Halibut

 Im down here in Monterey and new to Halibut fishing but would love to hook up on some! Ive actually been out once in santa cruz and drifted/ trolled live mackerel and some 831-swimbaits but didnt have much luck... I was wondering where would be the best/closest spots that would have potential hook ups. Also what tactics i should try. Thanks in advance!

Couple guys who you may want to send a PM to:

DC
Cen Coast
Bushy
mdokamatt
Piscean
JJQ
dpshim
surfingdude

All great guys and know the secrets of the SC/Monterey Halibut, and I bet they would be happy to help a Junior out...

Good luck!

 

Sincerely,

Jim

Sweet thanks BigJim

In general, they start catching them in the SF Bay first, then Santa Cruz, then Monterey. They'll show up sooner if there's baitfish around. I'd suggest hitting Santa Cruz or Capitola at the beginning of April. Jig up live bait and drift or slow-troll whole squid or herring. Early season they're 60-90ft deep then they move in shallow during summer. I've heard Moss Landing can be a good spot too (north towards Pajaro).

In general, they start catching them in the SF Bay first, then Santa Cruz, then Monterey. They'll show up sooner if there's baitfish around. I'd suggest hitting Santa Cruz or Capitola at the beginning of April. Jig up live bait and drift or slow-troll whole squid or herring. Early season they're 60-90ft deep then they move in shallow during summer. I've heard Moss Landing can be a good spot too (north towards Pajaro).

Give up your "Spot" pat! Lol. You know the area that you pull those monster butts every year for the MBK tourney. 
Jk man. Yeah Cen has it right on the intel. Although, there are some places closer in SC that hold big butts in the spring, but i'm not giving up my honey holes!! or Bushy is gonna kill me. 

Let's just go drag some bait around and see what happens. You never know with these wierd El Niño years