Are there any still available? I'd be interested in getting two if so, thank you!

Hello All,

I've recently been trying to find information on the max amount of hooks allowed when fishing for California Halibut in SF Bay. I found a section in the CDFW that mentions no more than 2 hooks when fishing for Pacific Halibut, does anyone know if this applies to California Halibut as well? (Attached a screenshot of the section) There's also mention of one line with up to three hooks within SF Bay but in regards to fin fish. I'm trying to determine if it would be legal to use a trap rig with and a hoochie with a hook further up the line when fishing for California Halibut. Thank you for any clarification!

Was a long drive so was on the water around 7:45, went out towards the red buoy to test out some spots based on Navionics terrain. First spot got instant nibbles and pulled up 3 relatively small sand dabs but was very happy to see they were out there. Continued to try out different spots and pulled up on average ~2 sand dabs or rockfish while scouting. Kept several of the smaller ones for live bait which I sent down a few times. Got a few rockfish and then got a huge hit that came off, based on the teeth marks on the sand dab it must have been a good sized ling (assuming based on my depth of ~160 unless halibut are that deep too). Weather stayed pretty decent so I stayed out searching for new areas until around 4pm. Towards the end I found a spot much east of the buoy that produced 3-4 dabs per drop and at a decent size.

Haven't counted all of the sand dabs but I think I ended with around 30 not including those for live bait. Overall had a great time and was happy to find that the dabs are out there. One thing to note: I tried the weight on bottom and on top, ended up getting tangled a good amount and once I switched to just the weight on the bottom my hook up rate got a lot better.

When people mention fishing the hotel for halibut which hotel are they referring to? Ended up dragging some live bait back to the harbor but I was going through pretty deep water to get back quicker.

Thanks for the suggestion of fishing a bit above the Red Buoy, I'll definitely check it out and make a report. Also very encouraged by squid boats working the area, would love to catch some fresh to eat as well as send some down for bait. Anyone know if sand dabs have a bite at all or its fine to handle them bare-handed?

Definitely might not be as bad as it looks on the map especially if you're just drifting for them and resting your legs. Thanks for that approximation!

Awesome, looking forward to seeing how you do if you go for them!

Hello!

I was wondering if anyone has had luck catching Sanddabs around Half Moon Bay or Pacifica? I've seen reports of SC/Monterey but was curious if they can be found closer to the Bay Area. Would love any tips, seems like generally you need to fish pretty deep?

Thanks!

Welcome! Since I'm relatively new myself I can't provide help in the way of spots but I'm in a similar boat where I want to catch salmon for the first time as well. If you're just looking for a fishing buddy to explore and figure things out I'd be interested!

Used to shore fish from shore on the beach next to Pigeon Point Lighthouse, is where you normally launch out of ? (Down the wooden stairs) I'm assuming you need a buddy to get a Kayak down that flight of stairs?