Santa Cruz Harbor to Mile Buoy to West Cliff - one small flatty

It was super foggy this morning, so I waited until 11 AM to head out to the mile buoy. Very little wind, but the swell was really big out by the buoy. My friend was getting seasick, so we headed inshore to get out of the swell. The light winds were blowing the opposite direction than usual, so I trolled over to West Cliff to work the kelp beds. In about 25 feet of water, just 50 yards off the sea lion rock, I caught my first halibut ever. Its color was so light, that I thought it was a Sand Dab at first. Too small to keep, but it made my day!

Nice pic!  Sure looks legal in the pic    How was the water?  I'm thinking of heading down in Tues.

The water was a little murky, but OK. No wind until late afternoon.

Looks like there might be a big swell on Tuesday. You might want to get out there early before the wind picks up.

probably a good sign anyways. what did he hit?

J

man, that's a great OTW pic.  that wasn't legal?!  sheesh, must have been damn close

probably a good sign anyways. what did he hit?

J

He hit a frozen anchovy, bouncing it off the bottom next to the kelp beds. Slider sinker with a 4-foot, 20-pound flourocarbon leader.

man, that's a great OTW pic.  that wasn't legal?!  sheesh, must have been damn close

I didn't measure it, but I think it was around 18 inches.