Lost what would have been first legal butt.

[easyday]

So everyday since wed I have gone out and fished. Ive fished Dana Point 2x oceanside 2x and La Jolla. Ive really been trying to get that butt and all week have been getting short after short, just let me know I was at least doing something right. So at DP this evening I had both of my rods almost go off simultaneously brought one up one saw it was short so put it back in the rod holder, and started cranking on the other I could tell it was something big. It fought all the way up I see color and its a legal at least 30 in. As im bringing it up I reach for my gaff and its about 2 feet from the surface. As im grabbing my gaff the line went a tiny bit slack for a second, well thats all it needed it gave one more head shake and then it was gone. I dont think I have ever been that upset about a fish. After 5 days of work honing in on a legal butt, what would habe my first one ever was gone just like that. So frustrating!

["jjcawjj"]

I hate when that Happens!!!!!!!!!!! Live and learn...

[ful-rac]

Keep on working on it, looks like your on the right track to halibut success! The tough times and lost fish make it even sweeter, when you do finally land one.

[alanw]

Hey I'm the dude that asked you about BWE there. I saw that nice double hookup, close to where I caught a legal 3 weeks ago (on a big hammer!). It's been a pretty active area lately, you'll get em next time for sure.

[beef78]

This morning, I had one hold on to the back half of a sardine this morning. When I got him about four or five from the yak, he bit my bait all the way through about a half inch behind the bait. At least they are being aggressive.

[PE.rider]

So let me try to cheer you up...

First, YOU'VE BEEN FISHING SINCE WED... Let's trade places (75 hrs this week of work ).

Second, You are getting more experience... you know what they say about that paying off... You know where to fish for them and that's 3/4 of the battle.

Third, use larger baits for the larger fish. Sometimes it's that simple.

Fourth, I suggest the use of a stinger treble hook so that you have a more solid hookup. You can clamp down the barbs so that you don't injure any short fish.

Finally, You're our 'Hero of the Week'. I'm sure others will agree that we are sharing your trips vicariously until we hit the water; hopefully soon .

P.S. If you see me on the water, you get 2 cans of beer from my cooler...

[bad brady]

That sucks bro. You'll get em next time. Hit me up if you wanna go this weekend.

[easyday]

A few of the pics from my week of fishing

[Amish Ed]

I don't know about others, but I like to grab my net/gaff when the fish is at deep color and then lay it in my lap until ready. That gives me and the fish a bit more wiggle room while reaching around.

Your persistence will pay off. As we all know it's about time on the water, and you're getting.

[steveooo]

Just curious, are you using live bait? That may increase your hook-up rate.

I know plenty of guys do well for the halibut on the artificials, but the majority of consistently good halibut fisherman I know use live bait.

Keep at it. You'll find the one you are looking for eventually

[rieffer]

Looks like you're into the better grade of Calicos.
Nice going. Looking forward to Saturday. Tough luck on the butt. You're on a streak and any day now!

[easyday]

Yes I was using 2 rods one with live with the trap hook and ine with artificial trying to cover as much ground as I can

[stephenG]

Hey man, tried to shoot you a text sunday morning while i was on the water but Verizon sent back a error message saying it was landline # and the message couldnt go through. I just messed around with some calico, never was able to find a butt. much less a legal. I did see a guy in a boat catch a tanker WSB about 200 yard from where i was. that was real heartbreaker for me. so i feel your pains. hit me up next time your goin.

[jorluivil]

Even those of us who have hooked dozens upon dozens of halibut have had those moments.

Live and learn.

[StinkyMatt]

George, "dozens upon dozens?????????????"


That was like 1994....

[finyak]

It's gonna make that 1st legal Hali that much sweeter!