North County Halibut Advice

[Fullmetal37]

Hi everyone,

New to the forum. I picked up surf fishing this summer and have been obsessed. I've put in about 150 hours on the water learning to read the surf figure out the fish etc. At this point I've caught all the standard surf species including a short white sea bass. The last species I need is a halibut and I can't seem to figure it out. I've fished the whole stretch from north Carlsbad down to Encinitas and have put in about 5 4hr sessions (all skunks) dedicated to trying to find that halibut. The stretch of Grandview/Swamis/Cardiff all looked really promising but haven't produced.

I've been throwing 3/4oz or 1oz Kastmaster/Krocodile spoons and dropshot 3-5in white flukes. No LC since I find it hard to stomach buying a 20$ lure I know I'll snag. I've mapped out areas of reef w google earth and have been trying to hit the sandy patches in between the structure.

I feel like I've been doing everything right but still can't seem to find the fish. Usually been going out early AM but I try to time it with Low Tide since I've heard that's best.

Doesn't need to be big I just want to get onto the species to knock it off my list.

Appreciate any tips.

[Calmwater]

I'm surprised that you haven't gotten a reply to your question, yet. Anyway, maybe I can help steer you in the right direction. I'm no grizzled veteran, but I've put some time in on the sand (and the rocks). The drop-shot fluke set-up that you're using has been working up and down the coast...you may just need a little angler's luck on your side. Earlier this year, I caught a halibut on a free-rigged white fluke. I went during a low tide at mid-morning. You might try a chartreuse-colored grub, if you're not getting hits with the white fluke. You may also want to look at Live Target erratic shiners as an option. I understand your concern regarding the cost of the Lucky Strike jerk baits. Battlestar makes jerk baits that are less expensive, and they seem to catch fish. Finally, take a look at Youtube. Check out some of the masters of the sport. The videos will give you some fresh insight/tips on how to catch the flatties. Bill Varney, Benjie Kim, and Rodney Marquez are just some of the experts out there. Check them out on video and/or reach out to them. I hope this helps you.
Regards,
Ray
P.S. Congrats on the WSB.

[Bendo]

I catch most of my big Halibut in the Surf before the Sun comes out. When that gloom clears up the Big Halis tend to move onto a little deeper water. I also fish the morning after the Gruinion Runs. On the beach at 5am and done by 9-10am. I almost exclusively use 5 inch Pearl ZMan Streakz on 1/8 Lunker City Jighead. Try and cheap out and you won’t catch as many Halibut. I add bit of gel style crazy glue to keep it all together. Fortunately these kept biting and made for good pictures.

[Fullmetal37]

I'm surprised that you haven't gotten a reply to your question, yet. Anyway, maybe I can help steer you in the right direction. I'm no grizzled veteran, but I've put some time in on the sand (and the rocks). The drop-shot fluke set-up that you're using has been working up and down the coast...you may just need a little angler's luck on your side. Earlier this year, I caught a halibut on a free-rigged white fluke. I went during a low tide at mid-morning. You might try a chartreuse-colored grub, if you're not getting hits with the white fluke. You may also want to look at Live Target erratic shiners as an option. I understand your concern regarding the cost of the Lucky Strike jerk baits. Battlestar makes jerk baits that are less expensive, and they seem to catch fish. Finally, take a look at Youtube. Check out some of the masters of the sport. The videos will give you some fresh insight/tips on how to catch the flatties. Bill Varney, Benjie Kim, and Rodney Marquez are just some of the experts out there. Check them out on video and/or reach out to them. I hope this helps you.
Regards,
Ray
P.S. Congrats on the WSB.

Thanks for the reply. I’ve watched videos from all of the above you mentioned and recently decided to buy the LC. I actually managed to land my first Halibut off a jetty the other day. About 13inches on the dropshot. Definitely gave me some hope. Looking for my first legal next.

Do you have any thoughts on the best months/season and water temps for halibut?

[Calmwater]

Good job on the halibut! Your time and effort paid off for you. I hope that you get your first legal real soon. Hey, I thought that reply by Bendo was great. Good read and nice pics! Regarding the months and season, I've always heard and read that spring through fall is best. Also, keep in mind that the grunion runs are from spring to the end of summer. The halibut come in to feed on the grunion, so, it's important to keep the grunion run dates in mind. Bill Varney does a great job keeping us informed of current and upcoming grunion runs on his podcast (Thursdays). The fish and wildlife service posts the dates every year, too. One more thing...now, that you've got an LC, you might want to take a look at how Benjie Kim fishes it on Youtube. It's not just cast out and retrieve. He works that lure. In fact, most of his hookups are on the pause. That's key. Good luck.