HappyNewYearHalibut (SoCal Cabrillo Beach 1-1-14)

I caught (and released) two legal California Halibut today at Cabrillo Beach in LA Harbor.     I was OTW at 1:30 and fished until dark. 



I caught both fish on a white plastic scampi. They were legal, by my measurement, but barely so.  I hate making mistakes so it seemed prudent to release them.  If they'd have been 23", they'd have been dinner.   

Here's the first fish







That's just barely legal.  Probably safer to release it.  And I did.  It took off like a shot.




Here's the 2nd one -- caught about 15 minutes later and in the same general vicinity.








I was able to get the hook out without much trouble and both fish took off like a shot when released.

It was really a slack tide -- I don't know if I've ever seen the water level this low at the ramp.



It was like glass out there at sunset.   



Oh .. and the THE PARKING WAS FREE TODAY !!!!      They have free parking on New Year's Day because of the Polar Bears.  (Swimmers who go in for a freezing swim) 

Nice way to start the new year.   

Dave   

thanks for the report and pics
nice buts! 

Looks like a spectacular day.  Nice fish and you just worked on your 2014 karma by releasing those butts.

Alright Dave!!! What a way to start off the new year!!

WTG, Dave!   

Thanks for the New Year fishing report and pictures Dave.

Definetly better than how I finished 2013 up here at the ARW (ZERO, NADA, ZIP, NOTHING).  I have yet to have a 2 fish day

thanks for sharing, a 2 hali day is certainly something special!