Tomales Bay Halibut Fishing Guide
Tomales bay has been heating up for halibut action. So far it has been the most consistent action for halibut. Most of the action and fleet have been near the channel markers and down to the weather buoy.
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I’ve been fielding questions from people about how to fish for them, so i made a quick guide on fishing Tomales Bay for halibut.
Read the Full Halibut Fishing Tutorial
Fishing Guide Outline:
1) Launch from miller park (Google Nick’s Cove). Remember to pay the $5 parking fee for the parking and launching. Always make sure to wear a PFD and have a working radio in case of an emergency. Fish with a friend and make a water plan for the day. Take time to review the 10 essential safety kayak fishing tips before setting out to fish.
2) Bring a sabiki lure to catch live bait. There are lots of bait inside of Tomales bay that make excellent halibut bait; (Shiners, Anchovies, Smelt etc…) An alternative is drifting dead bait like anchovies or herring. Note: I can’t speak to other sabiki hooks but this brand has worked well for me in the past.
Another alternative is to purchase live bait and bring it to Tomales bay. My personal preference is to have the freshest bait possible, and that means catching it if possible.
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3)Scenting the sabiki lure with a small piece of squid, shrimp, or procure will increase getting them. Make sure to bring a bait bucket or live well to keep the bait fresh and alive.
4) Right now, (Mid July 2017) there is a lot of bait in Tomales that is driving schools of halibut into the bay. Halibut like laying in channels, ledges and eddies to attack bait when the tide is right. Drift live bait using a three way rig in the deep channels and ledges, and get ready when they pounce.
5) TLA FISHING TIP: Halibut are schooling fish so the key is to find the school of fish, and stay over them. The size of the fish in the school tend to be similar. If you catch a halibut stay over the area. I will guarantee there is more there.
Catching shiners in Tomales Bay
Cite Source: finaddicts website
If you want to catch shiners Here is what I do. For Me Shiners have been the # 1 BAit for Halibut in Tomales bay for years.Set Up off Main channel -Anchor right next to eel grass on channel slopeIncoming tide is good to fish on then allow 5 hours total fishing time 2 hours before and after + ebb. Bait up with Prawn meat on #12 Snelled Hook .Single hook works best on a trout rod .Get Prawns at Petaluma sport and dive.
Wt approx 1/2-1 oz on bottom .Have hook on dropper so hook is about 3″ from sinker when relaxed near bottom
Peel the shrimp and cut up those small pieces to fit on the hook . About the 1/2 size of a pea any larger and they cannot eat it.Throw out some chum and start fishing Chum bucket or bottle works to draw them in alsoChum:
1-2 cans JAck mackerel Get at Safeway, Can opener, -Instant mashed potatoes unflavored, Couple cans of cat food,- Mud from beach, boat launch ,and make them into fish balls in 5 gallon bucket toss a few Overboard and rest use in your chum bucket. Shiners are wary and hide in eel grass draw em out and you’ll catch em with this method. Also tried traps years back I made out of chickenwire. Same bait in traps also added redworms to mix. 12 of these in livewell or more and your set. Drifting them and keep them alive between drifts. Motoring kills Live Bait quick. Any left over bait take home and freeze and use when you cant catch any because of wind, tides ,etc.Good luck and go Whackem!
Good luck out and review the halibut tutorial for more in depth information on fishing for halibut.- TLA
What’s the best time of year to try for halibut in TB?
I am a not so active member of NORCAl Kayakers but I live in Nevada. I visit Bodega yearly over Thanks Giving with family and several of us bring our kayaks. we’ve figured out the crab but are terrible at catching fish. We plan to fish Tamales this year. What fish should we target in the Tamales bay that time of year? Are there any halibut left at that time? Striper maybe?
I think the halibut and the stripers have moved out of Tbay around that time. Many people will have transitioned to crabs around then, but i would caution dropping crab traps around tomales bay since the currents can get ripping there. If there is a negative tide, i would target the clams. Good luck –TLA
Are there any halibut left in the bay this time of year? Thinking about fishing hog island this weekend. Weather looks like it is going to be beautiful.
How is the striper and halibut fishing in September? I am having a 68 birthday and have never fished Tbay, So looking forward to it..
i’m not sure. I don’t really fish Tbay in September. Maybe others can chime in.
Leopard shark fishing will be picking up.
I looking for a halibut & stripper guide on Tomales Bay. I believe my 8ft pram to small to get to Hog & Duck Islands. I’d prefer using my flyfishing equipment but open to use of traditional gear .. thanks, Dennis 707.710.4080.
Hey Dennis. Sorry, i’m not a guide, but i share whatever information that i know so you guys can get your fish. It’s always good to explore the areas for yourself and see what you can find. Sometimes it more full filling that way –Keith
Can I catch halibut in April
I would Target them around late May to early June. Tbay tends to get a later start for Halibut then SF Bay; however check the fishing reports for a better gauge on the Fishery around there.