A Christmas Present from Poseidon. Xmas Morning PB Halibut 12/25/09

[Brewfish]

Art - It's so fitting that you should be rewarded in this way. Merry Christmas, congratulations, and thanks for all you've given to our fishing community.

[murrieta angler]

Arthur....What can I say!? You are truly Blessed.
The picture was absolutely fantastic of that 38" Halibut and then to get that Jordan (23") for your last halibut of the year was perfect to cap off the morning and long night.
2010 is definately going to be a challenge for that 40", but if anyone can pull it off, it will be you... Good Luck in the future and Have a Safe and Happy New Years..

[fish_sauce]

Arthur,

Thankyou for your well Holiday wishes, I hope you had plenty of good time with friends and family, and CONGRATS on the nice Christmas day PB

This past year has been so hectic for me, i have not had as much time on the water as i wanted...but next year should be a little bit easier, and of course, that would translate to more fishing time! And if luck would have it, maybe i'll run into you at Newport or Malibu!

Keep up the AWESOME work Arthur! With all the hard work, detail, and time you put into the sport, i wouldn't be at all surprised if you would shatter that PB of yours soon

Andrew

[NooB SaBass]

!O.O...
wow that thing is a beast! really good job bro have no doubt you will hit that 40 in a few months...
AMAZING!!!!

[ldsaylor]

Simply Awesome!! Your surf reports are always a great read Wingnut! Thank you for them.. Congrats on the PB Hali! What a beauty!

Quick question? I have never surf fished but would like to get out there and try. Is there a good website or something that you can recommend to check current and upcoming surf conditions? Just don't want to drive long distances to find unfishable conditions.. Would appreciate any tips on that.. And great job yet again!!

[saltman]

Arthur, you call it wright to go surf fishing on christmas morning and to catch your personal best, Congrats I will see you in 2010.

Also thank for helping out with the toy drive. God Bless you..

Ram..

[exfactor]

You da mannnnnnnnnnnn!!!!!!! You forgot to show us the teeth marks in our carrot stick though. But seriously, good job. Shopping for new waders now. Mikey

[flyngby]

Arthur,

Awesome Day!!!!!

No one could have written a better script or given you a better Xmas Gift than what Poseidon had planned for you on this day.

In the past year I have been fortunate to witness what you are all about! You are an unselfish Leader with excellent "Core Values"

You put so much time and effort into helping others on and off the water!!!!!!!!

Good Things happen to Great People!!!!:

Steve

PS. I had no Idea that the one I farmed last week was that big!!!!!!
But I am glad her lip healed and was on the chew again!

[Wingnut]

WHAT A X-MAS present!!!! Congrats on the PB halibut, safe to say you paid your dues Enjoy your fresh halibut dinner!


TD

Thanks Aaron... I pay my dues on a regular basis buddy. Have your self a great New Year. Maybe we can "Hook Up" at Irvine Lake one of these days. I wonder if those big stockers like the LC.

Arthur, that is an incredible catch. It seems like the flatties always go on a feeding binge before the swell gets really large, and you capitalized on that with stunning results. I am a firm believer now that winter flattie fishing is a great time of year to target the big girls. It couldn't have happened to a more deserving guy!

Congrats on ending the year in a fantastic way, and can't wait to hit the surf again with you soon!

Marc

Feeding frenzy...not binge Marc.
You know what I always say, I'm the luckiest fisherman ever... right place, right time. I seem to have that down pretty good. The Hali bite in the winter may not be fast & furious, but the quality of the fish is definitely better. Hope you're feeling better... and we will hit the surf again very soon.
BTW - The 23" Halibut that I kept yesterday had almost completely developed egg sacks in it.

You are the man and catch the big ones.Nice catch and merry christmas present.

Yes, it was a very nice Christmas present from the Man above!

Unbelievable!! Nice going wingnut! Wish me some of your luck tomorrow!

Good luck wherever you're going... looking forward to your successful report!

Wow! That is one nice halibut!! Awesome job! I wonder when I will be able to hit the surf again and try and get my first halibut.

The more often you get out there, the more chances you will get to reac that goal F.B. You'll get one soon, just keep at it and don't give up!

Man! That Hali is a beast bro, can't end a year better than that. Big congrats.
D.D

Thanks man, it was the perfect way to end the year in the surf for sure.

OH, MAN !!!!
You just set the bar preety high for this coming year
for all of us surf fishers !!!
I think I am and to see that at the same
time!!!

The only bar that matters is the one you set for "yourself". When I hit the surf, the only one that I compete with is myself. Have a great New Year buddy, may our paths cross many time in the sand...

Holy smokes!!!! You are beyond lucky! If I could catch a Halibut like that every time I go to church I'd be in church EVERY week! You're such a good dude Art and the Man above rewards you for being his light. This has been quite a year for you in the surf buddy and you deserve everything. Guess what Lauren got me for Christmas? A 2010 fishing license. I will put it to good use in the New Year and head out with the SWAT crew just ike the old days. What a great Christmas present, congrats. See you at the New Year's eve party buddy.

