The 1st Keeper of the Year

[Once You're Hook]

Went out to the beach this morning when it was low tide. saw much of the holes and structures around the sandy area. decided not to wait for the incoming tide. so ended up @ marin coast near paradise pier. lots of fisherman there were soaking bait with live and dead anchovies. saw a few anglers hook up some legal halibut (nothing gigantic). i had waited until the afternoon when the current were fast moving and switch to a heavy sinker(8oz) after re-baiting with a live shiner perch, waited for a few moment, the rod were bouncing up and down. grab the rod from the rod holder and tension from the other end were strong. reel in slowly and saw the fish and i was so excited and yell gaff please. my help me with the assist. came home with this beauty all 27 inches.

 

[Ken Jones]

Congratulations!

 

[scaryfish]

Way to go!

 

[Skyhook]

Well done! And sounds like it was well deserved. When did you start targeting halibut this season and how many hours did you put in before finally getting your fish?

 

[BayFisher]

Good job, nice fish.

 

[Once You're Hook]

Well done! And sounds like it was well deserved. When did you start targeting halibut this season and how many hours did you put in before finally getting your fish?

Thank you to everyone for the comments. I started out targeting halibut this season back on April and it wasn't easy. each time i try end up with nothing, not even a nibble or bump and who knows how many countless hours that i put in for it.( i know a lot) i have to say, last year was the opposite, i would say i was in the 90% target. each time i went out, either i hookup fish or come home with a fish (keeper or undersize released) but, not skunk. and the fish were quality grade.

 

[BayFisher]

It's crazy how dead Paradise has been this year. In past years, I would easily pull up 10+ fish on every outing and had an average of at least a keeper a day. Even the shakers are missing this year. I pretty much gave up on that place, and that steep hill.

That was my experience earlier in the season, skunk after skunk. I wonder why they are gone from shore? All the boat guys seem to be doing well out there.

 

[StripeDoc]

That was my experience earlier in the season, skunk after skunk. I wonder why they are gone from shore? All the boat guys seem to be doing well out there.

This is just a theory but I believe the bay has been noticeably warmer and saltier this year (dry winter plus warm spring) which has led to massive vegetation growth in shallow areas with less tidal movement. Not sure if the halibut avoid these areas due to lower dissolved oxygen or if the fish are simply harder to catch with salad draped all over your bait.