Written by The Lost Anchovy 6.15.2019
Please Read first
Bolinas is small community and in many ways protected. Please be respectful of the community and make sure to always leave it better than when you came (Pick up your own trash, don’t litter etc…) ; if possible buy locally to support their community.
Surf launching
Bolinas surf launching is an advance location. It is not for beginners and even intermediate kayak anglers. There are days when the surf is simple to enter and exit; however, there are days, some unexpected, where the surf can become dangerous. Without these advance skills personal injury and lost gear is inevitable –> Fish here at your own risk.
Report Below
Arrived at Bolinas at 6:00 a.m. to over cast. The weather was holding and there were small rollers on the surf line. – I wasn’t too worried.
At the launch I heard someone distantly call my name – “KEITH”. I turn around and saw a familiar face. I first met Marc when I was fishing at shelter cove 4 years earlier, and we keep running into each other through the years.
Koji was also there and it was officially my first time meeting him. I was stoked to meet some new faces.
We made our way to the fishing grounds … following CHET’S directions. KOJI and Marc got a few scratch baits and I didn’t get a single bite. I threw out all the stops. I pulled live bait, I trolled, and I trooched. The fish weren’t having it.
SCREW YOU TLA!! (Sad emoji face)
Feeling defeated after 5 hours without a bite, I started to troll back in looking for my spirit fish — The California Halibut.
I crossed a barren land of nothingness until I found some odd structure that potentially hold bait and butts. The way my rod was bouncing of the bottom I had a gut feeling this are would be productive area.
I was right and immediately I get a take down, and a nice size halibut. I swung around again and hooked up again. The fish was about the same size. This was in a span of less than 10 minutes. A limit of butts was becoming a quick reality.
I called into Marc and Koji to get in on the hot action. I drop my shiny sex herring and immediately get a big POUNCE!! This one was BIG. I hammered my bait and took off.
BATRAYS?? In the ocean??
NO NO NO… this was either a large Chinook or a large halibut. As it came under my boat the pure weight and headshakes made it clear – I was on a big barn door. I felt butterflies in my stomach; only in the way a large fish could produce.
The Lost Anchovy – Halibut Essential Equipment List
- Fisherman’s Game Clip
- Avet MXJ 5:8:1
- Shimano Trevala 66MH rod (Universal Rod)
- Fluorocarbon Leader Fishing Line
- gamakatsu “j” hooks
- Big Al Flasher or Kone Zone or Dodger (If Trolling)
- Hoochies (good rated and cheap Amazon hoochies, also try purple haze or white hoochies)
- Three Way Swivels (Impressive reviews on these swivels)
- Three Way Swivels (Cheaper Alternative)
- Dexter Russel Fillet Knife (Best fillet knife IMHO, cheap and works!)
- Foodvac compatible Bags
Was it hooked?Was it barely hooked? OH GOD… I hope I don’t lose this beast.
Moomoohat What do I do!!??
Halibut Fishing Tutorial –> Read here
It came up and I saw the big brown wet carpet before it shook its head and ran for the bottom. I got it back up and netted without incident.
Soon Marc and Koji got in the action. One fish after the next started to come up in 10-15 second bite intervals. If I didn’t see it wouldn’t have believed it.
HOTTEST HALIBUT BITE EVER!
The reality soon set in. We were close to getting a triple limit – UNDER ONE HOUR.
Soon I heard Koji give a big success holler, and I knew it was done.
TRIPLE LIMITS OF BIG OCEAN HALIBUT
We all sat together, out on the water, and took witness to what just happened. Each of us with smiles from ear to ear. I’ve been fishing a long time and even I was taken back by the events that just transpire. It was a unicorn type of fishing day that I’ll probably exaggerate through the years, until limits of halibut becomes limits of huge salmon, halibut and sea bass. Hehehe
“ I SWEAR that fish was as big as my boat!!! It’s mouth could eat a 30lb salmon whole!!” à Fisherman’s Tales. hahah
Glad I was able to share it with some really cool guys. Well… that’s it, until next time.
Good luck and tight lines — TLA
I agree Jen…if everybody has the mentality of “catch and eat”….the well managed numbers will fall and then it’s down to 2 fish, then 1…then…..
Just wish these guys would have more of a sport then a meat mentality.
My 2 cents and I was a Fisheries Biologist.
What an epic day 🙂
Thanks for sharing this adventure, Mr. Chovy. You are a heck of a fisherman!
It was good to fish with you too Marc. Glad you guys were both there to enjoy the moment.
Wish you guys would do more catch and release…no need to keep 3 halibut
Jen, I understand where you’re coming from. I can’t speak for others but for me it is ‘catch & eat’. You might be surprised to hear that I’m not in support of catch & release. I simply don’t torture (injure) fish in their natural habitat unless I plan on taking it for food. Also, keep in mind that our fisheries are heavily managed and that we adhere to catch limits, gear regulations etc.
Finally, consider that a day like this is really rare. For me it was a once-in-a-lifetime fishing adventure; so often I paddle all day to go home empty handed.
I catch and release plenty of fish. Halibut are plentiful and managed correctly in California leading to a banner year.
We are following the regulation and keeping what is in the legal limit. You can check out the charter boat photos and ask them to release some of those fish back. i’m sure their answer will not be as cordial as mine.
I like big butts and I cannot lie…nice job.