I have never asked the Man above for a big Halibut Phuong. I only ask that I have the strength to be ready when the time comes... As for being 'His" light, most people in this world go through life acting like they're bottles to be filled, when they should consider themselves candles to be lit.
We only had the chance to fish with each other only a few times this year buddy, mostly for Stripers. But we have to make a point to hit the surf together more often in the New Year, just like the old days. Let's see if we can make that happen my friend... I would like that. Have a great New Year and see you soon!

Arthur, thank you for all the great reports this year. I couldn't fish like I wanted to in the surf this year, but reading your reports has more than made up for it. I was right there with you. Congrats on your PB's this year. Many more to come. The good guys do win!!!! Very happy X-mas and New Year to you.....Chris

Chris, I enjoyed sharing my reports with all of you as well. Hopefully, you can get out to the surf more often next year and please come to the next surf event! I would love to share the sand with you...Hope you had a nice Christmas and have a fantastic New Year.

Dude!!! Thats an Awesome flattie!!!!!!!

WTG on the catch & the release also...

Your Welcome!!! J/K.... LMAO...

Good thing you had the Pluton in your hand, couldnt ask for a better weapon against that Monster.

Have a Cool Yule and a Frantic First!!!!!!!!!!

.

Thanks Frank... your confidence level sure gets a boost when you know that your gear is in order.
Have a great New Year buddy.

Personally, I would have kept the 36" flatty and released the 23" flatty. But that's just me. Nice going bro, you've always been the lucky one.

That mentality won't get you on the squad Nhat. But I'm not worried for my Flat friends. I think the last legal you caught was about three years ago... am I right?

Congrats on the PB. That is a great way to end the year. Merry Christmas to all.

Thanks Tony, your turn to get yourself a legal! Have a great new Year.

GREAT FISH ARTHUR,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,t/o

Thanks Bob, when things settles down, we'll get back out there again. I have to try and get that DD Striper on the Superman pole before it's too late. I hate to lose a bet with Phuong!

Arthur......What can I say.....You deserved it for sure. I've spent countless hours in the surf with you my friend and your patience, persistance and an honorable code to "Live or Die by the LC" has paid off for you more than once. I couldn't have wished for a more perfect XMAS present for you today. It's nice to know that I was the first person you called with the news.
Metalic Ayu strikes again baby!!!! She is a beautiful flattie for sure and I must admit that I'm very envious there brotha!!!
Thank you for being a great friend and a big thanks for the B'DAY and XMAS gifts. You know I will get alot of use out of them. I couldn't have asked for more from a very special individual.
All of the things you have done for myself and others has put you at the top of the list with Santa, Poseidon and GOD my friend and I remember when you told me that God always listens to you......I definately am a believer for sure.
Thank you so much for being an inspiration to all who cross paths with you in life. Whether it's here on the FNN or somewhere else in your personal life.....you set a good example of what hard work and giving is all about.

The only regret that I had catching that fish, is that I did it alone... I wish that I had all my close friends with me to share the moment. People whom I know, that are genuinely happy for you when you do well. I always feel that way when I'm fishing with you buddy. I can't wait for the day that I can celebrate with you guys when you all get your personal best.

The Man above listens to those who listens to Him...

I'm looking forward to another fun and memorable year with the S.W.A.T. Crew buddy. It's going to be a fantastic New Year!

Arthur,

As soon as I got your text that the post was up I ran over to my dads computer and checked it out and I'm going to repeat what has already been said ......... You, My Friend, deserved that fish for all you hard work and persistense!

Congratulations Arthur!

Merry Christmas to you but hey, you've still got New Years Day!
How about that report on the 40"

Thanks Terry.. I knew that you would get a kick out of it.
The 40" Hali will be a tough goal to achieve, I may not succeed, but I'm going to have a heck of a fun time trying!
Hope you're recovering well buddy... prepare yourself for more grand adventures in the New Year.

Some guys have all the luck, and I mean ALL the luck.
Beautiful fish there buddy, i bet you won't ever forget this christmas day anytime soon. Merry christmas and happy new year to you and yours.

Luck usually comes to those who never have to depend on it...
Yes, I will always remember Christmas Day 2009!

What a beast... Simply awesome bro.. Congrats and thx for the great report and pics... Hope 2 cya someday out on the waters

Thanks Rob, I'm sure your paths will cross somewhere out there on the water.

Man Wingnut!
What an awesome report! I love the transition from Christmas Mass to Pulling Halibut out of the surf. You are indeed a good man and definitely a light to others!

Eric

Right back at ya Big "E".
Pretty funny huh...? Going from one extreme to another... I live a well balanced life!
Have a great New Year my friend.

Bro, your reports is pure entertainment. Everytime I read one I just shake my head in amazement. If there's a surf fishing Hall of Fame, you're there. We missed you at the Christmas party last night but I know you were with your family. Keep up the great job, I can't wait to see what crazy feats Wingnut has in store for us next year.

Your brother from another mother,
Binh

Thanks Binh... it's been such a fun year for me on and off the water. Business wise, not so great... but privately... everybody is healthy & happy, nothing to complain about.
Thanks for everything, wishing you & your family a prosperous and Happy New Year.

