Basic halibut questions

The sturgeon and stripers are gone and I'm getting anxious.

Is there a time frame halibut run? What is it?

What tackle is used? Braid? Mono? Hooks? Lures?

I live near fairfield. The closest ocean is SF. Where do halibut go? Only down south near Monterey? Or up north more?

Also do I need anything other than a basic fishing license?

What other fish around are big and good for kayak angling? What time do they run. I just need to get out and catch something.

Some good info here Gio:

http://www.norcalkayakanglers.com/index.php?page=9

 

Sincerely,

Jim

SF bay has a transient 'butt population (as well as a smaller resident pop).  They typically really show up May/JUne and it stay until fall- following the bait into the bay when the freshwater flows are low.

From fairfield your pretty close to Paradise in Marin, and the Berkeley richmond area. which have lots of flats where these guys hang out

Lots of folks drift live shiners or anchovies for 'em (or popsicles)-- usually on either a 3 way swivel, or a slider with a drop for the weight.  I mostly troll anchovy popsicles, but that's cause i'm impatient. I slow troll on a slider, with a dropper and a small dodger

The slow swing tides are best, you need clearish water as they are ambush predators for the most part.

Thank you both.

So simple frozen chovies on a single hook with a sliding weight will work? Sounds too easy. What's a drop? Circular weight?

Do most people use braid, or mono? I have 80# braid that I sometimes tie 30# mono to.

Awesome I sounds like I have some places close to home that have halibut in them now.

No idea what a 3 way swivel dropper and dodger are.

Thanks for the tips

Paradise is hot for halibut  now, 30# braid or mono. Drop down rig 4/0 size hook anchovy or live shiner. Maybe 1oz -2/oz depending on current.  Should catch you one. Or troll with a bucktail

Is paradise a calm bay or somewhere I require a raido and buddy.

Saved this pic.  better visual.

Awesome pic. So the bait has to be live. That should be challenging.

doesn't have to be live, you could jig or troll a buck tail, they've been caught off the pier with a typical rattle trap lure also. I fish Paradise plenty of times off the pier.

Is paradise a calm bay or somewhere I require a raido and buddy.

Paradise is about as safe as the bay gets, but that doesn't mean you don't need a radio, buddy or PFD.

here you go
http://www.marincounty.org/Depts/PK/Divisions/Parks/Paradise-Beach,
 stop by loch lomond bait shop in San Rafael, Keith is the Owner  he's really cool

As far as licensing, I only need te ocean validation if going past Santa Barbara county I fish right?

As far as licensing, I only need te ocean validation if going past Santa Barbara county I fish right?

correct

K thanks everyone. I may try it out Saturday if I can find a way I get my second yak on the car for my buddy. Unless someone else wants to go. Hint hint.

Just keep an eye out on the wind forecast...supposed to be blowing on Sat which makes it a little less fun, a lot more work and definitely more dangerous.  The forecast has it at like 15-20.  Generally the morning is less windy and it kicks up through the day.