Tomales Halibut Newbie

I am planning on going to Tomales Bay this Sunday to try for some halibut and probably leopards afterwards. I have never fished for halibut but I have an idea of what I can do. I am thinking of drifting some flats near hog island with some live or dead bait on the bottom. If anyone has any experience out there or has some tips it would be appreciated. Also if anyone wants to tag along that would be cool too.

Make sure you have water to launch and land.  Did a mudwalk recently and it was tricky.  Bait is plentiful on a sabiki in eel grassy fishfinder depths towards hog, 8-10 ft, calamari tipped for me.  20ft depths for the drift are good for some fisherman.  Watch the wind and know when to paddle back.  11 knots gets rough. I've anchored for windy days.  Drift, then reset, try different lanes off the yellow weather buoy, you will see it and others in boats will be workin' their hopes.  Stingers are a must, 3-5" long depending on the bait size.  I learned the hard way.  Havent got one yet but gonna try again early tomorrow morning.  Good L.U.C.K.! (labor under correct knowledge)  Any other fisherman wanta add or correct, feel free...........

My guess is that it will be packed on Sunday. Just follow the other boats! And as I've said in other threads make sure you use the smallest sabiki possible.

Eddie I may be out there tomorrow at first light as well. Look for me in an olive hobie and grey ram.

Thanks for the info. Ill check the tide and wind to figure out how to time it. Sunday is supposed to be fairly calm so I should be good.

My guess is that it will be packed on Sunday. Just follow the other boats! And as I've said in other threads make sure you use the smallest sabiki possible.

Eddie I may be out there tomorrow at first light as well. Look for me in an olive hobie and grey ram.

Boom!  Sounds hopeful

Sounds like the butts are on the chew in Tomales Bay. There have been a few good reports posted on Coastside. One report mentioned a kayaker who had two on board.

Good luck!


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My guess is that it will be packed on Sunday. Just follow the other boats! And as I've said in other threads make sure you use the smallest sabiki possible.

Eddie I may be out there tomorrow at first light as well. Look for me in an olive hobie and grey ram.

Boom!  Sounds hopeful

I'm out, picked up haircuts and ran outa time

I live right next to the bay and today was already  starting to look packed, I've been taking my zodiac out after work  and the only thing to worry about on the yak is the NW wind that picks up about 2pm every day this time of year, it's not too bad just can wear you out if you head too far south.  Live bait has been the trick and has been sitting between nicks and pelican point. the kayak rentals have blocking both boat ramps at nicks and marconi every day.  I know most of us are always allowing boats to have the channels and ramps when they need it due to the fact we aren't forced to use them like they are,  I can assure you that there will be many inexperienced boaters and kayakers out this weekend so Goodluck and stay safe and stay out of the  boat battles.  And I'll probably be out in a 14 Futura zodiac .

Okay thanks for the tips. Does someone have any tips for leopards if the halibut bite isn't good? I printed out a depth chart and im thinking of hitting drop offs or channels but any general areas where I could do good would be nice.

Hey all,

I don't mean to hijack this thread, but I will be going out to Tomales Bay early tomorrow morning, not fishing though, just checking the place out with my girl from our sea kayaks. I hear that Hog Island has some pretty cool wildlife to look at. I was going to launch from Chicken Ranch Beach, but that looks like one LONG paddle to get to Hog island. Where else can I launch from with sufficient parking that would be a little closer to Hog Island? I plan on getting there around 7am. Any help will be greatly appreciated! Thanks all, Happy 4th of July!

Mike

Hey all,

I don't mean to hijack this thread, but I will be going out to Tomales Bay early tomorrow morning, not fishing though, just checking the place out with my girl from our sea kayaks. I hear that Hog Island has some pretty cool wildlife to look at. I was going to launch from Chicken Ranch Beach, but that looks like one LONG paddle to get to Hog island. Where else can I launch from with sufficient parking that would be a little closer to Hog Island? I plan on getting there around 7am. Any help will be greatly appreciated! Thanks all, Happy 4th of July!

Mike

the lot directly across  the bay at the park ..but by 7 am it`ll probably be full this weekend..good luck ..check this out

http://www.marincounty.org/depts/pk/divisions/parks/miller-boat-launch

Hey all,

I don't mean to hijack this thread, but I will be going out to Tomales Bay early tomorrow morning, not fishing though, just checking the place out with my girl from our sea kayaks. I hear that Hog Island has some pretty cool wildlife to look at. I was going to launch from Chicken Ranch Beach, but that looks like one LONG paddle to get to Hog island. Where else can I launch from with sufficient parking that would be a little closer to Hog Island? I plan on getting there around 7am. Any help will be greatly appreciated! Thanks all, Happy 4th of July!

Mike

the lot directly across  the bay at the park ..but by 7 am it`ll probably be full this weekend..good luck ..check this out

http://www.marincounty.org/depts/pk/divisions/parks/miller-boat-launch

Awesome! Thanks VK!! I'll try to get there by 6am then. Have a great holiday weekend.

Mike