San Pedro: PB HALIBUT, close but no cigar. 4/5/2014
Greetings FNN!! For those of you who read my previous post on my first hali from the surf, here is a quick update on my quest for the legal...
It's been just about a week since my halibut endeavor began and I have been extremely ambitious in my pursuit of a legitimate flattie. Waking up early, surveying different locations, and analyzing beach conditions has really been a fantastic learning experience in my attempt to better understand the surf environment. It's also pretty darn fun!!So here goes:
Destination: LBC and surrounding areas
Target Species: California Halibut (22"+)
After numerous, unsuccessful attempts at various locations during the week, I returned to a fairly consistent spot in the LBC. No legals but fish nonetheless. I arrived right before 7 AM and immediately began to throw my lure. Cast after cast, up and down the beach, casting some more produced absolutely nothing. Before I knew it, almost two hours had elapsed so I figured either I was doing something incorrectly or the fish just weren't in the mood at this particular locale. Believing in the latter, Seal Beach was the new destination. As I made my way through PCH, I took particular notice of all the marathon runners on the streets. To my surprise, the "Run Seal Beach" event was underway, blocking off many streets and parking was nowhere to be found. There would be no fishing today at this location. I was super bummed out. But after probing the internet, I discovered that Run Seal Beach is a non-profit organization which brings the community together through exercise. I can live with that.
Anyways, feeling a little tired, I decided to head home. BUT, being in the area anyways, I decided to give it one more shot at an area which I read produces fish. San Pedro was the destination. I arrived at the spot, began to cast. Adding a little variation to my approach, I decided to throw a Toro Tamer Surf Diving Minnow which was recommended by the good people over at Charkbait in HB. Fifteen minutes into it, BOOM!!! I get slammed!! I reeled the fish up to the beach and I said to myself, "this has to be it". I had a Kool-Aid smile, ecstatic, jubilation!! I proceeded to measure the fella AND wow.....21 inches. Short 1 friggen inch!!!Maaaannn....so close.
Although not a legal, it is my PB. Not bad for a rookie.
The lure I was using was incredible. Weight transfer system allowed for nice casting, a slightly larger bill initiated a deeper dive which was perfect for my fishing situation. Great product, respect. The contour and design of the lure was comparable to a LC Pointer SP but 10 mm shorter. Here is a comparison photo. Toro (top), LC (bottom)
21 incher with the lure in it mouth.
I know this report was a little lengthy and hopefully it was enjoyable. Will follow-up when I get that legal. Cheers!!
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Originally Posted by DockRat
