fort ross halibut

are there any areas, paddling out of Fort Ross...to legitimatly target halibut?

i think people have gotten california and pacific halibut out deep. with a fish finder there are definitely areas to try it but i would only go up there and do that including getting abalone or rockfish.

i dont know of anyone going up there specifically for that.

then again, its all luck anyhow

They are caught up there occasionally... like once or twice per year you'll hear of someone will pick one up rockfishing.

There definitely are flat sandy deep areas that could potentially hold halibut in numbers... i don't know of anyone who targets them there though...

Erik

My last trip out of Fort Ross, I met a diver who dove that area to spear halibut exclusively. According to him, he get's 'em on every trip.

I'm gonna head up there next week to try to get some abalone...but I'd like to do a little fishing too.  I just want an option other then out o' season rockies.

so any idea where your friend spears hali's?

He did not mention any specifics but he did point straight out from the cove - obviously the sandy areas in between the rocks.  Your FF should be able to locate softer bottom composition.

Good luck!

The area from the north cape of Fort Ross and a bit inside the cove and southward is deep and sandy.  It isn't until you get around the corner to the north, or closer to the kelp that you run into a lot of rocky areas (or the ship wreck). 

Good luck... better make sure you aren't fishing the structure because DFG does have a presence up there and will likely challenge you on your methods to prove that you aren't targeting rockfish. 

It seems a little early but I did witness a guy catch a halibut right on the N point of Fort Ross North while kayak fishing on New years day a few years back.  I was spearfishing and couldn't believe my eyes when I saw him boat a legal flattie.  I know the sand area well but have never tried to shoot halibut out there.  I have never seen anyone shoot them either.  There is a big sand patch from the beach on the North side of Fort Ross cove that runs out at about a 10 or 11 o'clock angle to the west.  It is between the reef that the wreck is on and the N cove side area reef.  It is probably 30-40 yards wide and maybe 100 yards or more long.  You should be able to mark it easily with your FF.  I think the depth is about 25-40 ft.
Good luck,
Dave

I'd try trolling for salmon instead.  Better odds on them this time of year.

I'd try trolling for salmon instead.  Better odds on them this time of year.

Yeah, I think you're right Josh.  A salmon and a hali  are my two kayak goals this year.