Tomales bay report 6/24

Hey everyone, so I've been targeting halibut out of tomales bay, launching at Miller's. Been going 2 to 3 days a week for the past 3 weeks. Halibut are being caught out there, most days I go multiple people are taking butts home. Live bait and frozen bait seem to be the ticket with a few being caught on swim baits. Yesterday was an exception though, fishing was very slow, barely saw any live bait and didn't see anyone taking anything home. 6/22 was really good, saw at least 10 legal sized halibits being taken home by people. I was able to hook up on a 50lb bat ray and caught a spiny dogfish (didnt even know they were in tomales). Kind of bummed, no halibut after 8+ trips out there in the last 3 weeks, but hey, that's fishing.

That's a tough run...keep at it, read them ledges, find them fatties, thanks for da report

What exactly do you mean by "read those ledges"? Thanks for the reply!

...no halibut after 8+ trips out there in the last 3 weeks, but hey, that's fishing.

I'd even go so far to say, but hey, that's Tomales...

That place is an interesting fishery. You never know what you might catch, and if it's a halibut, striper, or ghost, it's practically guarenteed to be a healthy one... It's tough fishing though. Tomales trips are usually skunk missions for me, but the chance to catch huge fish there keeps me going back! You'll get em! Just keep going and don't be afraid to ask questions to the guys catching em.

I echo what Annie said.  Tomales is a tough nut to crack, but persistence is rewarded.  I'll let Eddie reply on the ledges comment, but keep in mind, most of the target species tend to follow the edges of the structure.  It's a lot easier to sneak up on, or lay in wait for, a meal when you are close to structure, versus chasing in open water.  Yes, you will get halibut, stripers and other target species in open water with flat bottom, but watch the guys that consistently get them and where they like to focus their efforts.  Underwater topo maps are your friend..... 

Keep at it!

Norm

 Drew, I am 0 - 3 this year  ,  but like Annie said  " Thats Tomales". Don't give up on Tomales Bay it is a special fishery, sometimes tough but well worth it. Hope to see ya out there again!
  David

Post a hook up and you might get a guest appearance from somebody who can show you around. Like that Eddie guy! Once you figure it out it will get better. Also if you keep trying the same spots with the same baits for no fish then it’s time to either change the area you are fishing or the baits you are using.

I think I fished a whole season at tomales and did t get anything ur not alone....

I think I fished a whole season at tomales and did t get anything ur not alone....

.... it happened to me a few years back.

As others have said-Tomales is a special place and those fish (halibut, stripers, wsb) love structure. Structure means points and holes where water moves differently than it would without obstacle. Different species exploit these areas at different tides to ambush prey.

Enjoy the beauty of getting skunked on Tomales-there's tons of amazing life to see-Ospreys and Bald Eagles abound.

Enjoy the beauty of getting skunked on Tomales-there's tons of amazing life to see-Ospreys and Bald Eagles abound.

Couldn't agree more. Pretty special seeing a bald eagle glide across the bay early in the morning. Cant really have a bad day out there. You'll get em drew, just keep it up