Santa Cruz for halibut- Sunday 4/19

I was first out of the harbor this morning at 0615 and had a tank full of live sardines.  I felt good, the water was good, life's good.  I was weary that the recent talk of hailbut being here was hyped up, though some fish had been caught in recent days. 

I went straight out to 60' inside the whistle buoy, surface temp 53.  A handful of little boats came around and parked near me as though I looked like I knew what I was doing.  Nothing.  I made a long drift up-and-out, then paddled in to 40' for another drift up, nothing. 

At around 9 AM, most of the fleet was fishing on the inside,  about 40', outside of the harbor and below the harbor entrance.  I paddled in and joined them.  About 15 to 20 of us were working the area.  Surface temp was 55!  I didn't see a single fish being pulled.  The weather was ideal.  I left at about 11 AM, most of the other boats had already left. 

Like always, it was good to get out. 

Thanks for the post!! Congats on getting out,  I worked on the house all day Looks like a beautiful day!!!!!

Badog

Thanks for the report witness. I love those ocean condition. I wish they were
always that way.

Jedmo

Was the same for me on Sat. We were near the capitola pier. If SC actually had fish that place would be perfect

Now if we can only find the "Buts" in these perfect weather conditions, we have the makings for a great movie.

sounds like the catching was lousy but the fishing was good.

you can always grill the leftover sardines!