Headed out early this AM to try and stick a nice Halibut. Grunion run this week, so why not get out and try and stick a nice sized butt?
Conditions were just epic, it was like a pond at times. Changed my line from P-line Xtra strong to Izorline XXX 12# test. The extra strong was tearing up my fingers from casting with it when my hands would be wet. Armed with the Sahara 4000 FE I started casting in the dark. Saw Sting Rays swimming around. Had the head lamp on so I could see where I was stepping. Still a little crazy feeling though when the waves would break and I couldn't see where I was stepping. But I just concentrated on why I was there.
Armed with the 110 LC Aurora Mackerel and changed out the old Gamakatsu hooks to the Owner Stinger 2 times strong, tinned, size 6 hooks. Felt confident this morning and about a half hour into casting about ten feet in front of me along some nice structure I feel a solid strike. WHAM! What a feeling I tell you! Fish on! The fish started pulling some drag and the battle was on. After a nice ten minute battle and some serious head shakes I walked her back in and could tell right away that this one was a nice fish!
Here is some Pics of the 26 inch Halibut.
The fish also spit out some bait fish at me too.
Some taped shots.
and finally a couple money shots.
Ended the morning with a 26 inch Halibut. I also got another Halibut about 15 inches and snagged a small round ray.
What was a little crazy is I had a Chopper fly over me and circle around me three times, I tried not to look up as The couple times I did he circled me even more. I just went back to casting and he left. Never had that happen to me before. It was a great morning on the sand and one that will keep me going this week too get out and get some more Halibut.
Sorry for being a Pic heavy. Thanks for reading and good luck out there everyone. Shaping up to be a good week for the grunion run.
Some tagged fish shots. Since Tom won't tell me what the next fish is I gotta tag everything. =)
Big butt tag soul style.
Until next tide,
Joel