Kelp in front of the Seabright Beach

Guys or Gals, I have a question for anybody.  We were on the Bluff above Seabright Beach today and saw spots of Kelp perhaps 100 yards off the beach (perhaps less) between the SC Harbor and the Wharf.  I have paddles many times over this headed for the lighthouse but did not recognize what I was going over.  Does anyone have any experience fishing this Kelp?  It did look maybe "Fishie".  It can't be more than 20' deep.

 I have talked to people that have caught halibut in that area. Smaller size but keepers and it is shallow

Would it make sense to slowly troll that area headed for the Lighthouse Kelp?  We only have so much time on the water before the wind blows.  It is always a problem, get where you want to end up before the wind blows you back to the Harbor or fish places closer to the Harbor.  I think I am finally starting to learn that in a Kayak you have to plan your attack and stick with it for we can't cover the water of a Power Boat.

  I have caught two 26" or 28"  halibut there in June or July over the years  on fish traps.. I always pause  on the way out and back from lighthouse for a couple first or last drops. I caught one on what was literally , the last drop of the day.
   I ran into one kayaker who said he does well there on hali' s.
      In late  August one year I was passing through an area between the kelp and caused a circle of about 40 boils in a circle 50' or so across. Each boil was  about twice as big  as what a paddle would make ,  maybe larger. WSB' s.  Thrilling but hopeless. Those guys were gone.
     
       

I fished there Sunday (6/7), in and around that kelp for about four hours (5:30-9:30).  Casting and trolling swim baits, nothing.

Black point (19th ave) is East of the harbor and holds more Halibut.  It's just as close and has a better reputation.

Thanks for the information.  See why this Board is so important.

When you planning on going??

Family is visiting right now and I am going Fly Fishing for Bass this Weekend.  Earliest will be sometime next week.  If I am correct, you can only get away on weekends, is this correct?

Yup, pretty much    Some mornings and evening's are possible too though, but harder to time the conditions and my schedule.  

I have NOT caught halibut there way more often than i have caught halibut there.  But then, I've not caught halibut way more often at every place I've fished for halibut.

Often good open spaces inside those kelp beds It has worked for me in the past.  Also the area between that kelp bed and the tip of the wharf, got me a few small ones last year.

Allen

Question- would "fertilizing" a sub-performing kelp bed with regular applications of chum attract more fish, or do you think it is location, location, location?

  I wonder if halibut come back to the same place to "breed and feed" , based on  previous success, the same as salmon?

Hi Keith,
  I also always go right past that area, have thought about it but have never fished it. I met Fuzzy Tom today while fishing and he gave me your name. I go out of the harbor usually during the week and it would be nice to have a fishing partner for safety as well as companionship. If you're interested, let me know. Thanks.

            Paul Diamond ( 2karats)

Fuzzy Tom is a great guy.  If you had to meet a very experienced fisherman, you met the right person.  Yes, I would love the companionship on the water.  Stay in touch.