Wide Open Halibut Bite plus PB at 40 Pounds

[ctfphoto]

Non-Kayak / Kayak fishing report. I found this spot on SD Bay with my kayak and fished it multiple times to know that halibut lived there.

Went out on a Private Boat with my bro-in law and his bro-in-law who had come in town to visit for a few days. They wanted to go Halibut fishing so I said that I know of a really good spot. I am thinking, hmm, everyone is targeting the exotics so the pressure may be off the halibut. Had a late start but that is ok as I like to fish the tidal swing (soon approaching) in hopes the halibut change position making them more active.

Went to the bait barge and loaded up on large sardines and both types of very small macs. Took a boat ride until we got close to my spot. I literally point at the water and said let’s fish there. I pick a large lively sardine and dropped down and instantly felt something. Pulled it up to no bait even with the trap rig. Instantly grabbed another large lively sardine and dropped it down and SLAM! Instant bendo with a very large fish and I’m thinking it's huge halibut for sure.

Bring it up see color and its a huge halibut, sweet. My bro grabs a huge net and starts for the fish which of course scares it and it takes a run peeling little line. I bring it back up, it gets netted and thrown on the deck and all three of us are in amazement at just how big the fish is. Started freaking out so i killed it instantly with a knife to the head. Bleed out completely. Took all of about three minutes of fishing to catch my biggest fish ever.

We then proceeded to catch four more halibut 2 of which were legal. Five total, kept three. During that time I was hit by another very large halibut and as I was bringing it up it popped off the hook. We also got many rakes and stolen baits. Very fun day. Got home and weighed it at 39 pounds with a complete bleed out, so I’m calling it 40 pounds making this my Personal Best fish ever.

Made tacos, froze lots of huge slabs, and got myself a set of Jaws.

I need to do a turn around trip on my kayak in short order.

[Dirty Curti]

Oh Yeah! That is what it's all about. Nice trip. Love the buts!

[octico]

Very nice!

[Kayak_Bernie]

Let me know if you ever need a partner!! I've been wanting to explore more of SD Bay on my kayak instead of a boat as well.

[Aaron&Julie]

Very nice, congrats on your PB.

[Iceman]

pretty sharp teeth for a 40 pounder, must like eating squishy stuff only

[ctfphoto]

Originally Posted by Iceman

pretty sharp teeth for a 40 pounder, must like eating squishy stuff only

He was missing quite a few teeth, wonder if a game clip does damage?

[ctfphoto]

Wow, i just did a trade of frozen halibut chunks for fresh ahi caught today by another kayak fishing brother on a private boat. Thanks bro. Was planning on eating semi fresh halibut but guess I'll be eating super fresh ahi instead

I love this sport and the comradery

[jorluivil]

Originally Posted by ctfphoto

He was missing quite a few teeth, wonder if a game clip does damage?

I don't recall who told me this but I was told that whenever divers catch trophy halibut they always run the clip/stinger through their eyes instead of through the gills and mouth so that the clip doesn't damage their teeth.

[RobFish]

Nice fish Chris. 40# halibut is a healthy one for sure and some great eats!!!

[ctfphoto]

Originally Posted by RobFish

Nice fish Chris. 40# halibut is a healthy one for sure and some great eats!!!

Rob thank you man and good to hear from you. Long time no see.

Hope to see you out there offshore soon

[jorluivil]

I'll say because no one else will but I'm sure others are thinking it.........when you bleed a fish it will not lose a pound of blood.

Regardless, its a nice fish but if it weighed 39 it doesn't make it 40 after bleeding and if it does my last 40pounder is now 41 so it'll take a 42pounder to beat it

Again, nice fish!!!!

[kaya_one]

Nice one. You are pretty consistent these days. I was wondering where all the Hali reports are. So out of all the baits....(here's that question again)...which is the bait of choice?

[JeffB]

Very nice barn door!

[HobieScot]

I realized after I typed that last post that it might be hard to picture the type of stringer we use for spear fishing if you have never seen one before so I included a pic

[seaquinn]

Great photo Chris! And I love the swap.... can't wait to eat your halibut!

We got so much ahi (yft) that it is a perfect trade. As of today, in my freezer I have tons of YT, some dorado and YFT from Tuesday, and your halibut..... wow! I am just on cloud 9 for culinary delights.

And my wife is working on perfecting the Mai Tai..... life is soooooo good!

Last night Dorado with garlic butter (guys..... adding lots of butter keeps it so moist, just can't stand to have it dried out) tonight seared ahi, and some sushi chunks, next day.... maybe the halibut! Whole family loves teriyaki soaked 'fish-ka-babs', with onion and pineapple....

"Just another sushi summer...." (to the tune of "Just another Manic Monday"....)

Great story and butt!

[Cadillyak]

You just keep 1 uppin yourself. Last time I saw u, it was hunt for the legal ling (check that one off) now on to the 40lb butt. What's next? Very nice fish indeed!!

[ctfphoto]

Originally Posted by Cadillyak

You just keep 1 uppin yourself. Last time I saw u, it was hunt for the legal ling (check that one off) now on to the 40lb butt. What's next? Very nice fish indeed!!

Thanks man, offshore rest of summer I think, 4 species I can think of

[Irishman]

Very nice Hali!! I spent a year at sd bay honing my comfort level on the kayak. Learnt reel quick to time the day with incoming and outgoing tides, nothing like being at the Zuniga jetty and paddling against the wind and an outgoing tide trying to get to shelter island. Have had three decent sized keepers and lost a similar sized one your holding. Actually found LJ to be an easier paddling experience than SD bay as no boat wakes, buffoons on yachts or being hassled by navy boats to move along. Still stoked you got a doormat to add to your catch.