Newport Harbor 8/9

[Bendo]

Hit the Harbor in my Float tube on the smaller of the two Tides today. Got in the water at 7 am across the Bay from the Coast Guard Dock. It started off slow, I kicked against an almost non existent incoming Tide down to the Big Public dock and hit a school of medium grade Sand Bass landing 6 on six casts. I kicked out into the Channel and hit a group of large Spotties landing about 10 in 15 minutes on a 1/4 oz. Jighead and a glued on 5 inch ZMan Streakz in Mud Minnow. I think that color looks like a baby Spotted Bay Bass and the bigger Bass seem to love it. The fish came in spurts 3-4 in a row and then search again. The Tide picked up speed around 9:30 but a breeze was blowing the opposite direction allowing me to stay on top of the schools of Bass swimming 22 feet below. I moved around finding Bass right on the edge of the drop off and even nailed a nice Sculpin, then a 26 inch Halibut in successive casts. No pics of the Halibut as they are a handful on the Tube. My total ended up 16 Sand Bass, 19 Spotted Bay Bass and the Sculpin and Halibut. I was done by 11:30, soaked all over from the Halibut and a few of the bigger Sand Bass splashed me pretty good too. Got home and slept a few hours. Kicking against the Tide, trying to hold position wears you out. Even now, my legs are still burning from the effort. Totally worth it!

[Midnightpass]

Those are some excellent fish and counts.. A fantastic session…. You know that fishin’ hole pretty well…
Butch

[Bendo]

My Dad raised me in the Harbor and on the Beach. I lived on Balboa Island for 6 years, during my College years. So it is like my Back Yard, really Pt Fermin to Dana Point and out to the Ridge and Avalon is my Backyard. When I get my skiff back I’ll be home again.