Art - It's so fitting that you should be rewarded in this way. Merry Christmas, congratulations, and thanks for all you've given to our fishing community.

Dave, thank you for your kind words... I appreciate that very much. Have a blessed New Year!

Arthur....What can I say!? You are truly Blessed.
The picture was absolutely fantastic of that 38" Halibut and then to get that Jordan (23") for your last halibut of the year was perfect to cap off the morning and long night.
2010 is definately going to be a challenge for that 40", but if anyone can pull it off, it will be you... Good Luck in the future and Have a Safe and Happy New Years..

The Hali was a 36".. but thanks for the extra confidence.
What happened Christmas morning was like a dream... I found myself going back in time with the Ghost of Christmas Past and reliving some of my fondest Christmas memories and feeling like a kid once again.
Best wishes for the New Year to you & yours!

Arthur,

Thankyou for your well Holiday wishes, I hope you had plenty of good time with friends and family, and CONGRATS on the nice Christmas day PB

This past year has been so hectic for me, i have not had as much time on the water as i wanted...but next year should be a little bit easier, and of course, that would translate to more fishing time! And if luck would have it, maybe i'll run into you at Newport or Malibu!

Keep up the AWESOME work Arthur! With all the hard work, detail, and time you put into the sport, i wouldn't be at all surprised if you would shatter that PB of yours soon

Andrew

Thanks Andrew and really great to hear from you again. Hopefully, you will find some time next year to join me in the surf. You are getting a personal invitation from me to fish with the S.W.A.T Crew... RSVP anytime you're ready. Happy New Year!

!O.O...
wow that thing is a beast! really good job bro have no doubt you will hit that 40 in a few months...
AMAZING!!!!

Thanks Private NooB SaBass! You're well on your way yourself... keep up the nice work out there. Maybe someday, our roads will cross in the sand.

Simply Awesome!! Your surf reports are always a great read Wingnut! Thank you for them.. Congrats on the PB Hali! What a beauty!

Quick question? I have never surf fished but would like to get out there and try. Is there a good website or something that you can recommend to check current and upcoming surf conditions? Just don't want to drive long distances to find unfishable conditions.. Would appreciate any tips on that.. And great job yet again!!

Thanks, writing the reports is half the fun. I'll shoot you a PM shortly, but there are never any guarantees out there. There's been many times that I've done my homework to choose the most perfect and ideal conditions only to hit the surf and find it a disaster area. Being prepared will give you a better chance of success... but won't guarantee it. Sometimes, you just go out there and hope for the best. Let me know when you're ready to hit the surf... I'll try to steer you in the right direction.

Arthur, you call it right to go surf fishing on christmas morning and to catch your personal best, Congrats I will see you in 2010.

Also thank for helping out with the toy drive. God Bless you..

Ram..

There was a bright Star in the sky that night... and I just followed it, bearing silver & gold Lucky Crafts.
Thanks Ram, have yourself a great New Year!

You da mannnnnnnnnnnn!!!!!!! You forgot to show us the teeth marks in our carrot stick though. But seriously, good job. Shopping for new waders now. Mikey

I have to stop chewing on my Carrot Stix... it voids the warranty.
We really need to fish together more next year Mikey... Happy New Year buddy!

Arthur,

Awesome Day!!!!!

No one could have written a better script or given you a better Xmas Gift than what Poseidon had planned for you on this day.

In the past year I have been fortunate to witness what you are all about! You are an unselfish Leader with excellent "Core Values"

You put so much time and effort into helping others on and off the water!!!!!!!!

Good Things happen to Great People!!!!:

Steve

PS. I had no Idea that the one I farmed last week was that big!!!!!!
But I am glad her lip healed and was on the chew again!

Steve, seriously... that might have been the same fish! Thank you for playing Farmer Johnson so that I may have a Christmas to remember.
Steve, it has been a pleasure spending time in the surf with you this year and watching your progress and accomplishments first hand. Your success, is my success... you have come a long way my friend. You know that I choose to fish with and surround myself with only a handful of people. I am very slow in choosing my friends... and even slower in changing them. Thanks for allowing me, to be your friend. Looking forward to another great year.

[jerryG]

Amazing! Congratulations Arthur. Might be a little too big for a stocking stuffer but it looks like you got the perfect gift on Christmas morning. Well deserved.. What can I say, you have once again amazed me my friend but I am not surprised. No fish is safe when you are on the job. I agree with the points made by Bones, Black Water, and Flyinby. If everyone shared your values the world would be a much better place.

I have always been a firm believer that good things happen to good people. I also believe that God rewards those who help others unconditionally. Luck has little to do with your success. Your consistency is the direct result of your knowledge, skill and positivity combined your relentless dedication and commitment to success. The fact that you were out there in the cold on a solo mission for the grey light bite on Christmas is a strong indication of your dedication. The fact that you attended mid-night mass demonstrates your faith and strong commitment to the man above. The fact that you had to leave the beach early to go help out with a toy drive at a childrens hospital shows your unselfish and genuine commitment to helping others. You are truly an inspiration to all Arthur.

Jerryg