 1/0 hook and a bright life vest and never fish alone on the jetties)

Step 1. Check that your fishing line is not old and tattered. 2. Tie a Palomar knot, those knots are like tattoos, they never come off. 3. Check that your test pound line can handle the amount of weights which you are using and also compensate for the yank or extra pull created when the line and rig smashes the surface. If you use swivels on your line, repeat as above. Just saying and good fishing Pal. Remember the old saying..." God does not deduct from your life the time you spend fishing".