Monday, 25 July Somewhere Sonoma Coast or Tomales

Never having had targeted halibut before, what size of hooks should I be tying up on my trap rigs? I'm assuming a 1/0 or 2/0 octopus on the front, and  #2 or #4 treble in the back? I would think 25 pound leader should be sufficient?

Yes, stinger about 4"-6" back depending on bait size.  25lb is good, I've been using a 6 treble but thats just me. 

Had a blast. It was nice meeting a couple of you guys. For the first trip in my new boat, and first time having myself in a kayak and fishing from it, I'm going to call it a success! I caught a pile of bait on Eddie's recommendation and advice, and headed to the north/west side of the island and started fishing. I found a really fast drift close to the west shore, and lots of unproductive water. I moved closer to the island and fished 15-20 feet of water, and got the first bite on the kayak. I never saw it. Hell, I never even got it to turn! Whatever it was, it ripped off about 40 yards of line instantaneously, and cut my leader above the hook. I assume it was a plus sized leopard shark, but who knows. A while later, I decided to relax a bit and fire up a stogie. As soon as I got my cigar lit, I felt a bite, and waited for weight. I felt the fish load my rod, and was soon tied into my first ever halibut. It came up with no real fight until I missed the first gaff shot. On the second try, I stuck the gaff through it's head, and got it on the clip and cut his gills, and I was feeling quite proud of myself. It was no world beater, but it was an easy keeper, about 12 pounds. A little after that, I was watching a powerboat do battle with a big bat ray, and my reel started singing. That ended up being a nice leopard shark a little over 4 feet long. They're supposedly not bad eating, so it went on the clip too.

The sun started roasting me as I was way overdressed for the warm conditions, so I took my catch and headed for the house early, feeling satisfied. I stopped and got a cold brew at the bar, where the bartender was nice enough to give me a bag of ice for my fish, saving me a trip to the store, and headed home.

I learned a lot. I've got some notes on things to change, things to leave home, and things to add. I can carry a lot less crap. Throwing my fish bonker in the hull was a bad idea. That firm looking sand bottom just off the end of the boat ramp is not sand, nor is it firm. However, it is quite deep! There is a better way to carry a 15 foot kayak on my pickup than in a J-hook rack. After cleaning that leopard shark, my fillet knife may never be the same. It's nice to know that my stuff wasn't 100% retarded on my maiden voyage, but there are things to improve upon.

I hope everyone else caught fish. I know Eddie had one butt on the clip when I left.

Anyway, it was nice meeting those of you that I talked to, and I'll definitely be out there again, a little closer to dialed in boat and gear wise.

Nice job. Next time I hope we get to fish together. 

Congrats on a nice day revrat.  That first fish could have been a thresher.  There have been a number of them hooked out there in the last few weeks.

great job on the water!!

were you drifing or anchor when you got those bites?

i'm anxious to give tomales bay another shot, hopefully soon

It could have been a thresher I guess.....no telling now. It was definitely fast, and powerful. I didn't know they would come into the bay. I thought they were mostly offshore sharks. It's cool that they come in there. I might be hesitant to tangle with one of those from a kayak for fear of getting my butt whipped in a literal sense.

All my bites were drifting. I did have one other scratched bait that produced no hookup. I never saw that bite on a rod in the rod holder.

Wow, what an amazing first trip.


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Perfect first time action!  You scored mega lessons on that trip, and, you brought home food and your target species.  We will fish again.........goooooood times