Legal halibut on the Fools Bait...almost!

So, found a new spot to fish in San Pedro yesterday. I fished on a high tide. I was throwing the Jack O' lantern bait which is like Halloween for most baits. I was throwing it on a 1/4 oz darter head. I was fishing with my light spinning gear as it was already in the car with 6lb test. I got the fish to the surface and saw that it was clearly over 22" and heavy. It was like 23" or 24". I tried to gently lift the fish from the water over the rail which is about 6' or so and the line snapped and off went the fish.

I also caught a huge lizard fish which I'm guessing to be approx 16" and damn those things have some huge teeth. It is just a lizard so no pics of it.

I'm putting some braid on my reel so this does not happen again at this spot. Braid has almost no stretch and I should be able to lift a halubt out of the water.

I will take pics in the water next time before trying to lift in the event the line snaps.

You should have harpooned it like in alaska.

SirMixALot wrote:You should have harpooned it like in alaska.

Its all good, I'm a CPR guy anyways, I just feel bad that the hook is still in the mouth. It was a damn nice fight though

That sucks about losing the hali but it looks like those baits have been on fire lately. Nice job!

If you plan on bouncing it over the rail you also have to make sure that the rod itself is strong enough to handle the stress so you won't be this guy LOL

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.:LOLLY:. wrote:That sucks about losing the hali but it looks like those baits have been on fire lately. Nice job!

If you plan on bouncing it over the rail you also have to make sure that the rod itself is strong enough to handle the stress so you won't be this guy LOL

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I fish a teramar on my chronarch or citica reel and a Clarus on my spin gear.  Shimano has a good warranty, but lets hope I never break a rod though.  

I just need a halibut friendly net so I don't hurt the fish. I have an old school net, which has been brought to my attention that it could hurt halibut and cause some sort of fin rot.

I really want a spotted bass vs the halibut, but there is no complaining on my end.  The halibut was a nice fight though.  

If anyone here wants to tube the 22nd street landing marina during the week, PM me.   I don't want to go alone.

Does anyone have a long handle net (halibut friendly) you want to get rid of either free or for some $?

Good job on the catch!
Best part about breaking stuff is it reminds you to get the new stuff.

You need a gaff bro.

SirMixALot wrote:You should have harpooned it like in alaska.

man when I was in Alaska Halibut fishing , this is how our captain took care of them    , but they where also 50+ lbs , anything smaller then that was considered a chicken and thrown back

Good idea. I'm gonna start carrying a shotgun on the cucumber. Just in case...

I'm down to hit 22nd after work this week as long as it's not windy like today =)