whate
10-04-2009, 10:17 AM
After studying the reports, from tips by members of the forum, and with the help of google earth, i picked a spot in Santa Barbara to fish for halibut.
Got there around 5:30 am, and it took about 10 minutes to walk to the intended spot. The temp was around 16 C degree and the surf was semi-calm.
Instead of starting out with the LC, for some reason, I decided to rig the traditional halibut -with the dropper loop for weight and leaving 15'' for leader. I completed the rig with a 4'' straight worm (pumpkin seed color) and 1 oz weight.
Casted out about 20~30 yrds. While retrieving i felt some weight on the other end; and instead of setting the hook i cranked like there's no tomorrow. Instantly i knew it was a good size fish. My Clarus bent, and Sedona's drag's screaming as the fish surfaced. I adjusted the drag and pull her closer; and there in my front of eyes a big (at least to me) fatty. My heart started pumping fast in fear that i could lose the fish.
It took me about 5 minutes to land the halibut. I couldn't believe it. Anyway, i didn't know the exact size of the fish 'cause i wasn't prepare for this. A nice lady jogging by agreed to take the pic of me with my 1st flatty.
I gently put the fish back on the water and watch her disappearing into the surf.
btw, LC, Kroc, BM didn't work; tried them all.
The count:
1-halibut
1-shovel nose
2-medium BSP.
All fishes were released.
http://lh6.ggpht.com/_ZhYGIzx1e3I/SsjT2rovw0I/AAAAAAAAACA/kq4g4tQnXSM/s512/santabarbara_halibut_02.10.09.jpeg.jpg
Got there around 5:30 am, and it took about 10 minutes to walk to the intended spot. The temp was around 16 C degree and the surf was semi-calm.
Instead of starting out with the LC, for some reason, I decided to rig the traditional halibut -with the dropper loop for weight and leaving 15'' for leader. I completed the rig with a 4'' straight worm (pumpkin seed color) and 1 oz weight.
Casted out about 20~30 yrds. While retrieving i felt some weight on the other end; and instead of setting the hook i cranked like there's no tomorrow. Instantly i knew it was a good size fish. My Clarus bent, and Sedona's drag's screaming as the fish surfaced. I adjusted the drag and pull her closer; and there in my front of eyes a big (at least to me) fatty. My heart started pumping fast in fear that i could lose the fish.
It took me about 5 minutes to land the halibut. I couldn't believe it. Anyway, i didn't know the exact size of the fish 'cause i wasn't prepare for this. A nice lady jogging by agreed to take the pic of me with my 1st flatty.
I gently put the fish back on the water and watch her disappearing into the surf.
btw, LC, Kroc, BM didn't work; tried them all.
The count:
1-halibut
1-shovel nose
2-medium BSP.
All fishes were released.
http://lh6.ggpht.com/_ZhYGIzx1e3I/SsjT2rovw0I/AAAAAAAAACA/kq4g4tQnXSM/s512/santabarbara_halibut_02.10.09.jpeg.jpg