Capitola or SC Halibut 4/1-3

Just beating the bushes. Any interest in heading out of Capitola or Santa Cruz this Friday, Saturday, or Sunday for an attempt at some halibut. 7 am launch? I suppose I could be lured into bobbing in the bay, but I must redeem an 0 for 2010 from the big blue... Embarrassing.

Hi gelbyak, that was my plan for this weekend. Count me in. Wanted to go to Berryessa but got laid off and trying to conserve money. I've been watching every utube video and reading every article I can find on Halibut. I was planning on going to that Fisherman's Warehouse free fishing clinic on salmon this evening, and pickup terminal tackle for this weekend.

Hi,

I am interested in going out Friday 4-1 for sure, and maybe Saturday and Sunday. Let me know what you guys decide. BTW, what are halibuts hitting this time of year? Squid?

FYI-the SC harbor will be packed with PB salmon fishermen this weekend. Saturday morning will be crazy down there.
Cap on Friday is probably the best bet.

 Be safe out there!

Although the point forecast looks totally doable, here's the extended forecast from NWS discussion:

.MARINE...AS OF 3:45 AM PDT THURSDAY...HAZARDOUS MARINE CONDITIONS
WILL DEVELOP OVER THE COASTAL WATERS OF NORTHERN AND CENTRAL
CALIFORNIA THIS WEEKEND. AFTER A WEAK STORM SYSTEM MOVES THROUGH
THE AREA FRIDAY NIGHT...STRONG HIGH PRESSURE WILL BUILD OFF THE
NORTHERN CALIFORNIA COAST ON SATURDAY. THIS WILL RESULT IN STRONG
NORTH TO NORTHWEST WINDS. NORTHERLY WINDS WILL INCREASE RAPIDLY
SATURDAY AFTERNOON...WITH GALE FORCE GUSTS TO 35 KNOTS POSSIBLE.
THE STRONGEST WINDS WILL OCCUR OVERNIGHT SATURDAY INTO SUNDAY
AFTERNOON...WITH GALE FORCE GUSTS TO OVER 40 KNOTS POSSIBLE.
STRONGEST WINDS WILL BE OVER THE OUTER WATERS. WINDS WILL REMAIN
STRONG THROUGH AT LEAST MONDAY MORNING BEFORE DIMINISHING
SIGNIFICANTLY.

IN ADDITION TO STRONG WINDS...NORTH TO NORTHWEST SEAS WILL BUILD
THROUGH THE WEEKEND.  THE LARGEST SWELLS WILL OCCUR OVERNIGHT
SATURDAY NIGHT INTO SUNDAY...WHEN COMBINED SEAS WILL APPROACH 20
FEET. SEAS WILL BEGIN TO SUBSIDE LATE SUNDAY INTO MONDAY.

WEATHER CONDITIONS OVER THE COASTAL WATERS WILL BE HAZARDOUS TO
MARINERS OVER THE WEEKEND. STRONG WINDS AND CHAOTIC SEAS WILL OCCUR
AND MARINERS ARE URGED TO MONITOR THE FORECAST FOR THE LATEST
INFORMATION.

Yeah, I'm watching the wind readings closely. Friday out of SC harbor is my preference. I neglected some duties today to go dirt biking, so I'll need to take care of that tomorrow morning. I'll arrive at 8 am and put in from the west side of the harbor (floating dock in front of the coast guard facilities). Don't feel obliged to wait for me. I'll have my radio with me, and would be happy to meet you on the water.

My plan was to head west out of the harbor and drop in a respectable distance from the lighthouse kelp beds, maybe 40 to 60 feet of water (rockfish, you will have your day soon... very soon). Hopefully the wind will be cooperative and we can comfortably drift back to the front of the marina. I'll head in by 1 in the afternoon unless the wind says sooner. Frozen squid and herring unless I'm able to sabiki some tasty morsels on the way out. Let me know if this sounds good.

That sounds perfect. Is there a place nearby to purchase live or frozen bait?

There is! I don't believe Boccie Boy has opened for the season yet. If he is, we can purchase a half scoop of live anchovies and split them (more than enough for 2). I also believe Bayside Marine sells frozen bait. They're located on the opposite side of the harbor. Boat rental shop on the pier sells bait in a pinch too. Those are the options I am aware.

Now that I've typed all that. You're perfectly welcome to help me finish off my frozen squid from last year (aged for flavor?). And I'm just about to pick up some tray bait herring. If you paddle out with me, I've got your popsicle needs covered.

Live anchovies! Now I wished I had build a bait tank over the winter. I will meet you on the floating dock.

Have a good time bros and await your reports. I will be able to join you next time around.

Danny

Was out there today,  off the light house  in about 60 feet of water...  Hooked into the biggest halibut I will probably never catch.  On squid.   Very mixed swell.  wind wasn't bad, shouldn't be too bad tomorrow either.   good luck

Thanks, Baitman! Appreciate the intel. We'll try our luck. And I hope you do catch that irreverent fish - or a bigger replacement - someday very soon.