Catching Guitarfish

#1
Hi I’m heading to San Clemente pier this weekend and I’m wondering If you guys have any tips to catch some guitarfish, or a link to another thread about it.

Thanks
 

Fishman Fishman

Well-Known Member
#3
Hi I’m heading to San Clemente pier this weekend and I’m wondering If you guys have any tips to catch some guitarfish, or a link to another thread about it.

Thanks
Do you eat guitarfish? If so, how do you prepare it, what part do you eat? I'm curious, always I release guitarfish. Thanks.
 
#4
@Fishman Fishman I have caught a couple guitarfish while fishing for other species but i released all of them, but I wanted to try one after hearing ken Jones say they are good eating. Also weren’t you the one that ken included in his June report? Where did you catch the guitarfish on the pier?
 

Mahigeer

Senior Member
#8
Years ago I caught one with live bait on a Carolina rig fishing for halibut.

It was at the Hermosa pier. It was 50" and I gave it to other anglers that net it for me.

They said the meat parallel to the spine was great for ceviche.
 
#9
Many people, including myself, consider them by catch and never keep 'em. All of them I've caught were while fishing for halibut using live bait, smelt or sardines and/or with fresh dead or frozen anchovies or sardines. They put up a great fight and their tough skin will easily wear through mono line so 20 Lb. would be recommended. A dropper or reverse dropper rig with a 2/O hook on a 3 Ft. leader. Fish a spot outside of the breakers and move your set-up 10 Ft. or so every few minuets until it's directly under you, reel up and cast again fanning the area to cover as much area as possible. I've caught the most of them in the evening and at night but during the day also. Good Luck, let us know how you do.
Tight Lines Erik