ARW Halibut

I am plan on attending the ARW event next weekend and I would like to at least catch a fish.  I have never fished for halibut before but I have watched a lot of YouTube videos and read a bunch since I committed myself to going.  I do have a few questions though.

1)   It looks like there is parking up the ramp/road a bit across from the school’s track field.  Is this where we park?  Is there a parking fee?  If we can’t park there, where do we need to park?

2)   Looks like the two typical methods are soft-plastics or live bait.  I am not set up for live bait and unless I really need to be, I don’t plan to use live bait.  For soft plastics, Seems like most are using hoochies or big hammer type swim baits.  I picked up some white hoochies yesterday but BHs are tough to find it seems.  I will try Sac FW today or this week.  What colors are typically used?  Should I even bother with the white ones

3)   I found another link that suggests using frozen whole squid and drifting along the bottom.  I am open to trying this method but I am worried about picking up a ray and wasting my time/tackle targeting the wrong fish.  Am I over-thinking this?

4)   Is there a chance to catch other decent species while trying for halibut?  I don’t mean rays or leopards. 

5)   Looks like a big net is recommended since halibut tends to give a big FU at the surface and tries to make a break for it.  I plan to borrow or buy one.  Hopefully if I have to buy one, I will get some use out of it.  What about a gaff (I plan to keep one legal fish IF I actually catch one)?

Sorry for all the questions.  Normally I can find everything by searching but I am limited on time in this case.  Thanks for any help that you can provide.
-Joel

yes you can park in the lot at the ramp parking is free,
don't over think you can use frozen tray bait anchovies are good you can also target striper's 
good and enjoy see you on the water 

  Am I over-thinking this?

Yes.

Park in the lot near the ramp. It's free. Come out and have fun. Yakhopper's events are the best.

White swimbaits work well. Anchovie colors (black back, blue stripe, pearl belly) work fine. So do watermelon. A dark pattern is a good choice for dirty water, wich seems like normal this season. An OG on this site, Danglin, does VERY well on " Storm Wild Eye" swimbaits in the anchovie pattern. I do believe having a Hobie is a HUGE plus when working swimbaits (and most trolling).

Live bait is the ticket. A simple "Plano bait bucket" will suffice to keep them alive. Phone Mikes bait for availability or try Berkeley marina for anchovies. Anchovies are hard to keep alive.

OK, little secret here. Trolling squid works well! Unfortunately you are correct in thinking that youll get unwanted rays and sharks.

I prefer a gaff. Recent studies have shown that the vast majority of netted c&r halis die soon afterwards. IF ITS UNDERSIZE SHAKE IT OFF IN THE WATER WITHOUT BOATING IT. Photographing a live legal hali on a hog trough for release is a superhuman task. It will most likely die afterwards. I recommend keeping any boated legal halis. You do need a min 18" net aboard legally.

EXCELLENT advice from Sharky!

EXCELLENT advice from Sharky!

I second that! It is VERY important NOT to net any hali that will be released; it will die.

If you are going to release, I would boga them in the water pull the hook if lip hooked and release. Like Sharky said, if you think you can get a legal hali on a hog trough, take a picture and release it in good shape and you in good shape, more power to you. The smaller swimbaits (<6"), work better on the bay, IMO.

FW does not have Big Hammer yet. Outdoor Pro Shop does. Thats in Rhonert Park. Im not sure about the Oakland store. Where do you live? I have some Pearl Big Hammer 6.5 inch baits. I also have a bunch of other colors. You can keep up to 3 fish per day. Halibut freezes well if you vacuum seal. Releasing halibut is like not picking up a hundred dollar bill on the ground. Unless they are under that is. hehe One rod in the bay, 3 hooks. Unlimited in the ocean. Send me a PM if you want to try and get some of the pearl baits.

Thanks for the help.  I borrowed a net from my neighbor...when I told him that I was going for halibut, I think he wanted to go too.  However, he only has a 30+ ft boat and I think that would not be considered a kayak for the tournament. 

Sounds like I have a chance using plastics.  I really don't want (or have time to) deal with a bait tank/tube.  I didn't get the FW today, but will have a chance to stop at places near Clearlake and Redding this week.  Hopefully, I can find what I need. 

Sounds like having a Hobie already gives me some advantage...I need all the help I can get!

I have two rods rigged up for this.  One has 20lb line (Shimano tr 100) and the other I switched my leadcore out for 40lb line (Had it already).  Should I start out using the heavier line or lighter line?

I'd definitely stick with the lighter line.

Don't knock Rays etc. They are a heck a lot of fun to catch. Great sleigh rides. Just wouldn't eat one from the bay. Beats getting skunked.
Based on the last few years your chance of getting a halibut at the ARW tourney are about 20 to 1. Might be good to have a second rod with a white hairraiser for Stripers.
My 25-30# batray from last year took almost 30 minutes to just bring it to color.

Hello guys I also have a question. I have never gone saltwater fishing on my kayak and someone suggested that I should go. I'm actually very interested in attending, although I'm afraid I do not have the right gear. People keep talking about how using a wetsuit is crucial and I do not own one. I do own waders and a waterproof jacket. Will that suffice for the bay area's conditions? Thanks in advance.

Hey 156,
that'll do fine. Wear polly pro under. That's all I ever wear.

Hey 156,
that'll do fine. Wear polly pro under. That's all I ever wear.

Thanks!

And a PFD!